OSCAR Nominees React: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Viola Davis, Jeff Bridges, Mahershala Ali

La La Land, the romantic story of two dedicated and determined talents, played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, living in Los Angeles set to music, garnered 14 nominations to become only the third film in history to earn across the board accolades in nearly every category available.

The 89th Academy Awards nominations are always met with varied reactions and in a year like 2016, when it seemed everyone moved the bar up to single out only five performances and less in some categories as excellent or stronger is simply difficult. 

Ryan Gosling, who won the Golden Globe earlier this month for his role in "La La Land," gave this reaction to his Best Actor Nomination, "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."

Emma Stone, who starred opposite Gosling and Best Actress Nominee, said, "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."

Viola Davis, Best Supporting Actress nominee for "Fences": "Thank you to the Academy for recognizing this extraordinary, important film and my work in it. Thank you Denzel for being at the helm!"

Jeff Bridges, Best Supporting Actor nominee for "Hell or High Water": "Woke up this morning in beautiful Solano Beach after playing a cool gig at the Belly Up with my band the Abiders to find out I've been nominated for my performance in 'Hell or High Water.' What a thrill, especially for a movie that is so close to my heart. I really dug playing with Gil, Chris and Ben and being directed by the talented David Mackenzie. And such a GREAT script from Taylor. Woo Hoo! Thanks Academy."

Mahershala Ali, Best Supporting Actor nominee for "Moonlight": "I'd like to thank the Academy for this humbling recognition. I'm so proud to have had the opportunity to contribute in some small way to both Moonlight and Hidden Figures. I'd also like to congratulate my friends, colleagues and cast mates who have been acknowledged through the nominations of both of these films. The most one can ask for in this work is to have a presence in projects that entertain and yet still hold a space to educate, inform and uplift. And for that, I am truly grateful."

The 89th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theater® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Sources: Various 

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