Meryl Streep, Gleen Close, Berenice Bejo, Jean Dujardin, Jonah Hill and Gary Oldman are also among those who are celebrating their nominations for the prestigious 2012 Academy Awards.
- Jan 25, 2012
AceShowbiz - Following the Tuesday, January 24 nomination announcement for the 2012 Academy Awards, various movie stars shared their excitement of being the Oscar nominees. Among those celebrating their noms were Brad Pitt, Michelle Williams, Jonah Hill and Rooney Mara.
"This is an extraordinary honor," Pitt enthused over his Best Actor nomination. "I am dizzy with joy... and caffeine. Considering both films, 'Moneyball and 'The Tree of Life', nearly didn't make it to the screen, this is especially sweet. And I'd like to thank all the artisans and craftsmen who gave their best to each film."
The long-time partner of Angelina Jolie additionally saluted his co-star Jonah Hill for his nom in Best Supporting Actor. "I am especially over the moon for Jonah," he said before adding, "Terry Malick and the tribute this is to Billy Beane and the Oakland A's organization. My congratulations to all the nominees...pancakes for everyone."
Hill, who was surprised with his Oscar nomination, told E! News, "Yeah, I was watching E! when I found out...I'm shocked...it's bizarre...I was trying not to think about it, but the people kept saying are you gonna watch tomorrow, so that got it in my head..."
"My phone just kind of blew up," he added. "[Brad] was really kind, he said he was really proud of me and I'm really proud of him. It's really exciting. I'm just happy to be amongst this group of amazing actors."
Michelle Williams, who was nominated for Best Actress thanks to her role in "My Week with Marilyn", shared, "I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors, a special congratulations to Kenneth Branagh, and the fearless Harvey Weinstein."
The actress who received her second Oscar nomination this year added, "This role [playing Marilyn Monroe] had been the challenge and privilege of lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyn's legacy."
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)" actress Rooney Mara, on the other hand, couldn't hide her happiness for her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress. She told E! News, "My phone started ringing off the hook...It's amazing, I feel very honored and humbled to be in that group. Those are women I've looked up to."
Veteran actress Meryl Streep also weighed in on her Best Actress nomination for her role as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady". She said, "I am honored to be in company with such beautiful artists, and touched deeply by my fellow actors for their generosity in giving me this acknowledgment." Meanwhile, "Albert Nobbs" actress Glenn Close gushed, "I am thrilled for Janet, I am thrilled for our incomparable hair and makeup team. It might be my sixth but it feels like my first. Bravo team Nobbs."
Another Best Actress nominee, Berenice Bejo, admitted that she couldn't believe she was nominated for her role in "The Artist". She shared, "I'm overjoyed and filled with happiness. I can't believe that a year ago I was learning how to tap dance and today I am nominated for an Academy Award."
Bejo's co-star, Jean Dujardin, additionally confessed that he's so "grateful" for his Best Actor nom. He added, "I can't help but stop and think about how incredible this journey has been. From filming on a Hollywood soundstage to the moment I received this wonderful news this morning, I'm so humbled to be amongst such distinguished and talented people."
Senior actor, Gary Oldman, commented on his first Oscar nomination in his career. "This afternoon in Berlin I learned that I was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Actor," the "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," thesp opened up.
"You may have heard this before, but it has never been truer than it is for me today; it is extremely humbling, gratifying, and delightful to have your work recognized by the Academy, and to join the celebrated ranks of previous nominees and colleagues. Amazing," said Oldman.
Winners of this year's Academy Awards will be announced during a ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood & Highland Center on Sunday, February 26. Hosted by veteran Oscar host Billy Crystal, the event will be televised live by the ABC Television Network in more than 225 countries worldwide.
