The nominations for the 89th Academy Award nominations elicited joy from nominees around the world. You can catch up with the nominees here, but don’t forget to check out their reactions below.
“It takes a village and this morning I was moved beyond words by the love that was shown by the Academy to so many of the wonderful people in our Moonlight village. I’m in Amsterdam at the moment, sharing Chiron’s story a continent away with people of a different culture. That’s what the spirit of these nominations signals to me: an affirmation that film has the power to erode barriers and reveal what makes us all human.”
“I’d like to thank the Academy for this humbling recognition. I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to contribute in some small way to both Moonlight and Hidden Figures. I’d also like to congratulate my friends, colleagues and cast mates who have been acknowledged through the nominations of both of these films. The most one can ask for in this work is to have a presence in projects that entertain and yet still hold a space to educate, inform and uplift. And for that, I am truly grateful.”
” “Moonlight” is touching many hearts at a time when people are seeking compassion and connection in the world. I am incredibly grateful to the Academy for recognizing my part of this story as well as my fellow “Moonlight” family. It has truly been an honor to share Barry Jenkins’ and Tarell McCraney’s beautiful journey.”
“This nomination is a massive honor and will always mean the world to me. My name may be on that list, but its shared with so many supportive people who worked so hard to make Moonlight. We were led by a director, wizard, poet, my hero, and best friend Barry Jenkins. Barry and I have been collaborating for 15 years and his partnership continues to give me inspiration on a daily basis. It’s that trust that was felt from all departments, especially our passionate and brilliant producers, notably my wife Adele Romanski for never letting us compromise and having not only the strength to support all of us but also the creativity and intelligence to guide us. Also need to share some love with the city of Miami for its beauty, energy and spirit that inspired us to create an authentically moving experience that is too powerful to look away from. Last but certainly not least I share this moment with A24 who has been a light in the dark, a group of people who never let us feel alone, who trusted us and supported us every second of the way. Thank you to the Academy for this nomination, it will be something I will always cherish.”
“What a morning. I am so grateful for this honor and I’m so happy to share this feeling with my ‘La La Land’ family. The greatest part of life is connecting with people, and I love the deeply talented, kind and passionate people I was lucky enough to work with on this movie. I’m also overjoyed that the movie has connected with audiences in the way it has, and that it’s hopefully bringing a kick in their step to those who watch it. This is beyond any of our wildest imaginings and we can’t wait to celebrate together.”
– Emma Stone, “La La Land,” Best Actress
“I am infinitely grateful to the Academy, it is a tremendous joy and honor for me. This film means so much to me and, with this nomination, (director) Paul Verhoeven is also rewarded. I would like to sincerely thank our French producer Saïd Ben Saïd. I am also so grateful to Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and the great, great team from Sony Pictures Classics who supported the film and my work with such confidence from the beginning. Thank you, thank you, thank you…”
– Isabelle Huppert, “Elle,” Best Actress
“I’m very grateful to the Academy for recognizing my work in La La Land. It was a true collaboration, so to see everyone else’s wonderful work on the film acknowledged so generously makes it even more special.”
– Ryan Gosling, “La La Land,” Best Actor
“Thank you so much to the Academy for this recognition. Making this film was incredibly rewarding and none of it would have been possible without the guidance from our fearless leader, Kenneth Lonergan. I am thrilled to share this nomination with Kenny, Casey, Lucas and the rest of the cast, producers and crew. Congratulations to my fellow nominees. It is truly an honor to be included among such amazing women in this category.”
– Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea,” Best Supporting Actress nominee
“I am thrilled! Loved making this film. I would work with Tom Ford anytime, anywhere. Jake Gyllenhaal and Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Karl Glusman made it easy for me. Nice to get some good news in the midst of all the carnage, so to speak.”
– Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals,” Best Supporting Actor
“O.K, so I just received a call to say that I’ve been nominated for an Academy Award…To be totally honest, the news hasn’t made it’s way into my brain yet, but I’m looking at these beautiful smiling faces around me… Faces of the ones I love. And I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What makes this moment so much more poignant is that I’m in India right now. This enthralling country holds such a deep place in my heart, and it is where Saroo’s journey was born. This film would be nothing without Garth Davis. Without his love, commitment and vision this ‘Lion’ wouldn’t have been able to roar. To that extent I want to share this incredible feeling with Luke, Grieg, Jenny Kent, Iain, Angie, Emile, Sunny, Nicole, David, Rooney, Divian, Priyanka, the Brierley family as well as the Weinstein Co team. ‘Lion’ reaffirms the message that love is not dictated by the color of your skin, not by race, gender, sexuality, social status, or origin. It is a message I am proud to be spreading during these uncertain times. This will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”
– Dev Patel, “Lion,” Best Supporting Actor
“I’m really overwhelmed. Thank you, Academy members. Thank you and congratulations, wonderful, wonderful cast, producers and crew. It’s such an honor to be counted alongside our fellow nominees and all the really extraordinary movies that came out this year. We tried to make a movie about people standing by each other no matter what; thank you to everyone who let us try, and to everyone out there trying to tell the truth about what it is to be a human being.” – – Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea,” Original Screenplay
“’Manchester by the Sea’ was a labor of love for everyone involved, and for us to be honored by the Academy in this way is more than icing on the cake — it’s more cake on the cake. It’s especially wonderful to see Kenny, Casey, Lucas and Michelle get the recognition they deserve. But at bottom, these honors belong to everyone on the ‘Manchester’ team. I feel so proud and privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented group of people in bringing this deeply human story to the screen.”
– Kimberly Steward, “Manchester by the Sea,” Best Picture
“From the first moment we read this script, getting it made and supporting our filmmaker became our mission. We were determined to make sure that this remarkable and inspiring story remained ‘hidden’ no more. We remain in awe of the talent involved in realizing this film, and we hope it continues to inspire moviegoers, including young people everywhere. We are thankful to the Academy and congratulate our partners at Fox and fellow producers on this prestigious nomination.”
– Peter Chernin & Jenno Topping, “Hidden Figures,” Best Picture
“I am so humbled and grateful for the nominations for ‘La La Land.’ It’s been a tremendous year for films and I’m deeply honored to be in such amazing company with my fellow nominees, along with my phenomenal producers – Fred, Jordan and Marc. I am thrilled that the Academy is celebrating the work of Emma and Ryan, who brought these characters to life with such humanity and depth, and also the work of my college roommate Justin who created the beautiful music. As a filmmaker, you are only as strong as the team around you and so to share this moment and recognition with my brilliant team — Tom, Linus, Mary, Benj, Justin, David, Sandy, Milly, Ai–Ling, Andy and Steve — the people that worked so hard and tirelessly and collaborated so creatively, is more than I could ask for. And finally, I want to thank Lionsgate for their unwavering support.”
– Damien Chazelle, “La La Land,” Best Director and Best Original Screenplay
“We are humbled by the number of nominations the film received this morning and honored to be included among so many incredible films. Making ‘La La Land’ was a dream come true and we’re thrilled that Damien Chazelle’s singular vision has been recognized.”
– Marc Platt, Fred Berger & Jordan Horowitz, “La La Land,” Best Picture
“It’s such an honor to receive three Oscar nominations. The song nominations are of course shared with our incredible lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who were thrilling to collaborate with and have become great friends in the process. None of this would be possible without Damien, who inspires everybody around him. Ever since we were eighteen, Damien and I have been dreaming about ways that film and music can work together, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to express myself musically in a movie.”
– Justin Hurwitz, “La La Land,” Best Original Score and Best Original Song
“Being recognized this way by the Academy is a huge honor. I feel very lucky I got to make this personal film, that it’s resonated with people is very meaningful to me. My script would not be anything without the miraculously talented Annette Bening at its heart, and Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup and Lucas Zumann, all of whom brought the words and ideas to life with so much love and intelligence. And my crew!!! They are my dear film family who made the words real. This would have never have happened without my producers, who are all true friends, everyone at Annapurna and A24 for believing in this script.” – Best Original Screenplay, Mike Mills
“Thanks to the Academy for recognizing Barry and Tarell’s story. We are honored to have been a part of bringing their voices to the screen. MOONLIGHT is a movie we need now more than ever – celebrating the beauty, complexity and humanity of others. Congratulations to all of our fellow nominees for their brilliant work.” – Adele Romanski, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner, “Moonlight,” Best Picture
“It takes a village and this morning I was moved beyond words by the love that was shown by the Academy to so many of the wonderful people in our Moonlight village. I’m in Amsterdam at the moment, sharing Chiron’s story a continent away with people of a different culture. That’s what the spirit of these nominations signals to me: an affirmation that film has the power to erode barriers and reveal what makes us all human.” – Barry Jenkins, Best Director, “Moonlight”
“I’d like to thank the Academy for this humbling recognition. I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to contribute in some small way to both Moonlight and Hidden Figures. I’d also like to congratulate my friends, colleagues and cast mates who have been acknowledged through the nominations of both of these films. The most one can ask for in this work is to have a presence in projects that entertain and yet still hold a space to educate, inform and uplift. And for that, I am truly gratefu.” – Mahershala Ali, Best Supporting Actor, “Moonlight.”
” ‘Moonlight’ is touching many hearts at a time when people are seeking compassion and connection in the world. I am incredibly grateful to the Academy for recognizing my part of this story as well as my fellow “Moonlight” family. It has truly been an honor to share Barry Jenkins’ and Tarell McCraney’s beautiful journey.” – Naomie Harris, Best Supporting Actress, “Moonlight.”
“This nomination is a massive honor and will always mean the world to me. My name may be on that list, but its shared with so many supportive people who worked so hard to make Moonlight. We were led by a director, wizard, poet, my hero, and best friend Barry Jenkins. Barry and I have been collaborating for 15 years and his partnership continues to give me inspiration on a daily basis. It’s that trust that was felt from all departments, especially our passionate and brilliant producers, notably my wife Adele Romanski for never letting us compromise and having not only the strength to support all of us but also the creativity and intelligence to guide us. Also need to share some love with the city of Miami for its beauty, energy and spirit that inspired us to create an authentically moving experience that is too powerful to look away from. Last but certainly not least I share this moment with A24 who has been a light in the dark, a group of people who never let us feel alone, who trusted us and supported us every second of the way. Thank you to the Academy for this nomination, it will be something I will always cherish.” – James Laxton, Best Cinematography for “Moonlight”
“I wrote In Moonlight Black Boys look Blue because I thought I was alone. But Barry knew better. MOONLIGHT, the process and production, reminds us all that we are never alone. I’m grateful to the Academy for seeing its light. I cannot be more proud and happily surprised to share this nomination with all the other artists, but particularly with my ally Mr. Jenkins and my mentor Mr. Wilson.” – Tarell Alvin McCraney, “Moonlight,” Best Adapted Screenplay
“We’re profoundly humbled and honored by the Academy’s recognition of ‘Hell or High Water.’ To be nominated for Best Picture alongside such incredible films this year is the highest complement to all of us who worked on this film. It was put together and made with passion, ‘never-say-die’ dedication, and literal grit, and the fact that it has resonated so strongly with not only audiences, but our peers, is beyond gratifying. We also want to congratulate Jeff Bridges, Taylor Sheridan, and Jake Roberts on their well-deserved nominations and recognize David Mackenzie’s stunning direction. Thank you to our brilliant cast and fellow filmmakers, especially Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and OddLot Entertainment for believing in this film and making it happen, and CBS Films and Lionsgate for their support, guidance, and doing an incredible job getting the film out into the world.”
– Julie Yorn & Carla Hacken, “Hell or High Water,” Best Picture
“Woke up this morning in beautiful Solano Beach after playing a cool gig at the Belly Up with my band the Abiders to find out I’ve been nominated for my performance in ‘Hell or High Water.’ What a thrill, especially for a movie that is so close to my heart. I really dug playing with Gil, Chris and Ben and being directed by the talented David Mackenzie. And such a GREAT script from Taylor. Woo Hoo! Thanks Academy”
– Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water,” Best Supporting Actor
“I’m completely blown away and very honoured. I first worked with David Mackenzie 18 years ago editing a short film in a small room in Glasgow. It’s been a great journey but I never dared to dream that it would lead here. Aside from myself, I’m thrilled that the film has been recognized in this way. It was a modest production but we all gave everything because we loved the script and believed in what it was trying to say, so it’s a very satisfying result. Just amazing. Thank you to the Academy!”
– Jake Roberts, “Hell or High Water,” Best Editing
“It is a source of great happiness to me to be selected as a candidate for the Oscars for a third time. Having been previously nominated for my film, ‘A Separation,’ in the Best Original Screenplay and Foreign Language Film categories, I am overwhelmed and honored by the Academy’s recognition of my newest film. I wish to thank all my crew who so warmly accompanied my efforts to make”The Salesman’ over the course of the last year. What I have strived for in my filmmaking has always been to create a sense of empathy toward my characters. Empathy meaning understanding the conditions and situations of other human beings who very much resemble us.”
– Asghar Farhadi, “The Salesman,” Best Foreign Language Film
“I am thrilled and honored for this recognition of our film. It´s an amazing year for World Cinema. And you never know what to expect in terms of awards. So it´s truly a great honour being nominated amongst such a powerful line-up in the foreign language category. Unfortunately this small local story feels more global and more relevant than ever.”
– Martin Zandvliet, “Land of Mine,” Best Foreign Language Film
“I’m over the moon! An Academy Award nomination is an extraordinary and cherished gift. Two nominations is more than anyone could hope for. Every filmmaker dreams of a moment like this. But the truth is, I already lived my dream by making this film. Movies have always given me great joy. They enriched my life. They inspired me to dream. That’s the kind of film our team at LAIKA sought to make with ‘Kubo and the Two Strings.’ A film is a slice of a hundred souls. In this case many more. An incredible, immense community of artists gave ceaselessly and selflessly to breathe life into this story. I’m so thankful for their talents and efforts and so proud of what we’ve done together. I’m profoundly grateful to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who somehow saw fit to include us among the finest storytellers in film. It is a tremendous honor to stand alongside them.”
– Travis Knight, Director and producer of “Kubo and the Two Strings,” Best Animated Feature Film
“As much as ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ is an homage to Japanese culture and to woodblock artists including Kiyoshi Saito, it is also a tribute to special effects pioneers Ray Harryhausen, Willis O’Brien, Jim Danforth, and the many innovative FX artists who tell stories using in-camera effects, puppets, and human hands. We’re thrilled for the artists at LAIKA who put years into realizing Kubo. For all of us at the studio, being recognized alongside such distinguished and talented members of the VFX community is truly an honor.”
– Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean & Brad Schiff, “Kubo and the Two Strings,” Achievement in Visual Effects
“While we might be the lyricists for LA LA LAND, we’re having some real trouble finding words this morning! We had the great honor of writing these songs with the singularly talented Justin Hurwitz, and it was such a privilege to develop them with the visionary Damien Chazelle. We couldn’t be more thrilled for the academy to recognize that this film was a collaboration across all departments. And that’s about the maximum amount of English sentences we’re able to string together at this moment!” – Benkj Pasek and Justin Paul, lyricists for “La La Land.”
congratulations to all oscar nominees esp @ava #EmmaStone @violadavis @theodoremelfi #teamHiddenFigures #barryJenkins #DevPatel #Denzel
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) January 24, 2017
– Octavia Spencer, “Hidden Figures,” Best Supporting Actress
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) January 24, 2017
– Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Moana,” Best Original Song
OMGGGG ???? https://t.co/NNiZ5Y7OWE
— Naomie Harris (@NaomieHarris) January 24, 2017
– Naomie Harris, “Moonlight,” Best Supporting Actress
Thanx to @TheAcademy for amplifying injustices of mass criminalization in @13THFilm. Love to our fellow nominees. xo pic.twitter.com/R8Zy7015IH
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 24, 2017
– Ava Duvernay, “13th,” Best Documentary Feature