2020 Oscar Nomination reactions from Florence Pugh, Hildur Guðnadóttir and more

In the wee hours of the morning, Oscar nominees found out they became part of an elite group this year. Here are some of their reactions.

Hildur Guðnadóttir / JOKER (Best Original Score)

“I’m truly honored and proud to be recognized with an Academy Award nomination for my work on “Joker”. Being invited into this illustrious group of talent and getting to take part in telling this story means the world to me. Todd Phillips is a master of his craft and it was wonderful to experience how he trusts and empowers his collaborators so they can deliver their best work possible.  We see that in the way every element of the film has its space to shine, because he gives each element real weight. The brightest shining of those of course being Joaquin Phoenix´s performance, which was simply otherworldly. I’m grateful for having been invited on this journey of a lifetime with them and I congratulate all of my fellow nominees on their nominations.” 

Florence Pugh / LITTLE WOMEN (Supporting Actress)

“Amy has been such a literary enemy for so long, I think Greta allowed her to be fun and unapologetic for her decisions. We didn’t quite see her, or listen to what she was doing, she was just the girl in the book who ended up with the guy. In terms of Greta [Gerwig’s Oscar snub], I’m happy that everybody is upset. It’s great when you don’t need to point out the obvious. As Greta has said before, it’s been a great year for female creators and I hope this encourages a larger conversation. This is literally why Greta made the film — one about women living in a man’s world, related to money and success. This news only highlights the message of the film.” 

Thelma Schoonmaker / THE IRISHMAN (Film Editing)

“What a joy it was to work on this movie–with such brilliant direction by Scorsese and the extraordinary acting by De Niro, Pacino and Pesci and all the cast–and then an Oscar nomination? What a thrill!”

Director Laura Nix / WALK RUN CHA-CHA (Documentary Short Subject)

“I am beyond thrilled that WALK RUN CHA-CHA has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. Yesterday we celebrated the day Paul arrived in America as a refugee from Vietnam, exactly 40 years ago, and today we’re celebrating an Oscar nomination. I am deeply grateful to Paul and Millie Cao for giving me access to their community over six years of filming. At their dance studio, we see Eastern Europeans teaching Latin dance to people from the Chinese community in suburban Los Angeles, reminding us of the beauty of America’s rich cultural diversity in a moment challenged by anti-immigration policies and sentiment.

I am so grateful to the Academy for recognizing this film, and deeply honored to be in the company of such incredible filmmakers. We share this honor with The New York Times Op-Docs and Concordia Studio without whose support we couldn’t have made this film.” 

Don Sylvester / FORD v FERRARI (Sound Editing)

“I’m thrilled over this nomination and honored to be included among these outstanding films. More importantly, I’m proud to represent my fantastic team and our truly gifted director, James Mangold. Thank you to the Academy.”

Paul Massey / FORD v FERRARI (Sound Mixing)

“It’s a wonderful honor to be nominated along with so many other great-sounding films. My heartfelt thanks to Jim Mangold and our amazing sound team!”

Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts / FOR SAMA (Documentary Feature)

“We are so delighted and honoured to be nominated for an Oscar, alongside these incredible films and filmmakers. It is a moment that we had never imagined on a journey spanning 9-years – from near death to new life.”

“We hope that the nomination will encourage as many people as possible to go and see the film and learn the true story of the Syrian conflict. And we ask them to remember that what they see in the film is still happening today in Idlib, the last part of Syria outside the control of the Assad dictatorship, where hospitals, schools and children are being bombed by the regime and its Russian allies every day.”

Ra Vincent / JOJO RABBIT (Production Design)

“Such an amazing celebration of some truly wonderful films, to be included in this stunning lineup of Production Designers and Set Decorators is a huge surprise and honor. Taika and the Jojo Rabbit team are the very best of people to work and be celebrating with.”

Mayes C. Rubeo / JOJO RABBIT (Costume Design)

“When I first read the script for Jojo Rabbit, I knew immediately that I had to be part of it. Not only for the great opportunity to repeat my collaboration with Taika Waititi, but also because of that most important message it would bring to the audience, which is not to HATE, in every sense, and in all directions of our lives. Jojo Rabbit offered an incredible canvas to portray the reality of war and hate, but also love and compassion, and innocence, with a good portion of poetry. I am so grateful to the Academy for choosing Jojo Rabbit to be nominated in 6 categories including Costume Design, and I am so deeply honored.”

Christ Butler, Arianne Sutner, Travis Knight /MISSING LINK (Animated Feature)

“Everyone at LAIKA is absolutely thrilled to be nominated for Best Animated Feature Film for Missing Link.  Our film speaks to the human desire to belong, to find your place in life and to connect with others.  For the hundreds of animators, craftspeople and technologists who create our films, that connection lies in the belief that movies matter and that creating beauty and emotionally rich film experiences is our best way to make a difference in the world. “

More to come.