Oscars 2016: The nominees react

Actor John Krasinski and Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announce the nominations for the 88th Academy Awards on Thursday.

By Shannon O’Connor

Jan. 14, 2016 11:39 AM PT

Bright and early Thursday morning the nominees for the 88th Academy Awards were announced at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. After all the names were read, the nominees took the opportunity to express their gratitude and excitement.

Here are some of those reactions:

Oscars 2016: Full Coverage | Complete list | Snubs, surprises and reactions | Top nominee photos | Oscars are so white, again

Alicia Vikander - “The Danish Girl”

Alicia Vikander received an Oscar nomination for actress in a supporting role for "The Danish Girl."

“I could never picture my name [being announced]. But then I saw a photo on TV with the other actresses -- and I had a hard time to get my head around it. These other actresses, these grownups, that I had looked up to for so long. Rooney and Rachel I’ve seen their films; but Kate Winslet -- I watched her since I was very, very young. … it’s just amazing.”

Mark Rylance - “Bridge of Spies”

Mark Rylance received an Oscar nomination for actor in a supporting role for "Bridge of Spies."

“After intense days of making a film all week long he’ll [Steven Spielberg] go off and watch five films over the weekend. He has has not lost one drop of this enthusiasm for film. When you have that kind of engine, if you are born with that kind of love for something you are bound to be very good at it.”

Brie Larson - “Room”

Brie Larson received an Oscar nomination for actress in a leading role for "Room."

“Seeing Lenny [Abrahamson]’s nomination is a really big surprise and so exciting and well deserved. It all started with [novelist and screenwriter] Emma Donoguhe. Then Lenny was our support system and guide through this whole process. I’m completely over the moon and speechless. We worked so hard.”

Michael Fassbender - “Steve Jobs”

Michael Fassbender received an Oscar nomination for actor in a leading role for "Steve jobs."

“I think the film will stand the test of time -- whether it’s in the theaters or video on demand.”

Saoirse Ronan - “Brooklyn”

Saoirse Ronan received an Oscar nomination for actress in a leading role for "Brooklyn."

“I was surprised. I try not to expect to win anything or be nominated for anything or even get a job – it’s better for me personally to expect that not to happen; and if it does, it’s a surprise. I was actually preparing for it not to happen. It was a lovely surprise to wake up to.”

Charlotte Rampling - “45 Years”

Charlotte Rampling received an Oscar nomination for actress in a leading role for "45 Years."

“I am deeply moved and thrilled by this nomination. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing ’45 Years.’ Having the wonderful experience of working with the great Tom Courtenay and Andrew Haigh was a truly rewarding experience and I am simply delighted to have everyone’s hard work and true collaboration honored by our friends and peers in the Academy.”

Jennifer Jason Leigh - “The Hateful Eight”

Jennifer Jason Leigh received an Oscar nomination for actress in a supporting role for "The Hateful Eight."

“It’s incredible news to wake up to! I honestly didn’t think the experience of being in this movie could get any more rewarding than it was, so to get attention for this role is just amazing.”

Leonardo DiCaprio - “The Revenant”

Leonardo DiCaprio received an Oscar nomination for actor in a leading role for "The Revenant."

“We’re pretty blown away. We feel honored, not just us individually but for the whole film. I’m ecstatic that Tom Hardy was nominated -- it was well-deserved. This movie was no easy task. It was an experimental undertaking on an epic scale.”

Jennifer Lawrence - “Joy”

Jennifer Lawrence received an Oscar nomination for actress in a leading role for "Joy."

“I am beyond grateful and humbled by this nomination. I feel incredibly honored to be recognized among the other amazing women in this category. ‘Joy’ is an incredibly inspiring story about an ordinary woman who does extraordinary things.

“For me, working with [director] David O. Russell has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I share this nomination with him as well as our incredible supporting cast. I could not be more proud to be a part of this film and thankful to the producers and Fox for their unyielding support.”

Ennio Morricone - “The Hateful Eight”

Ennio Morricone received an Oscar nomination for original score for "The Hateful Eight."

“When Quentin first asked me to write the score for his new western, I said no. But Mr. Tarantino is 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 screenplay Quentin had written for ‘The 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 1 year old when I wrote my first score for Sergio Leone for ‘A 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 Co., and the whole cast and crew of this remarkable film.

“And of course I receive it on behalf of my clever wife Maria.”

Adam McKay - “The Big Short”

Adam McKay received an two Oscar nominations for directing and co-writing the adapted screenplay for "The Big Short."

“It’s definitely a different kind of movie. Some people, at the beginning, thought it might be too challenging. But clearly there’s a hunger for the information. We knew from early screenings that people were responding but you never know it’s going to go this far.”

Rachel McAdams - “Spotlight”

Rachel McAdams received an Oscar nomination for actress in a supporting role for "Spotlight."

“Wow! This is such an incredible honor. I am shocked and delighted. Thank you to Tom, the cast, the entire Spotlight team, especially Sacha Pfeiffer and the academy. What a tremendous recognition, not just for me -- but for this important film. Never been so happy to get a call at 6 a.m.!”

Oscars 2016: The nominees react

More to Read

More From the Los Angeles Times

Most Read in Awards