“I just flew in to L.A. last night and was with Salma Hayek and we watched together. Afterward, I fell back asleep for an hour. It’s great to start getting phone calls and people are so happy for you. Woody is so honest and was very shy at the beginning but then he gets to know you and relaxes. We’ve become friends. I call him when I’m in New York and we hang out together.”
Penelope Cruz, supporting actress, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

“It’s weird, a big surprise. You learn not to have expectations. My son-in-law called and then the phone started ringing. I love this profession. I love film. Not to sound Pollyanna, but it’s an honor to be part of this whole thing.”
Richard Jenkins, actor, “The Visitor”

It’s delightfully surprising. I had no expectations. A very close friend called me, as I had no idea it was televised. It’s remarkable how many people are calling me. What does all of this mean Four letters: W-O-R-K.”
Melissa Leo, actress, “Frozen River”

“I didn’t want to get ahead of myself and wanted to guard against being disappointed. I tried to be very cool and sleep through it. I got in from Washington, D.C., and decided to spend the night at my parents’ apartment and had anxiety dreams all night, getting up every hour. At 8:30 we were all sitting on the couch. I think my parents cheered louder than anyone.”
Anne Hathaway, actress, “Rachel Getting Married”

Tim Burton, one of the most gifted and visionary directors working in Hollywood, has never been nominated for the Best Director Oscar.  In contrast, Stephen Daldry, a proficient, neophyte filmmaker, has been nominated multiple times, making Oscar and film history records, by going three for three. With this year’s “The Reader,” he has scored a directing bid for the each of the three films he has helmed: “Billy Elliott” in 2000 and “The Hours” in 2002.