Oscars 2015: nominees reactions

The 87th annual Academy Awards will take place in Hollywood on February 22. This story will continue to update for several hours.

MOTION PICTURE / EXECUTIVES

“I am very happy for the whole Birdman flock because it took a lot of courage to make this film out of conventions. These nominations reflect the recognition of our colleagues as well as the members of the Academy. I am proud, thankful and humbled.”
Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman

“Thank you Academy for recognizing Birdman. Nine nominations is a huge feather in our cap. I am particularly proud of my friend Alejandro for his fearlessness and creativity and to our entire cast and crew for their unparalleled precision and excellence. Congratulations as well to our fellow nominees.”
John Lesher, Birdman

“We are thrilled and humbled by the overwhelming support of the Academy for Birdman and couldn’t be more grateful for all of the nominations the film received for the outstanding work both in front of and behind the camera. We, along with our great partners at Fox Searchlight, knew that audiences would be awed by Alejandro’s fully realized vision and the performances in this film - it’s just incredibly gratifying that the Academy has been as well.”
New Regency’s Arnon Milchan & Brad Weston, Birdman

“Today’s nine Oscar nominations for the singularly original Birdman sends a clear message to the filmmakers around the world: taking risks while on a creative tightrope (without a net!) can have an incredible outcome! Thanks to members of the Academy for recognising our unique film!”
James Skotchdopole, Birdman

“I feel truly graced by this honour, to know that all the energy, time and talent devoted by so many people was not unwarranted, that it meant something. The heart of this film beats with the heart of each and every person who gave so much of themselves; from our wonderful cast to ourhardworking and dedicated crew. It took a family to create a family and I could not be more proud of them. Richard Linklater had a vision for all of us and for this film. It has been an uparalleled pleasure to work beside him all these years.”
Cathleen Sutherland, Boyhood

“It’s a really a thrilling morning. It’s a testament to our tremendous cast and crew who have been working tirelessly over the last three and a half years; from inception of the project five years. To really make Alan Turing’s story in a way that does justice to his legacy yet told it in a cinematic way that could reach a broad audience and make sure that his contributions to the world weren’t lost. To have eight nominations today, both below the line and above the line. It’s so satisfying to the hard work that we all put in to make sure this film got out to a broader audience.”
Teddy Schwarzman, The Imitation Game

“I am thrilled that the Academy members have embraced The Theory Of Everything, as it is truly one of the most inspirational stories I have ever known. I hope our movie inspires people around the world to do as Jane and Stephen Hawking did: to reach beyond their realities and discover the unimaginable.”
Lisa Bruce, The Theory Of Everything

“I found out just after I got off of a plane from LA. When we got to about 200 feet my blackberry just started going crazy. I think that it’s a surprising film. I think audiences are surprised that they learned a lot about a story they thought they already knew. I think they find it incredibly powerful on an emotional level. The other surprise is that it’s actually a very uplifting film about humanity and life. The great representation of talent from the UK is a reflection on success of government, both Labour and Tories, for their continued support of the creative industries through financial incentives.”
Eric Fellner, Working Title, The Theory Of Everything

“Almost exactly a year ago, we were off to Sundance wondering if people would ever see Whiplash. Today is truly beyond our wildest dreams. As Fletcher would say, holy #@^!#@*$!!!”
Helen Estabrook, Jason Blum, David Lancaster, Whiplash

“I’m super excited that both of Bold Films’ projects, Nightcrawler and Whiplash, were honoured with a total of six Oscar nominations today. Our mission is to support passionate, creative voices and tell unique stories. We feel incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with such amazing talent as Dan Gilroy & Jake Gyllenhaal and Damien Chazelle and J.K. Simmons, who all delivered extraordinary work.”
Gary Michael Walters, Bold Films, Whiplash and Nightcrawler

“This year’s Oscar nominations are a cracking result for British film, recognising the sheer brilliance and skill of our talent working both in front of and behind the camera,” said BFI CEO Amanda Nevill. “It’s so exciting to see distinctive and passionate film-making across the board from independent productions such as The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything and Mr. Turner to international films such as Into the Woods, Malificent and Guardians Of The Galaxy, which give our highly skilled crews and production facilities opportunities to show just what they can do. With new British film-makers making their mark in short filmmaking we have much more to look forward to in future. We congratulate them all.”

“What a wonderful recognition of British film talent,” said British Consul General Chris O’Connor. “Today’s Oscar nominations once again underline the extraordinary strength of UK film talent both in front of camera and behind. UK nominations range from acting, cinematography and production design to best motion picture, costume design and original score. I’m sure there will be a particular buzz about The Imitation Game and The Theory Of Everything. The fact that these two films portray two brilliant British scientists only adds to our powerful story. We are so proud that these films resonated with audiences and the Academy. Film is of course a crucial part of the UK’s thriving and dynamic creative sector. UK film talent, locations and facilities are more in demand than ever and successfully contribute to wealth of fantastic productions shot in the UK, ranging from tent pole blockbusters which break records at the box office through to smaller independent films that attract global acclaim. And American filmmakers are spending $1bn a year producing films in the UK. I look forward to meeting the nominees at Oscar time. We’ll make sure we throw them a good party!”

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

“Humbled, thankful and more than anything, grateful. So, so happy that Alejandro and the cast and crew are getting recognised. I am proud to be a part of such a bold, gutsy and daring experiment that is Birdman. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to try as best I can and see if I can wipe this smile off my face. Wish me luck.”
Michael Keaton, Birdman

“I’m so incredibly honoured to be recognised by the Academy, and even more thrilled to share this honour with the entire family of filmmakers, cast, and crew of “The Theory Of Everything.” This role was a once in a lifetime experience. Congratulations to my fellow nominees, thank you to the Academy, and thank you most of all to Stephen and Jane Hawking.”
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory Of Everything

“I am knocked for six by this. So excited and honoured to receive this recognition. It’s wonderful to be included by the Academy in this exceptional year of performances. To ring my parents who are both actors and tell them that their only son has been nominated for an Oscar is one of the proudest moments of my life.”
Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

“I’m overwhelmed at this incredible news. This is a huge, huge honoUr. My deepest gratitude to the members of the Academy. I’ll look forward to celebrating this with everyone involved in The Theory Of Everything. Thank you so much.”
Felicity Jones, The Theory Of Everything

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

“An Oscar nomination. Wow. This is pretty darned cool. A guy doesn’t think about things like this when he starts doing summer theatre in Bigfork, Montana in the 70’s. (In fact, I didn’t think about this when we shot Whiplash, but here we are). I’m ecstatic that our little movie is nominated for best picture, and equally thrilled that Damien [Chazelle], The Boy Wonder, is being recognised for his work. Richly deserved. I’d also like to congratulate the Academy on their very wise choices of nominating Tom Cross, our editor, and Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins and Thomas Curley our sound mixers. Huge congrats to Damien, and producers Helen Estabrook, David Lancaster and Couper Samuelson on our best picture nod. I’m humbled, and very grateful to the members of the Academy for this honour.”
JK Simmons, Whiplash

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

“Well, this is surreal. I am completely knocked out. Thank you to the Academy for this incredible honour. I am very proud and lucky to be a part of Birdman and can’t believe it came to this. I am so f***ing excited. Are you allowed to say f*** when you’re making a statement for the Oscars? I’m just really f***ing excited.”
Emma Stone, Birdman

“What an exciting morning! I’m so honoured and grateful for this nomination and to be in the company of such talented and inspiring actresses. Thank you to the Academy for this recognition and also for honouring so many of the film’s storytellers. I would like to think the many recognitions the Academy has given our movie is a celebration of Alan Turing’s legacy.”
Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game

“I feel so grateful to the Academy for this gorgeous honour. It means so much to celebrate the life and the wisdom of Cheryl Strayed’s amazing mother, Bobbi. Reese, who worked so diligently to protect this story, and I share this with our amazing producers, as well as Jean-Marc Vallée and Nick Hornby, who gave their art to shape Wild.”
Laura Dern, Wild

DIRECTING

“I’ve been asked to make a statement even though I feel it does sound more like bragging. Nevertheless, my producers and I send our very deepest thanks to the Academy and its 8,000 members for a whole slew of Oscar nominations, especially for my long-time collaborators Robert Yeoman (our cinematographer who has worked with me on seven movies, if I count them right), Milena Canonero (our Italian costume designer), Alexandre Desplat (our French composer), Barney Pilling (our English editor), Frances Hannon and Mark Coulier (more English, hair/make-up), and Adam Stockhausen out of Wisconsin. Also, my friend Hugo Guinness (who co-wrote the movie with me) expresses his own gratitude. We feel very deeply honuored and thrilled and, frankly, very, very pleased with ourselves all around.”
Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel

“I’m honoured and thrilled beyond my wildest dreams to be recognised today alongside four other filmmakers whom I respect immeasurably. Being a part of The Imitation Game and paying homage to the exquisite genius, Alan Turing, has been quite simply the experience of a lifetime. My immense gratitude goes to the Academy and my congratulations to the rest of the team on this film, who to me is second to none.”
Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game

“To say I’m thrilled with the recognition Whiplash has received from the Academy would be an understatement. Seeing my small film about a jazz drummer listed among the work of film-makers I have admired for much of my life is humbling. And to be included among some of the finest screenwriters working today is a dream come true. More than anything, I am grateful for the recognition accorded my producers, editor, sound team and, particularly, to see JK Simmons’s stellar performance rewarded. To pull this little movie together involved a massive effort on the part of everyone involved in the making of the film. I can’t thank them and the Academy voters enough. Also: Holy ****ing ****!!!!!!!”
Damien Chazelle, Whiplash

EDITING

“I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for editing Boyhood. To see the film get this kind of recognition is very humbling. I feel privileged to have been a part of Richard Linklater’s team on this incredible 12-year journey.”
Sandra Adair, Boyhood

“This is a very proud day for me and all the  staff at The Grand Budapest Hotel! Working on this film gave me the opportunity to collaborate with so many people whose work I admire. The cast I have watched and respected for years, Bob Yeoman’s photography is superb, Alexandre Desplat - such a gifted composer, the design, costumes… I could name every department as being among the finest purveyors of their craft. Wes [Anderson] orchestrated and directed all of these creative elements with such precision and vision that for me as the editor, working at the final stage of these efforts coming together, was really exhilarating. I’m delighted that the Academy has recognised the talent and hard work that went into realising this wonderful film.”
Barney Pilling, The Grand Budapest Hotel

CINEMATOGRAPHY

“I am so honoured to be nominated especially amongst all these great cinematographers. I am extremely happy for Birdman, which in a way was an experiment that thankfully turned out well. It’s so exciting to be recognized by our peers. I am especially lucky and grateful to work with Alejandro. We are up here in Canada shooting [The Revenant] where it is very cold and all these nominations are warming us up!”
Emmanuel Lubezki, Birdman

“Obviously a great thrill for me and I am so pleased that our film has received such recognition. Wes always puts together a wonderful team of collaborators and I am honored to be a part of it. Congratulations to my fellow cinematography nominees!”
Robert Yeoman, The Grand Budapest Hotel

“It’s a great honour and I’m glad to be representing Unbroken, but in the end I’m just happy to be given the opportunity to work on the films that I do and to work with such inspiring directors like Angie. Making this film was a great joy with an enormously talented group of people.”
Roger Deakins, Unbroken

ANIMATED FEATURE

“As kids growing up in Canada and Iowa, Chris and I both dreamt of becoming Disney animators.  Never could we have imagined that, one day, we would get to make a film like Big Hero 6, and that one day, the film and all of the talented artists who made it would be recognised by the Academy. Roy, Chris and I are deeply honored by the nomination and thank everyone at Disney Animation who made this possible.”
Don Hall, Big Hero 6

“One word - HONOURED! We are honoured and humbled to accept this nomination in recognition of our amazingly talented cast and crew - the artists, actors, craftspeople, and freaks who brought The Boxtrolls to life. We are eternally grateful to them and to our fearless leaders, producers Travis Knight and David Bleiman Ichioka, for making it all possible. Thank you so much, Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences, for including us in this great list of nominees! We would be thrilled to sit in the dark and clap for any one of them.”
Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable, The Boxtrolls

“What an amazing surprise and honour for us all who worked on this film as a labour of love for so many years! The whole crew including all of our coproduction studios is delighted and excited that Song Of The Sea will now be discovered by many more people thanks to this very special recognition by our peers in the Academy! We are all so grateful to everyone who made this possible.”
Tomm Moore, Song Of The Sea

“We are deeply honoured that the Academy has chosen to nominate The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Academy. I thank everyone who has contributed to the film’s success in US as well as those who saw the film and gave it high recognition. I also thank the many people who worked on this film.”
Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and director, The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“I am so proud of our whole Imitation Game family this morning. To receive a response like this from the Academy is the most thrilling professional honour of my life, and getting to be involved in telling Alan Turing’s story on screen has been the most fulfilling personal honour imaginable. This was Alan’s life; I’m so proud to have gotten to help make a film about it.”
Graham Moore, The Imitation Game

“Thank you, members of the Academy! I am humbled to learn of our most prestigious nominations. To be in the company of such great writers and producers and artists is a tribute to our film, to our talented team who worked so hard to bring this story to life, and, most importantly, to the
extraordinary example provided us all by Jane and Stephen Hawking.”
Anthony McCarten, The Theory Of Everything

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“We want to offer our humble thanks to the Academy for this honour. Looking back, we can’t help but feel that the making of Birdman took an act of courage. The courage of the actors who every day dared to navigate the tightrope, the courage of our incredible producers who put their faith and energy into something new and untested, and especially the courage of Alejandro who faced down his own insecurities and challenged us to stand on a ledge, find our faith and leap with him. For that, we are forever grateful.”
Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolas Giacobone and Armando Bo, Birdman

“The greatest thrill of this is to share the nomination with each other. This script is a true collaboration and represents the best of both of us.”
Dan Futterman and E Max Frye, Foxcatcher

“It’s a tremendous feeling to be recognised by your colleagues and peers. We’re an independent film that’s been embraced by movie-goers and the industry. I’m greatly honoured on behalf of all the immensely talented people who brought Nightcrawler to life, including my incredible cast and crew, and the terrific team at Open Road Films.”
Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

“I am very happy for my country — at least that half of Poland which has embraced Ida and which loves cinema and poetry, which is open to the world. To have Ida appreciated like this is a vindication of something I’ve always believed in principle but that rarely works out in real life: that you shouldn’t worry about career but instead follow your heart and your nose wherever they take you.”
Pawel Pawlikowski, Ida

“What a tremendous honour! We are all terrifically excited and grateful to the Motion Picture Academy [sic]. Leviathan examines difficult truths, both about life in Russia and about man’s universal struggle against an indifferent system, so I am especially proud that the Russian committee submitted Leviathan as our country’s Oscar selection. I hope that audiences will feel a connection with our characters, no matter where they live, and I share this lovely moment with the film’s producers and my gifted cast and crew.”
Andrey Zvyagintsev, Leviathan

“The nomination is absolutely exhilarating. It is a dream for every film-maker, but believe me I never had any idea that we could make it so far. It is difficult to find the words to express my feelings. It makes me extremely happy that the overall message of humanity in the film is being so well received. Maybe it even means that everything is not lost yet, and that we can find a way to lasting peace and understanding. I hope Tangerines will now find a US distributor so an even wider audience can see the film. As for Estonia and Georgia, two micro countries, we all are celebrating!”
Zaza Urushadze, Tangerines

“As I learn of this nomination, I am overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling, it is an honour for me and a great sign for Mauritania and Africa. It is the acknowledgement of work accomplished through the passion and commitment of women and men of different countries, united to defend our universal values of love, peace, and justice. I am extremely touched that the Academy in the United States of America has opened the way for Timbuktu to receive the greatest recognition in world cinema, I thank all those who made this possible from the bottom of my heart. I would like to thank France for its unfailing support.”
Abderrahmane Sissak, Timbuktu

DOCUMENTARY

“I am incredibly honoured. It is especially meaningful in the context of the recent attacks against freedom of expression and the press.The public response to the film has been deeply moving for everyone involved. When I travelled to Hong Kong with Glenn Greenwald, I was full of fear and uncertainty, not knowing what would unfold or the source I would meet. I am profoundly grateful to Edward Snowden for the risk he took to expose the truth, and for allowing me to document a moment in his life when the stakes couldn’t be higher.”
Laura Poitras, Citizenfour

“We are delighted to learn of this nomination for The Salt Of The Earth, and we are especially happy that our subject has received so much attention, that is, both the photography of Sebastiao Salgado, as well as his other life’s work, the reforestation of the tropical rain forest.”
Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, The Salt Of The Earth

“I couldn’t be prouder to share this incredible honour with my fellow members of ‘Team Virunga.’ I’m especially excited about what this means for Virunga National Park and the courageous rangers who risk their lives each and every day to defend one of the most beautiful places on Earth for all of us. I hope this nomination brings more awareness to their work protecting the home of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Thank you to the Academy and congratulations to all of our fellow nominees and all the amazing films this year.”
Orlando von Einsiedel, Virunga

SCORE

“It is very special and unreal. Having a nomination is a huge honour. I’m just happy for the movies because they are two great movies that are different. I always try to find movies that have a story that resonates in me and where I know the director will have a great point of view. That’s what I found in both of them. I knew that Wes [Anderson] was eager to explore territories that we have not yet explored. Very early on he said he wanted to build the band with a special sound, just that is really exciting for a composer. For The Imitation Game, I got the script by Graham Moore - he’s a brilliant writer. When it was offered to me I couldn’t do it, but I was really sad because it was a beautiful film. Finally, I had a three week window where I could write it. The tragedy of Alan Turing was a beautiful story to tell.”
Alexandre Desplat, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Imitation Game

“Without a shadow of doubt, the score for Interstellar was Chris and I at our most collaborative. Even in this modern world of texting and emailing, sometimes all you need is a simple, type-written letter from your director to spark what undoubtedly became one of the most personal scores I’ve ever written. Chris and I make movies family-style - so much of the film’s music was written with our children in mind, and that’s what makes this honour by the Academy really special. This is as much his score as it is mine.”
Hans Zimmer, Interstellar

“I’m honoured to be nominated. It’s a testament to my brilliant team of musicians, conductor Terry Davis and our recording engineer Nick Taylor. I am delighted that my colleagues Dick, Suzie and Jacqueline have been recognised too. I’m proud to be associated with Mike Leigh and his amazing work. A nomination for me is a nomination for Mr Turner.”
Gary Yershon, Mr. Turner

“I’m deeply honoured to be nominated for composing this score. Film-making is a collaborative medium, and I was lucky to work with artists of amazing calibre on The Theory Of Everything: the actors, the screenwriter, and the director, James Marsh — who has my gratitude for inviting me to be a part of his team and for being a brilliant, inspiring and generous collaborator. My thanks to the AMPAS members for this recognition.”
Jóhann Jóhannsson, The Theory Of Everything

ORIGINAL SONG

“I was snoozing when Danielle [Brisebois, Lost Stars co-writer] woke me up with a phone call. I could tell she was surprised and excited because her voice was two octaves higher saying, ‘You’re not going to believe it - we’re nominated for best song!’ We’re very grateful and very happy. It was an amazing first journey making music for a film, especially a film that has so much to say about the changes in the music and cultural landscape we’ve all witnessed. We are thankful to director John Carney for bringing us on to write songs for the film as well as Keira Knightley and Adam Levine who both gave amazing performances. Lost Stars is a song about all of us…everyone’s relationships and mortality…where we and they stand in the universe. We hope that message continues to resonate.”
Gregg Alexander, Lost Stars — Begin Again

“I started getting texts from clientele. I didn’t know what channel was broadcasting the nominations. They were telling me congratulations and I thought, ‘Oh my god, I must have been nominated.’ I wasn’t really expecting to be nominated so I was shocked. I loved what the movie had to say. It’s not just a love story between Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s character and Nate Parker’s character; it’s a love story about herself, finding her own voice. It really inspired me. The song is really about being grateful for whatever you go through. Instead of looking back and being angry you can say, ‘No, it brought me here.’”
Diane Warren, Grateful — Beyond The Lights

PRODUCTION DESIGN

“I am thrilled and delighted by this tremendous honour. Filmmaking is such a collaboration and to have so many of my colleagues on this film also recognised is especially satisfying.”
Maria Djurkovic, The Imitation Game

“I am thrilled and delighted that we have received a nomination - it reflects on the whole Mr.Turner art department team who worked so hard and with such enthusiasm for the film. For a production designer I didn’t think it could get much better than making a film about Turner with Mike Leigh - but the nomination has just done that!”
Suzie Davies,Mr. Turner

VISUAL EFFECTS

”Interstellar’s nomination for Best Visual Effects is a great honour for us and sets a wonderful seal of approval on the amazing work from all the artists in our visual effects, special effects and miniature effects teams. We couldn’t be more excited!”
Paul Franklin, Interstellar

“The Interstellar crew here at Double Negative is really excited about the news. The work was extremely strong at the VFX bake-off this year, so we’re all incredibly proud and honoured to be selected as one of the final five nominees going forward to the awards. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved.”
Andrew Lockley, Interstellar

SOUND MIXING

“When you have the creative insight of Christopher Nolan and the many talents that our team brought to the table it was a stimulating collaboration that I was honored to work on.”
Gregg Landakker, Interstellar

“I’m completely humbled. Being a part of Chris Nolan’s passion to push the envelope and bring the medium to new levels has been an epic experience.”
Gary Rizzo, Interstellar

“An incredible experience. A true team effort from pre-production, production, through post. So proud to have had the opportunity to have been a part of it.”
Mark Weingarten, Interstellar

“We are very grateful to be nominated. It has been a once-in-lifetime experience to work on Unbroken. Angelina is such a gifted director. She brought together an amazing cast and an extremely creative post team to achieve her vision.”
Jon Taylor & Frank Montano, Unbroken

SOUND EDITING

“I’m humbled and excited beyond belief, and thrilled the (Interstellar) score and the sound mix was recognised as well.”
Richard King, Interstellar

“We are so appreciative of the nomination. With Unbroken, we were blessed with a visionary director in Angelina and a talented team to collaborate with. We are so lucky to have had the chance to be involved in portraying the life of Louis Zamperini.”
Becky Sullivan & Andrew DiCristofaro, Unbroken