Jan. 24 (UPI) — A collection of Hollywood stars including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emma Stone and Viola Davis have shared their excitement in being nominated for an Academy Award.
“I’m beyond, beyond beyond thrilled … The directors of this film changed my life when I was 9 years old and they directed ‘The Little Mermaid.’ … I think this movie is about an amazing young woman who changed the world,” Miranda said Tuesday during a phone call with Good Morning America about his song “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s “Moana” being nominated for Best Original Song.
Moana starring Dwayne Johnson was also nominated for Best Animated Feature.
Stone, in response to receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “La La Land,” wrote in a statement, “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,” she continued.
The contemporary musical leads the pack with a dominating 14 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ryan Gosling.
“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,” Gosling added in his own statement.
Davis meanwhile was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her turn in “Fences” which also received noms for Best Picture, Best Actor for Denzel Washington and Best Adapted Screenplay.
“Thank you to the Academy for recognizing this extraordinary, important film and my work in it. Thank you Denzel for being at the helm!” Davis said referencing the actor who also served as director on the film.
Michael Shannon, who also called into “Good Morning America,” expressed his gratitude in being nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Nocturnal Animals.”
“Obviously it’s kind of a dark movie, very emotional, but it seems to be striking a chord with some people,” the actor said on the morning show. “It’s so funny. I’m at a hotel right now waiting for my room so I’m literally standing out on the sidewalk pacing around. It’s a very unglamorous situation. I haven’t had a chance to talk to any of my family yet, being so far away.”
“Moonlight” star Naomie Harris also spoke about being recognized by the Academy after earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress writing, “‘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.”
