Oscar Nom Reactions: Joaquin Phoenix, Cynthia Erivo, Saoirse Ronan

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Oscars nominations day is always a happy day for the nominees and this year’s crop was no different. Even if some of their directors, co-stars or colleagues weren’t nominated alongside them. Here’s a rundown of the official reactions from this year’s Academy Award honorees.

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“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’.”
– Cynthia Erivo, Best Actress, Best Original Song, “Harriet”

“I feel honored and humbled to have been nominated by my fellow actors. The Academy’s encouragement helped ignite and sustain my career and I am incredibly grateful for that support. I’d like to also congratulate my fellow nominees for being recognized for their inspiring performances that have enriched our art form.”
– Joaquin Phoenix, Best Actor, “Joker”

“I’m honored and incredibly grateful to represent the people who made Marriage Story, and to be included among a list of actors I greatly admire! Thank you very much to Noah and to the cast and crew and, of course, to the Academy for this opportunity.”
– Adam Driver, Best Actor, “Marriage Story”

“It’s an honor to be nominated, and it’s incredible that the passion that went into making this film could be recognized in so many categories.”
-Jeff Groth, Best Film Editing, “Joker”

“It’s wonderful – I’m honored and thrilled to be nominated for ‘Little Women.’ Working on the film with such talented actors was a pleasure but above all it was Greta Gerwig’s vision and strong sense of Alcott’s world that inspired us all across the board. Thank you to the Academy voters for recognizing our work.”
– Jacqueline Duran, Costume Design, “Little Women”

Trusting someone to tell your story is no small thing. We were trusted by great people who work at a factory in our strong and scrappy hometown, Dayton, Ohio, and by Fuyao’s maverick Chairman, Cao DeWang, to tell the story of ‘American Factory’ 美国工厂. We are profoundly grateful that this movie has resonated with the Academy. We, and our small but mighty team, are over the moon at today’s news. We’re deeply grateful to the amazing people at Participant Media, Higher Ground Productions and Netflix for elevating the stories of working-class people. The fate of working people around the globe is under great pressure and duress, and we hope ‘American Factory’ can give voice to their journey.”
– Directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert, Documentary Film, “American Factory”

“We are profoundly overwhelmed and honored to have received all these nominations from the Academy and to have made history by being only the third movie ever to be nominated for Best Picture that’s written, directed and produced exclusively by women. This film is a testament to the brilliance of Greta Gerwig. She is the most brilliant creative talent working in our industry today, and we are thrilled that she and our beautiful film have been recognized.”
-Amy Pascal, Producer, Best Picture, “Little Women”

“Oh wow, I am so excited by and grateful to the Academy for recognizing ‘Parasite’ with six nominations! I share this with our amazing actors, department heads, crew and production companies. This is a wonderful day for me, and I stand on the shoulders of the great filmmakers who have inspired me – from all over the world – and remind us that cinema is about our shared humanity and a universal language. I am truly honored and moved by this acknowledgment.”
– Bong Joon Ho, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, “Parasite”

“I’m so incredibly thrilled for Todd Phillips, Scott Silver, Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Lawrence Sher, Mark Bridges, Jeff Groth, Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou, Alan Robert Murray, Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic and Tod Maitland. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing their talent and contribution. Todd Phillips is a visionary and I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m truly honored to be a part of Joker.”
– Bradley Cooper, Producer, “Joker”

“I’m honored and humbled and thrilled by the Academy’s recognition this morning for Marriage Story. I’m so happy and proud of my brilliant collaborators, Scarlett, Adam, Laura and Randy. I’m so grateful to Netflix for their partnership and support. This film is very personal to us all and to be recognized by our peers is a great reason for celebration.”
– Noah Baumbach, Original Screenplay, “Marriage Story”

“Working with Noah Baumbach and Taika Waititi, respectively, has given me such deep artistic satisfaction; ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’ are two great highlights of my career. I am deeply humbled by the Academy’s recognition of my work which would not have been possible without the support of the incredibly gifted actors and writer/directors that I’ve been so fortunate to collaborate with.”
– Scarlett Johansson, Best Actress, “Marriage Story” and Best Supporting Actress, “Jojo Rabbit”

“What a big surprise for an old dude like me to be nominated by my peers. I want to give my thanks to Fernando, Jonathan, Anthony and all of my collaborators on the film and to Ted and Scott and the entire team at Netflix for their tireless support of the movie.”
– Anthony Hopkins, Supporting Actor, “The Two Popes”

“Making ‘Bombshell’ is one of the great highlights of my career. I wish that the story in this film never needed to be told, but I am so proud of the entire team on this film for telling it with such grace, sensitivity, and humanity. Thank you to my fellow producers, our incredible director Jay Roach and our brilliant screenwriter Charles Randolph, and a multi-talented group of actors and artists who gave 100% of themselves and their craft in making this film. I feel really lucky and blessed to do what I do and work with the people I get to work with, and I am ever thankful to the Academy.”
– Charlize Theron, Best Actress, “Bombshell”

“I’m humbled by our six nominations this morning. Thank you to the Academy for embracing ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and its message. My congratulations and thanks go to the entire cast and crew.”
– Taika Waititi, Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, “Jojo Rabbit”

“I’m honored and deeply grateful for this recognition from the Academy for my performance in The Irishman.”
– Al Pacino, Best Supporting Actor, “The Irishman”

“I am brimming with happiness — thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you (that’s six!) to the Academy. This film of ‘Little Women’ has been over thirty years in the making, from the very first time Louisa May Alcott and Jo March reached across time and space and made me believe I could be a writer and creator. Every single person who worked on this film poured their heart and soul into it, and we are all so grateful to the Academy for recognizing the collective effort. I am so personally proud of each person who worked on the film, and I am bursting with joy for all of them. I have to say a few names loudly because I am just so deeply thrilled for them — my filmmaking partner/wizard/genius Saoirse Ronan, you are my inspiration and my honesty and my co-captain, always, my baby girl superstar Florence Pugh, the Marmee of our dreams Laura Dern (woot! ‘Marriage Story’!), our gorgeously talented and ridiculously intelligent Emma Watson, the bright shining soul and life force Eliza Scanlen, our Queen Meryl, the quiet strength and world-class craft of Jayne Houdyshell, and the fifth March sister and all-around prince Timothee Chalamet. The men who, as Louisa says, possess “chivalry worth having,” Chris Cooper, Tracy Letts, James Norton, Bob Odenkirk, and Louis Garrel. The costumes of Jacqueline Durran, the sets of Jess Gonchor, and the music of Alexandre Desplat — they gave me such incredible gifts and each frame of the movie is filled with their skill and work and care. Amy Pascal, I have no words big enough but you know what is in my heart. Everyone at Sony and Columbia Pictures especially to Tom Rothman, my favorite sparring partner and tireless champion. Writing and directing this film was an honor and sharing it with audiences has been the most sincerely heart-warming journey. I hope our Little Women does for another generation of girls and women what it did for me: lights a fire to write your book, make your movie, sing your verse. From all of us Little Women and Men, thank you to the Academy.”
– Greta Gerwig, Adapted Screenplay, “Little Women”

“I was taken by surprise this morning and I am deeply moved to be one small part of a brilliant film that brings me great joy.”
– Robert Richardson, Cinematography, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”

“We are honored and so grateful to be included in this wildly talented group of fellow nominees. It is especially thrilling to be recognized for our work on such a magnificent epic film by Quentin Tarantino. Thank you to the Academy.”
– Production Designer Barbara Ling and Set Decorator Nancy Haigh, Production Design, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”

– Rian Johnson, Original Screenplay, “Knives Out”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled. This movie was a labor 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.”
– Sam Mendes, Director, Producer and Original Screenplay, “1917”

“I’m very pleased about the nomination on behalf of all the people who worked so hard with me on ‘1917.’ This was a definite team effort and many very talented people made the final result possible. This nomination is shared with them and their amazing work. I am honored to be acknowledged with these gifted cinematographers and thank you to the Academy.”
– Roger Deakins, Cinematography, “1917”

“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.”
– Saoirse Ronan, Leading Actress, “Little Women”

“Bringing ‘The Irishman’ to the screen was a twelve-year saga which I wanted to make with my friends and work again with Marty, Joe and Al – It was a story that Jane, Emma, Marty and I wanted to tell. It’s great that the picture has been embraced by audiences and is now getting this recognition from the Academy. I’m very happy for everyone involved in the film.”
– Robert De Niro, Producer, Best Picture, “The Irishman”

“This was the best wake up call ever! The Irishman was a dream project from start to finish. It is such a thrill to have been nominated for our work.”
– Production designer Bob Shaw & Set Decorator Regina Graves, Production Design, “The Irishman”

‘Such an amazing celebration of some truly wonderful films, to be included in this stunning lineup of Production Designers and Set Decorators is a huge surprise and honour. Taika and the Jojo Rabbit team are the very best of people to work and be celebrating with.’
– Ra Vincent, Production Design, “Jojo Rabbit”

“When I first read the script for Jojo Rabbit, I knew immediately that I had to be part of it. Not only for the great opportunity to repeat my collaboration with Taika Waititi, but also because of that most important message it would bring to the audience, which is not to HATE, in every sense, and in all directions of our lives. Jojo Rabbit offered an incredible canvas to portray the reality of war and hate, but also love and compassion, and innocence, with a good portion of poetry. I am so grateful to the Academy for choosing Jojo Rabbit to be nominated in 6 categories including Costume Design, and I am so deeply honored.”
-Mayes C. Rubeo, Costume Design, “Jojo Rabbit”

“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, Tracey Seaward and everyone who worked on the production of this very special film.”
– Jonathan Pryce, Best Actor, “The Two Popes”

“Thrilling to be acknowledged by my peers and especially sweet to be nominated alongside my ‘Once Upon A Time…in Hollywood’ family. Quentin challenged me to get a nomination when we were prepping the film, so thrilled to be able to deliver!”
– Arianne Phillips, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood,” Costume Design

“I’m honored and grateful to the Academy for acknowledging The Irishman and Joker. I share these nominations with the most talented cast and crew in the world. I also want to congratulate my fellow nominees on both films. Their work inspires me every day. I’ve worked with Martin Scorsese for 17 years. There is no better job in the world. You love your actors, your crew, and storytelling with a tenacity and passion that is rare and I’m eternally grateful to be a part of it. The Irishman is a film that Marty, Bob, Al, Joe, and my fellow producer Jane Rosenthal were determined to get made through seemingly insurmountable challenges over the past decade. It is really special to see it recognized across so many categories. Thank you to Todd Phillips for inviting me on the journey of Joker. You stayed true to your vision and made the film you believed in. We are all lucky that you did. Your leadership on and off set is why we are here today, and I’d take the ride with you again in a heartbeat. Thank you to Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber and everyone at Netflix for your unbelievable work ethic, support, and passion. Thank you to Toby Emmerich, Blair Rich, Walter Hamada and everyone at Warner Bros. for believing in this film and your brilliant campaign.”
– Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Best Picture, “Joker” and “The Irishman”

“Thank you to the Academy for their recognition of our film ‘Ford v Ferrari.’ Jenno, Peter and I are thrilled to be nominated among such moving and unique films —and also grateful to our brilliant team of artists who brought our remarkable characters, and their adventures on and off the track, to life.”
-James Mangold, Best Picture, “Ford v Ferrari”

“Annoyingly for a writer words cannot do justice to the honour I feel that 1917 has been nominated for best original screenplay by The Academy. To be recognised alongside the other fantastic nominees and their amazing scripts is such a privilege. Thank you.”
– Krysty Wilson-Cairns, Original Screenplay, “1917”

“I am very grateful and exited to be nominated by the Academy for the Cinematography of ‘The Irishman.’ I am honored to be part of this amazing group of fellow nominees. It is especially meaningful to be recognized for my work on such a magnificent film by Martin Scorsese. I would like to share this recognition with my Camera, Grip and Electric crew.”
– Rodrigo Prieto, Cinematography, “The Irishman”

“Thank you very much to the Academy for this incredible honor. This Rocketman journey has been one of the highlights of my life and I’m grateful to be sharing this honor with my longtime friend and collaborator, Elton. We have personally and professionally supported each other for decades, and my goal in writing these lyrics was to honor his legacy, strength, and perseverance as both an icon and a compassionate friend. To think that what started as a chance encounter over 5 decades ago in a London diner would take us both on the journey of a lifetime is beyond even my imagination. I’m humbled and deeply grateful for this prestigious recognition of our work together.”
– Bernie Taupin, Original Song, “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman”

“So exciting to get 6 nominations! Thanks to the Academy for embracing the comedy, heart and message in ‘Jojo Rabbit.’ This story is so relevant today, and our hope is it inspires conversations about the world we want to live in. These nominations are an acknowledgment of Taika’s bold and unique vision, script and direction; and such an incredibly talented cast and crew who got behind the message and put everything they had into it.”
– Carthew Neal, Best Picture, ‘Jojo Rabbit’

“I’m truly honored and proud to be recognized with an Academy Award nomination for my work on JOKER. Being invited into this illustrious group of talent and getting to take part in telling this story means the world to me. Todd Phillips is a master of his craft and it was wonderful to experience how he trusts and empowers his collaborators so they can deliver their best work possible. We see that in the way every element of the film has its space to shine, because he gives each element real weight. The brightest shining of those of course being Joaquin Phoenix´s performance, which was simply otherworldly. I’m grateful for having been invited on this journey of a lifetime with them and I congratulate all of my fellow nominees on their nominations.”
– Hildur Gudnadottir Original Score, “Joker”

“We are absolutely thrilled and delighted that our colleagues have recognized the urgency of this film, and are humbled to be in the company of such important storytelling. In a time where fascism is spreading like an epidemic, we hope this film can help us all understand how crucial it is to protect our democracies. We are at a time where the personal has become utterly political for so many around the world and I believe it is through stories, language and documentaries that civilizations begin to heal.”
– Director Petra Costa and Producer Joanna Natasegara, Best Documentary, “The Edge of Democracy”

“Such an amazing celebration of some truly wonderful films, to be included in this stunning lineup of Production Designers and Set Decorators is a huge surprise and honor. Taika and the Jojo Rabbit team are the very best of people to work and be celebrating with.”
– Ra Vincent, Production Design, “Jojo Rabbit”

“Thank you to the Academy for this wonderful recognition. 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.”
– Kathy Bates, Supporting Actress, “Richard Jewell”

“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.”
– Todd Phillips, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, “Joker”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated for our work on ‘The Irishman’ and congratulate our fellow nominees. It was an honor to be a part of this remarkable film and to have had the opportunity to work with this iconic cast.”
Sandy Powell & Christopher Peterson, Costume Design, “The Irishman”

“ I am so very happy and honored to be nominated for Costume Design for Joker, and to have been a part of the team that created this landmark film.”
-Mark Bridges, Costume Design, “Joker”

“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.”
– Lady Lj, International Film, “Les Miserables”

“In one of the languages of our film: Sanctus stercore! (Latin for holy shit!) 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.”
– Anthony McCarten, Adapted Screenplay, “The Two Popes”

“The genocide still happening in Syria is one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time with hundreds of thousands of people dead and millions displaced, in large part because of the negligence of the world. The Oscar nomination is a huge honor. I am completely humbled. It’s even more meaningful because the Academy recognized another Syrian film, Waad al-Kateab’s powerful ‘For Sama.’ But the truth is, I wish my film, which provides clear evidence of crimes against humanity committed by Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime and his Russian conspirators, did not need to exist. I wish I was still in Damascus drinking coffee with my artist friends. I wish Dr. Amani was still a thriving young Syrian pediatrician. I wish little Sama was with her friends on a playground in Aleppo. I wish my parents hadn’t been forced to leave our childhood home in Idlip. But instead, we are all dead or in exile, and my country as it was is lost forever. All I can do now is speak out, loudly, so this doesn’t happen again. And I will not be silenced.”
– Feras Fayyad, Documentary Feature, “The Cave”

“I was riding my Vespa in Paris when I heard the news! Writing music for such an iconic novel was a challenge but the beauty, the taste, the energy and the modernity Greta Gerwig brought as a director is that of a very special talent. We had a beautiful and special artistic collaboration. I also want to thank Amy Pascal, Suzana Peric and Solrey for their many talents in the making of the music. I am very grateful to the Academy for this nomination, I am proud to be a part of this film and to see it recognized this morning.”
– Alexandre Desplat, Original Score, “Little Women”