Oscars 2020 Nominees Kathy Bates, Todd Phillips and More Speak Out — Including in Latin (Updating)

“The Two Popes” screenwriter Anthony McCarten offers classy take on “Holy s—!” with his message: “Sanctus stercore!”

Richard Jewell Kathy Bates
Warner Bros.

As Hollywood wakes up to the news of this year’s Oscar nominees, statements are pouring in from the lucky contenders, including from surprise nominee, Kathy Bates.

Bates got an unexpected nod from the Academy for her performance as Bobi Jewell in Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell.” Her turn as the supportive mother of the man falsely accused of taking part in the 1996 Atlanta bombing got her a spot in the Best Supporting Actress field that also includes Laura Dern, Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh and Margot Robbie.

“Thank you to the Academy for this wonderful recognition,” Bates said in a statement. “I am very proud of this film and it was truly an honor to work with the legendary Clint Eastwood on bringing the truth of Richard Jewell to light, along with the incredible Paul, Sam, Olivia, Jon, Nina, Ian and Niko. My hope is that this film brings the justice and peace Richard and Bobi Jewell deserve by shining a light on their story and his heroism.”

Read more reactions from this year’s nominees below.

Tom Hanks, Best Supporting Actor for “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”:
“I’m honored to be included with the caliber of actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino and Brad Pitt. It will be a grand night.”

Cynthia Erivo, Best Actress and Best Original Song for Harriet:
“To receive two Oscar nominations for a film paying tribute to Harriet Tubman, a person whose heart and spirit are the embodiment of courage, makes this morning’s news beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”

“This is more than a dream come true. When I got the opportunity to play this incredible woman, I felt truly honored that Kasi and our producers saw fit to have me play the part; being asked to co-write and perform the song in the film was the icing on an already wonderful cake. I continue to feel overwhelmed with gratitude today to the Academy for recognizing my performance and our song ‘Stand Up.’”

Jonathan Pryce, Best Actor for “The Two Popes”:
“I didn’t expect to be quite as emotional as I was when I heard the news. To be acknowledged by your peers is just the best thing. I am so grateful to them. I am thrilled too for my fellow pope Anthony Hopkins. We had such a good time together. We both thrived on Anthony McCarten’s superb script and the inspirational direction of Fernando Meirelles. Huge thanks for the support of Netflix and Tracey Seaward and everyone who worked on the production of this very special film.”

Saoirse Ronan, Best Actress for “Little Women”:
“I’m just so thrilled that our ‘Little Women’ has been recognized by the Academy. Greta made something so special that I’m just thankful to have been a part of, let alone nominated for. Thank you to my academy peers for loving and appreciating this film that is so close to my heart.”

Sam Mendes, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for “1917”:
“I couldn’t be more thrilled. This movie was a labour of love for many people – myself included – so to see it recognized in this way is very moving for all of us. I would like to thank the Academy on behalf of my fellow producers, and on behalf of every single person who put their heart and soul into this film. Thank you.”

Todd Phillips, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for “Joker”: “‘Joker’ began as an idea, an experiment really– could we take an ‘indie approach’ to a studio film by inverting it into a character study to reflect the world around us?

“Explore what we’re seeing and feeling in society, from the lack of empathy to the effects of the absence of love. I am deeply honored by the overwhelming recognition of the Academy this morning, and I want to thank the genius that is Joaquin Phoenix, and all my incredible collaborators. We are beyond humbled that our peers in the filmmaking community have embraced the film and its message.”

Ladj Ly, Best International Film for “Les Miserables”:
“I would like to say MERCI to the Academy.  I always dreamt to say this sentence one day! Thank you to all of you who voted for international movies and for France and for us.”

“We are all MISERABLES in the sense that we are all immigrants.  But we can all do the revolution, me I am doing it with my camera.  I believe in the power of cinema as a tool to challenge the politics and even sometimes to inspire revolution and above all bring real lasting changes.  Walt Disney had a saying: ‘All our dreams can come true . . . if we have the courage to pursue them.’  We had a dream and now it’s time to make it true. THE MISERABLES need you, the world needs you to continue to have dreams … that’s also what we call the magic of cinema!  Be ready THE MISERABLES are coming to Hollywood.”

Anthony McCarten, Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Two Popes”:
“In one of the languages of our film: Sanctus stercore! (Latin for holy s–t!) Gratitude to the Academy generally, our writer’s branch specifically, and to Netflix and Fernando and our entire team. Delighted especially for the richly deserved recognition for Jonathan and Sir Anthony. Their performances will endure.”

Carol Dysinger, Best Documentary Short for “Learning to Skate in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)”:
“After 15 years of filming in Afghanistan I am humbled by the indelible spirit of the young women at the heart of this film. Their determination in the face of great odds to get an education gives hope for a better future. They are truly inspiring and I’m grateful that this recognition may in some way shine light on their story. My thanks to the Academy.”

Kris Samuelson and John Haptas, Best Documentary Short for “Life Overtakes Me”: “We are thrilled that ‘Life Overtakes Me’ has been recognized by the Academy. This honor will bring further attention to children whose lives are scarred by trauma. We believe that Resignation Syndrome is just one manifestation of the impact of fear and anxiety on refugees, including children held in detention on our own borders.”

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