Getty Images
-
Entertainment
Awards Shows
-
Entertainment
Awards Shows
-
Beauty
Celeb Hair
Brad Pitt had a whole lot to say when he called in to the Today show Tuesday morning to discuss the recently announced Oscar nominations. Those nominations included his own best actor nod for Moneyball -- and the more surprising best picture noms for two films he headlined this year: the feel-good sports movie Moneyball and the divisive art-house picture The Tree of Life.
"It's gonna be pancakes for everyone this morning!" the 48-year-old actor exclaimed on Today. "It means so much considering this film was just dead on the rocks two years ago," Pitt said of the six nominations for Moneyball, in which he plays game-changing baseball general manager Billy Beane. "It took a lot of people, a lot of artisans and craftsmen, to get it to the screen. It's a great honor, a real tribute to Billy Beane and Oakland A's organization. I'm really happy."
Pitt went on to say that he is "so happy" for his Moneyball costar Jonah Hill, whose best supporting actor nomination was his first. And he poured the praise on especially thick in talking about pal George Clooney, who is nominated for best actor for The Descendants and for best adapted screenplay for The Ides of March. "I say give him all the trophies," Pitt said, "and when you run out of trophies, make some new ones and give him those, too."
Of course, Brad wasn't the only worthy nominee reacting to Tuesday morning's good news. Here's a roundup of what other nominees, from Melissa McCarthy and Jonah Hill to Viola Davis and Meryl Streep, had to say about being recognized by the esteemed Academy.
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids (best supporting actress): "I just did not expect that. AT ALL! Hopefully I'm not nuts," she told Entertainment Weekly. "At some point today, I'm having champagne dammit!"
Jonah Hill, Moneyball (best supporting actor): "I am so humbled, appreciative and in shock about this incredible honor. I'd like to thank the Academy, Sony Pictures, the cast and crew of Moneyball, Brad Pitt, and, most of all, our brilliant director Bennett Miller."
Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn (best actress): "I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors -- a special congratulations to Kenneth Branagh -- and the fearless Harvey Weinstein. This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyn's legacy."
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady (best actress): "I am honored to be in company with such beautiful artists, and touched deeply by my fellow actors for their generosity in giving me this acknowledgment."
Demian Bichir, A Better Life (best actor): "I'm overwhelmed for having my name among those incredible actors. This could have never happened if (director) Chris Weitz had not been the head of this film. He is my brother and I thank him deeply."
Viola Davis, The Help (best actress): "The key to a great performance is surrounding yourself with talent and getting over your ego," Davis told Variety. "One thing everybody gave up was their egos when they got on the set, and I think that showed in the final product."
Octavia Spencer, The Help (best supporting actress): "It's numbing!" Spencer remarked to People. "There were no guarantees. I didn't think I was in it and then they said my name and it was just a sigh of relief."
Berenice Bejo, The Artist (best supporting actress): "I'm overjoyed and filled with happiness. I can't believe that a year ago I was learning how to tap dance and today I am nominated for an Academy Award. It was a thrill to work on a project as ambitious as The Artist and I am happy to share this moment with our visionary director, Michel Hazanavicius."
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn (best supporting actor): "It was a rare honour to play Sir Laurence Olivier. To be recognised by the Academy for doing so is overwhelming. I'm absolutely thrilled."
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist (best director): "I am so honored for this nomination. Filming The Artist in Los Angeles was a dream come true, and to receive this recognition today is far beyond what I ever imagined. I couldn't have done this film without the incredible cast of actors and outstanding crew whose heart and souls were poured into this project."
Alexander Payne, The Descendants (best director): "There's no denying that Oscar nominations for one’s film are exciting, if only for the joy they give to everyone who worked so hard on the film. I'm particularly happy for the recognition of my long-time editor Kevin Tent. He really deserves it."
Martin Scorsese, Hugo (best director): "I am deeply honored to have been nominated by the Academy for my work on Hugo. Every picture is a challenge, and this one -- where I was working with 3D, HD and Sacha Baron Cohen for the first time -- was no exception. It's a wonderful feeling to know that you've been recognized by the people in your industry. I congratulate my fellow nominees. It's an impressive list, and I'm in excellent company."
