Though we’ll never know exactly how many actors’ publicists are sadly dragging ecstatic press releases into their desktop trash bin this morning, Thursday (December 12) marks the beginning of Jessie Spano season for a select group of entertainment professionals: They’re so excited, they’re so scared. They’re so Golden Globe-nominated.


The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced its list of nominees for the 2014 Golden Globe Awards, and the reactions from those recognized are starting to roll in.



Jennifer Lawrence, nominated for Best Performance By a Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in “American Hustle”:


“Thank you to the HFPA. This is so exciting. I’m thrilled that the film received so many nominations and that I get to share this with the rest of the cast.”


Matthew McConaughey, nominated for Best Performance By an Actor In a Motion Picture – Drama for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club“:


“I’m excited and honored that the HFPA has recognized my performance in ‘Dallas Buyers Club.’ Ron Woodruff was an incredible revolutionary, for HIV and the human spirit, and I was honored to tell his story. Looking forward to spending the evening with the HFPA on January 12th.”



Tom Hanks, nominated for Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his role in “Captain Phillips“:


“I’m honored. The HFPA puts on a good party and I am happy to be invited.”


Judi Dench, nominated for Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in “Philomena“:


“What great news! I’m delighted, and hugely honoured to be in such magnificent company. And without the inspiration of Philomena herself I wouldn’t of course be receiving this recognition.”


Idris Elba, nominated for Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his role in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in “Luther”:


“I’m truly humbled and honored to be acknowledged for two projects that, though very different from one another, are both extremely personal and special to me. Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press for your support, and I would also like to give a special thank you to Mr. Mandela, who will be forever missed.”



Chiwetel Ejiofor, nominated for Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his role in “12 Years a Slave” and Best Performance By an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made For Television for his role in “Dancing on the Edge”:


“It is such a huge honour to be nominated for two Golden Globes and I would like to thank the members of the HFPA for this incredible recognition. The response to ’12 Years A Slave’ and ‘Dancing On The Edge’ from the public and media alike has been overwhelming and I am so very grateful. To have been a part of these amazing projects was a gift in itself, that the HFPA have responded in this way, truly means so much.”


Joaquin Phoenix, nominated for Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in “Her“:


“Thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press for recognizing ‘Her.’ Spike [Jonze] wrote a wonderful story and I am really happy for him.”


Steve McQueen, nominated for Best Director of a Motion Picture for “12 Years a Slave”:


“Thank you very much to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for acknowledging our efforts in making ’12 Years A Slave.’ I am delighted for my cast and crew who worked so hard on this film to shine a light on a forgotten American hero, Solomon Northup.”


Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in “Enough Said” and Best Performance By an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her role in “Veep”:


“I’m thrilled and so grateful to the Hollywood Foreign Press. One question: does this mean I need two dresses?”



Emma Thompson, nominated for Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in “Saving Mr. Banks“:


“Making this film was the most satisfying and thrilling job I’ve had in years. It was a privilege to work with a team of people who couldn’t have been bettered. I’m really honored to be nominated.”


Daniel Bruhl, nominated for Best Performance By a Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Rush“:


“I am deeply honoured by this nomination. Thank you to the HFPA for all their support, to be nominated in the company of such inspiring and esteemed actors is incredible. Thank you to [director] Ron [Howard] for believing in me and giving me the opportunity. I am so proud the film has been recognised as well, and delighted for [screenwriter] Peter [Morgan], Chris [Hemsworth] and the whole team. We all truly loved the experience of working on ‘Rush’ and, as ever, thank you to the magnificent Niki Lauda.”


Kate Winslet, nominated for Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in “Labor Day“:


“I’m extremely surprised and absolutely thrilled to be included this year!!‎ Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.”



Jared Leto, nominated for Best Performance By a Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club”:


“This is absolutely incredible. I want to thank the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for shining a light on ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and for celebrating independent cinema. I’m blown away by this Golden Globe Award nomination and so thankful to the incredible filmmakers for inviting me to help bring a fascinating story to the screen. This has been an unforgettable experience and I’m so very grateful to you all.”


What do you think of this year’s crop of Golden Globe nominees? Sound off in the comments!