Stars React to Their 2014 Oscar Nominations
The 2014 Oscar nominations were announced by Thor star Chris Hemsworth and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Cheryl Boone Isaacs Thursday, January 16, in Beverly Hills, Calif., with American Hustle and Gravity coming out as frontrunners to win the most statues come March 2.
Read on to hear what the stars themselves have to say about receiving their coveted nominations!
Pics: The 15 Best Oscar Dresses of All Time
The 86th Academy Awards, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air live Sunday, March 2, on ABC.
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street: "I am deeply humbled by this honor and even happier to share today with Marty, Jonah, Terry as well as this entire cast and crew. The Wolf of Wall Street has been a passion project of mine, and I found the role to be one of the most challenging and rewarding of my career. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees and thank you to the Academy for this extraordinary recognition."
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County: "This was certainly a once in a lifetime experience and the recognition from it is an absolutely thrilling bonus. I simply could not be more excited right now."
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle: "This is so special and surreal and I'm truly honored. The nominations by the Academy for my fellow cast members, David and the film are a true tribute to David O. Russell, our mentor. I feel very lucky and humbled today."
Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity: "Thank you Academy for this incredible recognition. These nominations are not just about single achievements, but rather the collective effort of hundreds of dedicated artists who made this dream a reality. On behalf of everyone involved with Gravity I want to express our deepest gratitude to the industry, the exhibitors and the public for embracing this film so passionately. A special thank you to our friends and collaborators at Warner Bros. for staying on board this journey for more than four years."
"I am particularly moved by Sandy's nomination. She is the heartbeat of our film. She immersed herself in the part. And I thank her for her grace, her trust and her dedication to finding the truth of this character."
Sandra Bullock, Gravity: "I had already felt overwhelmingly blessed to have had the creative 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity that I did on Gravity. The life experience I garnered on this journey is something for which I will forever be grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Academy for including all of us amongst nominees that have left us in awe with their work this year."
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave: "At no point during filming, in the sweltering heat of New Orleans, did any of us ever foresee the journey this film would take us all on. Steve McQueen created an entire family to tell one man's tale and I am delighted that so many of this family have also been recognized today. I am hugely grateful to the Academy for this great honor, and, of course, to Solomon Northup for sharing his story through his breathtaking book."
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County: "I am so happy for our film that Julia and I have been nominated. We are both so proud of August: Osage County. This honor from the Academy, for which we are truly grateful, will help bring attention to our film from audiences across the country, which is thrilling.
Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave: "I am thrilled beyond words that The Academy has recognized my performance in Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave and I am deeply proud to be in the company of my fellow nominees. This celebration of such an important film is simply extraordinary, and I am so pleased to be able to share it with the rest of the 12 Years a Slave family. I feel truly blessed!"
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club: "I am absolutely blown away by this incredible nomination. I never in my life thought I would have the opportunity to even write these words. Thank you so much to all my fellow AMPAS acting branch members for this honor. Today you not only honor me but also all those around the world living with AIDS and all those we have lost to this disease. Thank you for recognizing them and recognizing their struggle through Dallas Buyers Club. This was a fascinating story told by a group of incredibly passionate and committed filmmakers who wanted to create something special and shine a light on a unique and important story. I'm proud to be a part of this celebration and so very grateful to you all. A huge congratulations to Matthew McConaughey, Robbie Brenner, Rachel Winter, Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack, Jean-Marc Vallée, Martin Pensa, Adruitha Lee, and Robin Mathews."
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street: "I am in complete and total shock. I honestly was not expecting this, on a level you can't even imagine. Again, I'm clearly in shock. I didn't have a plan for celebrating today because I truly did not expect any of this! But I am going to the Critics' Choice Awards and will be great to see everyone from the film there tonight. Truly, this is shocking." (THR)
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave: "I'm really chuffed with the Oscar nomination especially being recognized alongside such great actors. It's a real honor."
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave: "This has been an amazing ride, and to receive nine nominations from the Academy is testament to all of the hard work. And for that I am truly grateful." (THR)
Judi Dench, Philomena: "This is just the loveliest news. I'm so happy for everybody involved, and so proud to have been part of the wonderful experience that Philomena has been."
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine: "I am so delighted and overwhelmed, thank you so much to the Academy for this huge honor. To be given this for being in a Woody Allen film -- it's simply an amazing privilege. I am incredibly proud and delighted for us all. I am so thrilled for Woody for his nomination and, of course, for Cate (who I really can't praise enough); I am delighted for them both as it's so incredibly deserved. Thank you."
Chris Buck (director), Jennifer Lee (director), Peter Del Vecho (producer), Frozen: "Frozen's journey has gone beyond our wildest dreams. We thank the Academy for this honor and look forward to celebrating the nominations with our crew at Disney Animation today."