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The 65th annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominations were announced Thursday morning.
Here’s what the nominees are saying about the honor:
Kevin Spacey, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for House of Cards, said: “It’s a beautiful day in Baltimore! We were already up working, but it’s always a bit nerve-racking when you’re the last name mentioned. Robin’s [Wright, who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress] and my name were both mentioned last, so there was a bit of holding breath.
STORY: The Full List of Emmy Nominees
“I’m very happy, first for the series, that we were able break through a lot of great shows. It was our first season, so it’s obviously a big thing for us. It’s also a huge day for Netflix, too. Nine nominations! It’s a big win for us, no matter how it goes. I’m incredibly delighted for David Fincher, too. Also, to share an acting honor with Robin … she’s so incredible, so fun.
“How would my character, Frank Underwood, respond to receiving such an honor? Well, I suspect he would decline to comment.”
House of Cards writer and executive producer Beau Willimon said he was honored by the show’s nine nominations. “Almost four years into this journey, and well underway on production for season two, it’s such a thrill to have the collective efforts of our talented cast, crew, designers, directors and writers recognized by the Television Academy,” he said. “This dedicated team has made House of Cards by far the most rewarding artistic experience of my career. I’m particularly happy for Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright — they are the center of our show’s universe and make every episode shine. And of course I’m delighted for David Fincher — his brilliance and vision inspire us all.”
STORY: Emmy Nominations By The Numbers
Michael Douglas, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Behind the Candelabra, said: “When you see all Candelabra‘s nominations across the board, for Steven [Soderbergh] directing and editing, for our costume department, our makeup department — that’s when you realize you did it right. I can’t believe Behind the Candelabra got 15 nominations, but I can — it was a really well done movie all the way across. I’m grateful for Matt Damon being a part of this — this was really a two-hander. Was this a risky role for me? Yes. Sure. Lee was an extremely talented and famous character, and I had never done a role with this kind of flamboyance. But I did know I was in good hands — when you have Richard LaGravenese writing and Steven Soderbergh directing, it makes you less nervous, and I rehearsed for a year — to the point where my 12-year-old son, Dylan, could perform all the routines, too. I guess this role was a long cry from Gordon Gekko! I’m so grateful to Jerry Weintraub for waiting for me for a year to get my strength back. This project was turned down by every studio as a feature film, and now it’s opened in England as a feature film and is doing strong numbers. And as for being nominated in the same category as Matt — I love him and I’m rooting for him. This never could have happened without him.”
Candelabra producer Jerry Weintraub was very prepared for the HBO film’s 15 nominations: “I must tell the truth: I got up at the crack of dawn — I watched the whole thing — I have five TVs in front of me, and I had it on all five television sets, my computer and my iPad. I watched it on every station. I had to watch Bruce Rosenblum this morning!! I say this all the time: I’ve won a lot of awards, too many, and I don’t make product and get in these kinds of contests to get awards. I am really happy this morning because all the people who worked on this movie — set designers, writers, director, costumes — got recognized by the industry. Every one one of them is an artist. As for Michael and Matt being nominated in the same category, I just hope they don’t cancel each other out. A lot of actors who weren’t in the movie called me this morning and said, ‘Why didn’t you put me in the movie?’ When Nancy Lesser [HBO senior vp media relations] told me we got 15 nominations, I didn’t know if it was good or bad! I didn’t know the difference! The last time I went to the Emmys was in 1976 for a John Denver variety special! I haven’t worked in television since then, until HBO. Of course, we’re all celebrating today — but then, I celebrate every day. That’s how I live.”
Lena Dunham, who received both a lead actress and a directing nom for Girls, plus an Outstanding Comedy Series nod for the show, said: “I woke up to the extreme belief that I had done something to get me in a lot of trouble,” referring to the early call from her publicist. “Not that it happens a lot, but I feel like there’s always something that I say on Twitter that is then reshaped into something really dark. I actually have the greatest publicist. She’s just like, ‘I’m just living with who you are and the fact that you’re going to go out in inappropriate shorts and I’m going to have to hear about it.'” Once she realized she was not in trouble, Dunham admitted that she was a bit more giddy about her three nominations than she thought she’d be. “I thought it would be an old hat, but I still felt the same shriek-y, joyful, amazed sensation.”
Zachary Quinto picked up his first Emmy nomination for his work on the second season of FX anthology American Horror Story: Asylum, and credited co-creator Ryan Murphy for bringing a much-needed change to TV: “American Horror Story has revolutionized TV in a way that hasn’t happened in a long time,” he said from New York, where he’s about to begin rehearsals for a play. While Quinto is (so far) sitting season three of AHS out, he said the format of the series creates something rare for actors. “It’s incredibly enticing for actors to come in and fully immerse themselves in these characters and then leave and turn them over and become something entirely new,” he noted.
American Horror Story‘s Sarah Paulson earned her second career nomination for her work on Asylum, where her character, Lana, endured a season of absolute torture. The actress, previously nominated for Game Change, said the 13-episode format of the series helped to keep the role grounded: “No matter how wacky, stark and scary the story is, the real thing at the heart of it is truth,” she told THR from New Orleans, where production was beginning on the coven-themed third season. “It’s real human beings and real stories. No matter the genre, Ryan Murphy always keeps it connected to people you wind up worrying and caring about. It’s easy to get engaged when the story is so fluid.” To celebrate, Paulson joked that she’d gather the cast and production members for a toast and head out afterward. “Maybe we’ll vomit up all our drinking on Bourbon Street to really christen New Orleans,” she said with a laugh of the show’s first location outside Los Angeles.
Critical favorite Connie Britton earned her fourth Emmy nomination Thursday for her third different series in a row, this time picking up the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series mention for ABC’s country musical Nashville (she was previously nominated for American Horror Story and Friday Night Lights). The always gracious actress recognized the TV Academy for rewarding her career risk: “The TV Academy has been so supportive. I’ve taken a lot of twists and turns on purpose in terms of the career choices I’ve made. It’s a hard and risky thing to do, and I feel so grateful to feel that level of support. It’s not easy to do that when you take a risk — it inherently means you can fail, and that’s a scary feeling.” Britton nearly missed the call that she’d been nominated for her role as country superstar Rayna James because she was in the shower preparing for her first day on Nashville‘s second season. To celebrate, she’ll head back to work. “I’m going to go have a great first day working with Chip Esten [Deacon], which is always a joy. I feel like I share this with the entire cast and crew; everyone works so hard, I’m going to celebrate with all these people who have been such great collaborators.”
The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons, who received his fifth nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter from New York, where he’s been filming Murphy’s HBO adaptation of The Normal Heart: “There’s something about having finished season six and being so entrenched in this work now. We’re in such a good spot with it and our audience — things have gone so well. Because of all that and how long we’ve been on, there’s something even more sweet about it; it feels even more of an honor getting to go. Every year that goes by, there are more shows to choose from, and it seems that our odds would go down exponentially to be included. I’m very happy for the show’s nomination; it reflects the writers and producers — they really are the reason for the season. It would be a joy to be part of the winning series, but for them I’d really relish to get the chance to see them — Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro, Bill Prady and all writers. We’ll see! It’ll keep it exciting.”
30 Rock‘s Jane Krakowski scored her fourth and final supporting actress nomination for the late NBC comedy this year. Her nomination is one of 13 for the series, not counting the several it picked up for its web shorts: “This morning was just an incredible celebration for the series finale for all of us. We were all hoping we would have one more chance to go to the Emmys all together, and to get so many nominations is really just an incredible send-off to an amazing seven years. I think it’s a tribute to Tina Fey and her humorous sensibilities.” As for getting to close out the January finale with a musical number and call-back to the first season, Krakowski says it was a pleasure. “I was surprised and incredibly touched by the insane finish. It was one of those moments that I didn’t know I would get through because you couldn’t understand one lyric — but it was also so emotional.”
Alec Baldwin, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy, said: “It’s days like this that make me miss 30 Rock. Many thanks to everyone that nominated me.”
“It’s nice to kind of cap it off like this,” 30 Rock showrunner Robert Carlock tells THR of his series’ 13 nominations. “It certainly continues to be very gratifying, and I think we ended things nicely.” Carlock says that 30 Rock‘s first nomination remains one of the most special. “I have to say the first win, that first year, was pretty delightful — in part, because the show was on the bubble and I think the award nominations really helped us. It was that year that they did it in the round, and we were looking at people’s backs the whole time. It was the very end of the night, and we thought, ‘What a bummer, we’re going back to work on Monday with no wins,’ but then we took best comedy.”
Chris Lloyd, co-creator and co-showrunner for Modern Family (12 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series), who openly bows out of Emmy festivities every year, quipped: “I would have a lot of explaining to do if I showed up and we lost, and I don’t think I can take that responsibility. I think I’ll have to keep up my tradition of playing basketball.” Lloyd says he’s thrilled with his series’ continued accolades from the TV Academy, but admits feeling bittersweet over the entire adult cast but Eric Stonestreet scoring a nomination this year. “It’s been a ridiculously blessed experience we’ve had with the Emmys until this point — it’s only because of that crazy precedent that we’re even able to call this a disappointment. I guess if it has to be one, it might as well be the guy who’s won twice to suffer the blow.”
Ty Burrell, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Modern Family, said: “I am honored and humbly surprised that this good fortune continues. I’ve never had something so wonderful happen four years in a row before, other than winning the N.Y. state lottery from 1993 to ’97. I share this with the entire cast and crew of Modern Family. I’m sure it’s not surprising to anyone who’s ever worked on a television show, but our writers are the reason we’re still in this position. I’m eternally grateful for their talent and surprising good looks.”
Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who this year made Emmy history as the most nominated comedy actress, surpassing Lucille Ball, said: “It’s taken me decades, but I have finally avenged Lucille Ball. I am euphoric.”
Scoring her first-ever Emmy nomination (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Veep), Anna Chlumsky got a call from her manager, whom she thinks is more excited than she is: “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him like this,” Chlumsky told THR. What she did not hear about was who she was nominated alongside. “I’ve been in my baby’s room, nursing all morning,” she said before going over a list of her category. “Oh my gosh, Jane [Krakowski]? Awesome! All of these women are fantastic, but I’m really an enormous fan of what Merritt Wever does on Nurse Jackie. And I love Jane. I was on 30 Rock ages ago, and she deserves everything good.”
Her Veep colleague Tony Hale, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, reacted with disbelief : “Oh my God, what is happening right now??? All I could say when I saw my name was, ‘Shut up, shut up!’ This is so crazy cool. I just called the family; there was a lot of screaming. I need a Xanax. I’m so happy for the show, too. And Julia and Anna. I love my job! And now, I’m going to stop eating now in preparation for the Emmys. There are a lot of appetizers and drinks in my future.”
“I’m ecstatic and heavy hearted,” Glee‘s Dot-Marie Jones said of her third Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy nomination: “I’m so excited and it’s like I’m crying for so many reasons.” The actress, sober after Glee star Cory Monteith‘s sudden death Saturday, called the late 31-year-old a “good man.” “It’s hard every single day. I loved working with Cory, he was such an open and present person. There was no bullshit with Cory. He had nothing to hide and was always there when you talked to him. I miss the hell out of him.” Jones also gave a shout-out to fellow nominees Jane Lynch and Glee‘s makeup department and said should she win, that Cory would “definitely” be a part of it.
Carrie Preston received her first Emmy nomination for her guest turn on The Good Wife as quirky lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni and the news was “a great start” to the actress’ day: “I was so excited I didn’t even myself dream about it. I just got up and was doing my normal day walking my dog in New York City.” It was a nice change of pace for Preston, who previously experienced the joy of the Emmys through her husband, Michael Emerson. “I feel it’s the best birthday I’ve ever had. To have your hard work recognized in that way is something you don’t even know you want until it happens,” she admits. At the moment, there are no “concrete” plans to bring Elsbeth back for The Good Wife‘s fifth season, but Preston promises it is “in the works.”
“I’m choosing the ever-hopeful approach of my character and try to not believe that the show isn’t going on and just the celebration of getting to play this part,” Laura Dern, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy, says of her canceled HBO comedy Enlightened. “Mike White‘s writing is as rare a gift as we all know. I feel very lucky and very blessed and grateful to the academy, because so many people are just discovering the show. I’m meeting people on the street every day who’ve just watched it for the first time. It’s thrilling that accolades can bring new viewers to something we love so dearly.”
Alex Gansa, co-creator of Showtime’s Homeland (11 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series), said: “I was stirring oatmeal for my family. Literally, pouring Scottish oats into the water when my phone started to explode. We’re totally thrilled. It’s nice to get a chance to defend the drama title this year against some fantastic shows, but the best thing for us is the writing nomination for [the late] Henry Bromell [for the episode ‘Q&A’]. We feel an intense amount of pride for being able to work with somebody like Henry, and we just miss him every day. And then obviously [we’re thrilled] for Mandy [Patinkin], whom I really thought was overlooked last year. They’re all great. All of these nominations mean that everybody is working as hard as they can to make a quality television show, and it’s great to see people rewarded for that.”
Howard Gordon, the other co-creator of Showtime’s Homeland, said: “I had amnesia and forgot that it was this morning — and I really mean that — so my first thought when I saw all of these messages on my phone was, ‘I hope nobody got sick.’ I always go to the worst place. These nominations are a wonderful affirmation that the first season wasn’t just a fluke in the eyes of our colleagues and peers. It’s great to win and, of course, we want to win, but I think the nerves are less pinched than, say, a year ago. But it’s still early — ask me again in a month. (Laughs.) The nomination for [late Homeland writer/executive producer] Henry [Bromell] is the one that means more than any other though. Henry was so beloved, so talented and so much a part of this show and it’s great that the community recognized that and him. He’ll definitely be the center of our thoughts on Emmy night.”
Claire Danes, back to defend her best drama actress crown for her starring role in Homeland, said: “It is truly a great day on the Homeland set with so many of my fellow castmates being nominated. I was going to do some serious screaming into pillows if Mandy hadn’t gotten a nod. I’m also very glad that Henry Bromell, who we lost too soon, has been recognized for his extraordinary work on our show.”
Morena Baccarin, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Homeland, said: “It’s one of those things where of course you want and you hope, but you never think in a million years that your name is going to be up on that screen. I’m on vacation in Charleston [S.C.] with my husband because I had a few days off from shooting [Homeland’s third season in Charlotte, N.C.] He met me down here and we decided to have somewhat of babymoon before all hell breaks loose. So I was just doing what you do on vacation, which is totally forget about the rest of the world and what day it is. I turned over and saw all of these messages on my phone and thought, ‘What’s going on? Who died?’ It was very surprising. And I’m so hormonal right now that I just cried. I kept saying to my publicist, ‘Are you sure?’ I’ve been texting a little bit with Claire [Danes] and Lesli [Linka Glatter,] who was nominated for directing [season two’s ‘Q&A’ episode]. It’s all so well deserved, and I’m really touched that [late writer/executive producer] Henry [Bromell] was nominated, too. It really has been an amazing ride.”
Mandy Patinkin, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Homeland, said: “I’m the luckiest guy on earth. I woke up and my wife and I were just hanging out and all of sudden the phone started ringing and the texts started showing up. Actually, all of the congrats started coming, so my wife and I pull out the iPad and we go online and we’re trying the find the list of who was nominated. We couldn’t do it. We tried for 10 or 15 minutes. We went to every site. We couldn’t do it! And we’re getting emails and calls from friends and other people, and we’re looking at each other going, ‘How are these people getting this information?’ Oh my God, we felt like idiots. But really, and I’m not trying to be corny, the genuine award of this job is to to be in this company. There’s nothing that can compete with the experience that we’ve had for the last two and a half years. I remember when I was younger, in my 30s or 40s, every job that I got I wanted to turn it into something else. What can I capitalize on? How I can publicize it? What’s the next job? And now I’m 60 years old, and I’ve got my eyes wide open for the first time in my life. Every day that happens, I don’t want it to the end — I’m so grateful for this and I’m aware of it at the moment. Honestly, I’m aware of it if I’m in the woods being bitten by bugs; I’m aware of it if I’m in 100 degree heat sweating like a pig; I’m aware of it as I’m begging them to turn the air conditioning on on the set. It is just heaven on earth to be part of this experience for 12-,14-, 16-hour days. It’s a crew of people like you’ve never experienced in your life in front of the camera and behind the camera, and writers that are sent from heaven. I’m beyond humbled by it and ‘gratitude’ doesn’t even come close to describing what I feel.”
Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, which secured 13 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, said: “I am currently in San Diego eating BBQ pizza and drinking a margarita — life is good and it’s five o’clock somewhere! I am so happy for our actors, our editors, our DP… The list goes on! I am always nervous about this stuff, so much so that I was getting very annoyed when people reminded me the nominations were this morning. I really wanted to sleep in! But this couldnt be a better way to kick off Comic Con, that’s for sure. Such an exciting day.”
Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul, who announced the nominations, including his own for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, said: “I woke up at 3 a.m. today and actually felt more alert than I thought I would! I expected to look a zombie on TV. I hope I didn’t. … This is all so crazy and so great. And I’m so happy for [fellow nominee] Jonathan Banks. I love that man so much — he spoke at my wedding. I will love him forever. Going into the final eight episodes, I’m very excited and am trying not to be sad. We had the most beautiful run you could ask for. Our DP Michael Slovis said, ‘Don’t cry that it’s over, smile that it happened.’ I keep trying to tell myself that and just enjoy this time.”
Bryan Cranston, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Breaking Bad, said: “Taking nothing for granted, this Emmy nomination — and those of my fellow Breaking Bad family, is as sweet as ever. I’m very grateful for the recognition.”
Anna Gunn, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama series for Breaking Bad, said: “My first nomination last year was so overwhelming, and this year it just feels really, really good. The show got 13 nominations! Our last season is about about to air, we’re embarking on the premiere and Comic-Con — it’s just such a happy time. It’s feels like a huge celebration. When we said goodbye on set last spring, we knew we had the summer to be together, and all of this is really icing on the cake. Am I ready for the dress stress this year? Well, I’ve been doing a lot of fittings already for other events, so I think I’m ready to go! Last year, that stuff was so intimidating, but this year I’ll have more of a handle on it and a little less freakout! … My category is so great this year. Maggie Smith again … I’m looking forward to meeting Christine Baranski and Emilia Clarke. I wanted to write Maggie a note last year telling her I’m such a huge fan, and I didn’t get a chance. I think will write her one this year and send a bag of crystal meth candy, too. ‘Here’s something from the states for you to munch on!'”
Louis C.K., who received nine nominations, including lead comedy actor, director and writer nods for FX’s Louie, said: “That’s a fun morning. It’s crazy how many how many things came across there. It’s nuts. I love that we got one for the show because that one is for everybody who works with me. My kids and I are on vacation and they’ve never been with me on Emmy day. So for them, it’s loads of fun, so we got up and watched it. Of course we got to see the best actor nomination, which they were very excited about, but then our live-stream from Emmy.com died on us because we’re on a boat. We just went online and read the rest online. When I saw that it was all nine, I thought, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ My daughter made me grapefruit juice, which she squeezed for me. That was like my champagne.”
Bill Hader, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Saturday Night Live, said: “I’m in L.A now. … I did the ESPYs last night and thought, ‘Cool, I’ll be able to hang out at Jon Hamm’s afterparty and sleep in tomorrow.’ Nope! It’s all very exciting. … I’ve been trying to explain to my daughter who’s asked me, ‘Who’s Emmy?’ ‘No, she’s not a new friend, your daddy got nominated for a trophy.’ I’m planning to celebrate today by buying curtains for our house. We’ve rented a house with no curtains. We thought this will be a cool thing, get up with the sun. No, this is terrible. It’s too bright! It’s pretty surreal I’m not going back to the SNL in September. It really hit me last night last night at the ESPYs, all these people from the show — all my friends — were there and I saw them in a new context. ‘Wow, I’m not going to see you in September.’ It’s slowly hitting home. I’m that person now!”
Jeff Daniels, who nabbed his first best drama actor nomination for his star turn in HBO’s Newsroom, where he plays cable news anchor Will McAvoy, said: “I got a call this morning from HBO’s publicist to the stars, Tonya Owens, who was weeping. And the only reason I couldn’t join her in the wetness was because I was on the golf course in Northern Michigan. I did have a big smile on my face as I was in the woods looking for my golf ball. I know I’m lucky to be around in this golden age of scripted drama. It really is a great time for a guy like me who wants to still be challenged, be relevant and be in the business. And I think [the nomination] helps the show, too. There’s a ‘we absolutely love you’ and ‘we absolutely hate you’ to The Newsroom, and this is a stamp of approval that says we’re not going anywhere. And all of us want to be doing this for years.”
Matt LeBlanc, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Episodes said: “Geez, can’t this stuff happen a little later in the day! Kidding kidding… No, I woke up at 5 thinking they were announcing them at that time. Then my phone didn’t ring at 5:15, so went back to sleep thinking nothing had happened. Then lots of messages saying congratulations! It’s pretty great, and I’m very happy our writers were recognized too. Yes, it’s very bizarre being honored for playing myself. The line seems to get more and more blurred playing this role. I do have a moment every day in the mirror where I tell myself, ‘You’re not that emotionally damaged or that dysfunctional. You’re not that jaded!'”
Bertram van Munster, executive producer of CBS’ The Amazing Race, which was nominated in the best reality-competition series, said: “I was up at a quarter to four this morning. I couldn’t wait. People say, ‘Is this getting old?’ No, this isn’t getting old. I’m excited. It’s one of these great moments. After a lot of hard work, you hope that you get the recognition. For the last so many years, my tradition is to go to the office and congratulate everybody that works for me. [I keep some of my past Emmys] in my office; some in my screening room at home and then some with my agent at CAA. So we spread the love. [Laughs] If we’re lucky enough to win, it would be number 10. I’m not blasé about it. We have an incredible team, and it is in many ways the biggest reality show out there. It doesn’t get bigger than going around the world.”
Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, producers of History’s The Bible miniseries (three nominations, including Outstanding Miniseries or Movie), said: “We are honored that our peers have nominated The Bible for an Emmy. We are thrilled we get to share this nomination with our tremendous cast and crew from all around the world who worked so hard with us to bring the epic story of the Bible to the screen.”
History channel executive vp and general manager Dirk Hoogstra said: “We are delighted that The Bible received three nominations and has been recognized in the Outstanding Miniseries or Movie category. Epic event programming is a hallmark of History, and the retelling of these iconic stories from both the Old and New Testaments — covering the scope from Genesis to the Revelation — reached a huge and diverse audience, making it No. 1 in its time slot averaging 11.4 million total viewers over its five-week run and reaching 95 million people in total. Congratulations to the amazing History team and to Mark Burnett and Roma Downey for bringing these quintessential stories to life for a new generation.”
On the channel’s 10 nominations, Hoogstra said: “We are thrilled and honored to receive this recognition from our peers with 10 Emmy nominations for History and one Emmy nomination for History.com. We are so proud of these programs, and in this highly competitive year, it is proof once again that there is always an appetite and appreciation for great TV. Congratulations to the entire History team, they are the best and to our partners who work side by side with us and help make this all possible.”
Burnett also executive produces Shark Tank, which was nominated for Outstanding Reality Program. Of that nom, he said: “I am thrilled that Shark Tank has been nominated. For the last four seasons the stakes have gotten even higher and this recognition shows that our audience looks forward to what our sharks want to invest in.”
Shane Smith, VICE founder and host of HBO’s VICE series, which was nominated in the Outstanding documentary and Non-Fiction category, said: “‘It makes all the dysentery worthwhile,’ was my first thought when we found out that we had been nominated. My second was, “a bunch of dirtbags from Brooklyn finally make good.” We are insanely stoked and a little bit stunned to be nominated in our virgin season, and really have to thank HBO for giving us the creative freedom to make the show we wanted. We also have to thank the viewers who gave us so much support even when crazy shit went down (drunken karaoke dance-offs with the world’s most terrifying and unknown dictator). Most of our crew are now in the field shooting season two, but on their behalf and on behalf of all of us here at Vice, we want to say ‘thank you.’ There’s only love.”
Linda Cardellini, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Mad Men, said: “The show is very secretive, and it’s funny, when I called my parents to tell them the news this morning, they said, ‘Can we tell people?’ I’ve been in the business for a long time, so to surprise people with this role made me so happy. I was worried that the character, who wreaks total havoc, was going to make people hate me! But someone told me that they understood Don better seeing him through Sylvia’s eyes, and I thought that was a great compliment. It’s a great day!”
Elisabeth Moss, who received lead actress noms for Mad Men and miniseries Top of the Lake, said: “I’m a little surprised. Actually very much surprised! I’m not at all a morning person. My publicists was completely shocked that I called her back before noon. I just happened to wake up, and checked my phone. Was wonderful to wake up to. I just can’t believe it’s my fifth time being nominated for Mad Men. Even just saying that out loud is crazy! And Top of the Lake… we didn’t show our hand in that series. The first couple of episodes; there are no tricks, no cliffhanger. It’s a slow burn. It’s enticing and weird and mysterious. You fall down the rabbit hole in that movie and it really paid off. I’m so honored to be part of it.”
John Benjamin Hickey, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for The Big C: Hereafter, said: “There’s a great line from Prizzi’s Honor when they say, ‘Who’s dead?’ And that’s how I felt,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter of the unexpected call from his agent with the news. The actor, who months ago wrapped the fourth and final season on Showtime’s cancer dramedy, had forgotten that Thursday was the big day. “I can’t stand when actors say that in interviews like this — that’s bullshit. But I really didn’t know. I was completely unsuspecting and thrown for a wonderful loop.” The nomination for his role as Cathy’s (Laura Linney) whacky brother also means he’ll be attending the ceremony with his partner, JeffreyRichman, a writer on ABC’s Modern Family, something the actor also called a wonderful thing. “This nomination is an incredible thing because the show is over and we’ve all said our sad goodbyes. We had a great four-season run and I loved every second of it.” The series, which returned in a new format of four hour-long episodes and entered the miniseries category for the first time, will mean the cast will have the opportunity to write another chapter. “For this to be the way we put the final period on it is a wonderful surprise,” he said.
Sigourney Weaver, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Political Animals, said: “I didn’t know it was happening this week because I’m in a show [Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on Broadway] and we had two shows yesterday. But I’m delighted. I look at it is as people still remember the show and it is a lovely recognition to come a year later. We have these wonderful audiences every night at our play and so many people — really of all ages – ask me whether Political Animals is coming back. I always say, ‘I’m so glad that you liked it. But I couldn’t be doing the play if I was doing that.’ I don’t think that audiences understand that world — that people in offices make those decisions, and they don’t actually get a letter saying, ‘We’re not going to do any more of it.’ They kind of think it’s in the ether waiting to come back when they least expect it.”
Don Cheadle, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy for House of Lies, said: “Given all the hilarious film work I’ve done, from Traffic to Crash to Flight, it’s nice to finally be recognized as the comic genius I am. Thank you, academy members.”
Amy Poehler, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for Parks and Recreation, said: “I appreciate the nominations. I love my job. But nice try, guys. I’m not falling for this old trick again.”
Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live (four nominations, including Outstanding Variety Series), said: “It just goes to show you — good things happen to bad people.”
Tim Gunn, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or a Reality-Competition Program for Project Runway, said: “It is still a bit surreal but I am thrilled and honored to be nominated alongside Heidi and the show. I am so grateful to Heidi, as she is the real star of the show, for sharing billing and allowing me to stand in her shadow.”
Ryan Seacrest, also nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or a Reality-Competition Program for American Idol, said: “I’m grateful and honored to be nominated for my work on ‘American Idol.’ But I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I share this nod with the countless people involved with the show – all the judges, contestants, producers, crew and everyone at Fox. It’s been a continuous collaboration for 12 seasons — soon to be 13 — and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Seth Green was laughing this morning when he learned that he was nominated for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance on Robot Chicken: “This is a really funny category! I am thrilled to be included in this group, I really know everybody and really respect and admire them so any way this gets cut, I’m going to be really happy about the outcome.”
Emilia Clarke, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for Game of Thrones, said: “I spent all of last night tossing and turning hoping the show would get recognized. I wanted so much for that be the case. So this is an incredible and surprising honor on top of that! It’s hard to think about winning an Emmy. For now, the nomination is more than enough, promise! I think if Khaleesi were celebrating this honor today, she would maybe allow herself a little a smile and give her dragons an extra piece of meat.”
Gareth Neame, executive producer of Downton Abbey (12 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series), said: “I’m thrilled that the academy has again recognized our show in so many categories, with nominations for many of our cast and crew. The other nominees demonstrate this really is a golden age of television and we are honored to be alongside them.”
Jimmy Fallon, whose Late Night With Jimmy Fallon was nominated for Outstanding Variety Series: “Honored to be nominated for an Emmy this morning. Takes the sting away from being snubbed by the ESPYs last night.”
Alfre Woodard, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Steel Magnolias, said: “It’s Mandela Day and my colleagues recognized Steel Magnolias? It’s a great day!”
Vera Farmiga, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Bates Motel, said: “It is such an honor to be recognized by the academy and in the company of such brilliant women. I’m grateful to Carlton, Kerry and Anthony for gifting me with the opportunity to play such a complex woman and for breathing new life into the iconic Norma Bates.”
Merritt Wever, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Nurse Jackie, said: “I’m really honored to be nominated and very happy to see Edie and Bobby recognized. I’m so grateful for Nurse Jackie.”
Maggie Smith, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama series for Downton Abbey, said: “I am so delighted that the Emmy voters are as fond of Violet as I am. Thank you so much for nominating us both.”
Hugh Bonnevillle, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama series for Downton Abbey, said: “I am honored, overwhelmed and dead chuffed.”
Additional reporting by Merle Ginsberg, Lesley Goldberg, Michael O’Connell, Philiana Ng, Lacey Rose and Stacey Wilson
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