Record-breaker Meryl Streep, other stars react to their Oscars nominations

From left: Meryl Streep, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks in “The Post”

LOS ANGELES—Meryl Streep broke her own record as the most nominated actor in Oscars history when the Academy announced its nods last Tuesday in Beverly Hills.
The actress’ 21 nominations are way ahead of Jack Nicholson and the late Katharine Hepburn, who are tied in second place with 12 nods each.

Meryl’s latest nomination is for her portrayal of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham in Steven Spielberg’s “The Post.”

Speaking of Oscars records, Christopher Plummer became the oldest actor nominee at 88 with his citation for his performance as oil tycoon J. Paul Getty in Ridley Scott’s “All the Money in the World.”

Christopher also holds the record as the oldest winner of an acting Oscars trophy when he bagged the best supporting actor for “Beginners” at age 82.

Two 89-year-olds also set Oscars marks. James Ivory (adapted screenplay—“Call Me by Your Name”) and Agnes Varda (documentary feature—“Faces Places”) became the oldest male and female Oscars nominees.

Other records were established in the early morning announcement. For “Get Out,” Jordan Peele made history as the first African-American filmmaker to be nominated in three categories: best picture, director and original screenplay.

Like La Streep, John Williams broke his own record as the most nominated living person when he cinched his 51st—yes, 51— nomination for his score for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” And get this—the revered composer is a spry 85-year-old.

For her work in “Mudbound,” Rachel Morrison became the first female cinematographer nominee in Oscars’ 90-year history.

The following are the reaction quotes of some of the Oscars nominees when they woke up last Tuesday morning:

Meryl Streep, actress, “The Post”

I am honored beyond measure by this nomination for a film I love, a film that stands in defense of press freedom and inclusion of women’s voices in the movement of history. Proud of the film and all filmmakers.

Robert “Bobby” Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, song, “Remember Me” from “Coco”

We are so grateful to our collaborators at Pixar for challenging us to write a song that could have so many meanings. “Remember Me” is a very personal song about saying goodbye to those you love … We couldn’t be prouder of what these filmmakers have achieved in “Coco,” and we are grateful to the Academy for the recognition!

Amy Pascal, Kristie Macosko Krieger and Steven Spielberg, picture, “The Post”

We are so proud of the Academy’s recognition today and that this film has been loved by so many people.

Christopher Plummer, supporting actor, “All the Money in the World”

I am absolutely thrilled to have received this nomination by the Academy. It was quite unexpected, but incredibly gratifying. Everything has happened so quickly of late.

Guillermo del Toro, director and picture, “The Shape of Water”

(Translated from Spanish): It’s a great honor and joy to be here today with a picture that remains faithful to all my convictions and the images I have loved since infancy.

I share these nominations with all the young filmmakers in Mexico and Latin America who put their hopes in our craft and the intimate stories of their imagination.

Sally Hawkins, actress, “The Shape …”

This nomination is for every single one of us who brought our hearts to this film. To be honored by the acknowledgment of my colleagues, of fellow actors, filmmakers, writers and crew members is truly humbling.

Sally Hawkins in “The Shape of Water”

Octavia Spencer, supporting actress, “The Shape …”

My heart is bursting with pure elation for the cast and crew of “The Shape of Water.” Guillermo has given us all a dream job, and to be recognized by the Academy is so deeply moving.

Greta Gerwig, picture, director and original screenplay, “Lady Bird”

I am beside myself with joy and gratitude. I couldn’t be prouder of my brilliant women who led the cast, Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf.

Saoirse Ronan, actress, “Lady Bird”

I am incredibly grateful to the Academy for recognizing this wonderful story about the beauty and strength of women.

Laurie Metcalf, supporting actress, “Lady Bird”

I’m thrilled to be recognized with the incredible actresses in my category. I am grateful to the Academy for this amazing honor.

Jordan Peele, picture, director and original screenplay—“Get Out”

Thank you to the Academy for recognizing my crew, cast and the exceptional and brilliant Daniel Kaluuya. And to all of those who came before me and broke down doors for African-American filmmakers and genre films, I stand on your shoulders with gratitude and a commitment to continue to make room for those who follow.

Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, on the nominations that “Dunkirk” received

We are thrilled that the Academy has recognized the craft and talent of so many of the incredible people that brought the story of “Dunkirk” to life. But most of all, this recognition helps us to believe that we have done some justice to honoring all those whose lives were affected by the real-life events at Dunkirk.

Sam Rockwell, supporting actor, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

I am truly humbled and proud to be nominated alongside Willem (Dafoe), Richard (Jenkins), Christopher (Plummer) and, of course, Woody (Harrelson). I share this recognition with the entire cast and crew.

Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten and Douglas Urbanski, picture, “Darkest Hour”

We are so humbled and thrilled that the Academy recognized “Darkest Hour” with six nominations.

Frances McDormand in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

John Williams, score, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

It was a privilege and a joy to be a part of Rian Johnson’s fabulous film. I’m extremely grateful to the Academy for this recognition.

Allison Janney, supporting actress, “I, Tonya”

I am so incredibly proud to be a part of the “I, Tonya” team! Congratulations to Tatiana Riegel for her brilliant editing and to the amazing Margot Robbie, who is an absolute treasure. And the fact that my first Oscars nomination comes from a part that my dear friend, Steven Rogers, wrote for me makes it all the more sweet.

Gary Oldman, actor, “Darkest Hour”

Firstly, I want to congratulate my fellow nominees. To be in such company is deeply, genuinely humbling. I am overjoyed to be nominated, and proud to be part of this wonderful thing known as moviemaking!

Lesley Manville, supporting actress, “Phantom Thread”

I am rather giddy with excitement at the wonderful news and extremely thankful that the Academy has honored Paul Thomas Anderson, Daniel Day-Lewis, JoAnne Sellar, Megan Ellison, Daniel Lupi, Mark Bridges and Jonny Greenwood alongside myself with nominations today.

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, song, “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman”

We are honored to be included in such great company with our fellow nominees. We share this nomination with the amazingly talented creative team behind this movie. A special thanks goes to the singularly talented Keala Settle whose performance of this song elevates it in a way that we could only dream of.

Willem Dafoe, supporting actor, “The Florida Project”

I am very proud of this movie that authentically expresses the human spirit’s natural impulse to extend itself to others even in difficult circumstances.

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