Yesterday morning, filmmakersGuillermo del Toro,Ang Lee, actorJohn Krasinskiand Academy presidentCheryl Boone Isaacsannounced thenominationsfor the88th Annual Academy Awards, which will be handed out on Sunday, February 28. An Oscar nomination can be a career-changing moment for any actor, filmmaker or crew member, and whether it’s your first nomination (Brie Larson) or your 50th (John Williams… seriously, he has 50 Oscar nominations), it’s always a special moment.Entertainment Weeklycaught up with several of this year’s nominees to get their reactions to the big news.
The Revenantled all movies with 12 nominations, including one forLeonardo DiCaprioas Best Actor. This is his fifth acting nomination, but he has never taken home an Oscar in his storied career. Some think this year might be his best chance to take home that little gold man, but we’ll have to wait until February 28 to find out. Here’s what the actor had to say upon learning he was nominated for his performance inThe Revenant.
“I am so grateful to the Academy for their recognition of this film. MakingThe Revenantwas one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life. None of this would have been possible withoutAlejandro (González Iñárritu)’s talent, vision and determination. Our dedicated crew also deserves to share in this moment. Together, they have created a truly unique cinematic experience. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees this season. Thank you to the Academy.”
25-year-oldJennifer Lawrencealso madeOscarhistory yesterday by becoming the youngest actress to receive four acting nominations. She previously won forSilver Linings Playbook, and was nominated forWinter’s BoneandAmerican Hustle. Here’s what she had to say about being recognized by the Academy for her performance inJoy.
With over 500 composing credits to his name,Ennio Morriconeis truly a legend, but he has never taken home an Oscar in a career that spans over 50 years. The composer received his sixth Oscar nomination yesterday for his work onThe Hateful Eight, which came just days after he won aGolden Globe. This film also marks the first time that directorQuentin Tarantinoemployed a composer for one of his films, as he previously just compiled sound bites from other movies for use in his films. Here’s what the composer had to say about his nomination, revealing he originally turned downQuentin Tarantino’s offer.
“WhenQuentinfirst asked me to write the score for his new western, I said no. But Mr.Tarantinois an astute man, and he left the screenplay for my wife Maria to read. He had spotted who is the boss in our house. Maria realized instantly what a brilliant screenplayQuentinhad written forThe Hateful Eight, and she told me in no uncertain terms that I had to do it. I am so happy that I did. To work with such a brilliant young director at my age gives me great pleasure. He was just one year old when I wrote my first score for Sergio Leone forA Fistful of Dollars. It is also a deep honor and very humbling to receive this prestigious award nomination for doing the profession I love. I receive it on behalf of myself,Quentin Tarantino, The Weinstein Company, and the whole cast and crew of this remarkable film. And of course I receive it on behalf of my clever wife Maria.”
The Hateful Eightreceived three nominations in total, with one forRobert Richardson’s cinematography and another forJennifer Jason Leighfor Best Supporting Actress as Daisy Domergue. This is the actress' first nomination in a storied career, and she expressed her adoration for directorQuentin Tarantino. Here’s what she had to say below.
“This is incredible news to wake up to. I am thrilled. I didn’t think the experience of working withQuentinand this cast could get any more rewarding… to get this recognition for this role is such a joy.”
Sylvester Stallonealso made Oscar history for his Best Supporting Actor nomination as Rocky Balboa inCreed. He became only the sixth actor in history to be nominated twice for playing the same character, following his nomination for the originalRocky. The actor’s nomination comes just days after his Golden Globe win forCreed, and he is considered one of the front runners for the Best Supporting Actor category. Here’s what he had to say following the nomination.
“I am incredibly humbled by this honor. I was not expecting it … especially at this time in my life. I am certainly grateful to the artists and collaborators who helped make it possible.”
Another first-time nominee isAdam McKay, who made the transition from comedies to drama with the heralded filmThe Big Short. He is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, which he co-wrote with Charles Randolph. Here’s what the director had to say about his nominations.
“So happy for everyone who worked on this movie. This was truly an ensemble project from cast to crew to producers. Thank you to the members of the Academy and to all the audiences that have supported The Big Short. Now I’m going to take a nap.”
A few other nominees likeBrie Larson(Best Actress,Room), Emma Donoghue (Best Adapted Screenplay,Room),Sam Smith, (Best Original Song,Spectre) andThe Weeknd((Best Original Song,Fifty Shades of Grey), took to Twitter and Instagram to react to their nominations. Take a look at their reactions below, and stay tuned for more on the Oscars as we get closer to the big day on Sunday, February 28. Do you think these nominees are deserving of recognition from the Academy?
