2022 Oscar Reactions
Diane Warren potentially broke her toe, “CODA” director Sian Heder danced and cried over FaceTime with fellow nominee Troy Kotsur, and Andrew Garfield started to dream up his ideal opening number.
On the morning of Oscar nominations,Varietyspoke to this year’s contenders — including “The Power of the Dog” star Kirsten Dunst, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye’s” Jessica Chastain and “Summer of Soul” director Questlove — aboutgetting recognized by the Academy.
Kirsten Dunst (‘The Power of the Dog’)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
How does it feel to be nominated alongside your partner, Jesse Plemons?
So Eric Kranzler, my manager, calls me. I’m watching the feed on my phone because my kids are watching cartoons and Jesse is at work. He had to go to work super early today. [Eric] called me, and he said I was nominated, so I’m crying with my kids. They’re like, ‘Why the hell is mom crying?’ [Eric] calls me back, and meanwhile I’m in the throes, talking to my mom or whatever. He was like, ‘Jesse just …’ And I started screaming and I hung up the phone. Then Megan, one of my publicists, called me because she’s trying to tell me and I just screamed at her. Then I called Jesse, and I was the first person to tell him, and he was a little shell shocked. I mean, it’s just so crazy to be a couple and have our first nominations together. It’s like a storybook. You know what I mean? It’s so weird. It’s amazing.
Do you have plans to celebrate together?
Jesse is at work, so maybe we’ll go out tonight. If he doesn’t have to work early tomorrow.
Are there any films you still need to see?
No, I saw everything because I’m a member of the Academy.
Any other thoughts on your first nomination?
It feels so good to be honored by the community you’ve worked in for so long. You know?
Nicole Kidman (‘Being the Ricardos’)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Does the excitement wear off after your fifth acting nomination?
No. It’s a thousand times more [exciting]. I don’t know if that’s age or having a 13-year-old and 11-year-old who understand a little bit what it is. My husband, who is so much a part of all this, and having a family to celebrate with, it’s extraordinary. I find as I get older, everything gets more intense.
Which nominated movie do you still need to see?
I haven’t seen “Drive My Car.” I’d love to see that.
Are you excited to return to a more traditional in-person Oscar ceremony?
Wouldn’t that be good? It’s planned, so let’s go. The idea of being together, there’s something really exciting about that — more than ever. Mmm.
Who should host the Oscars?
No idea. That is so not my lane. [Laughs]. I just want there to be a ceremony.
What’s the last movie you saw in theaters?
We saw “Spider-Man.” I took my kids. I put on a mask.
Andrew Garfield (‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’)
Best Actor in a Leading Role
How have you been processing nominations morning?
It’s incredibly exciting. I take none of it for granted. It’s such a strange thing to be able to do what I love in my life. I know how lucky I am. This is really emotional. It’s deeply moving to be honored and recognized in this way. It’s very surreal. I keep thinking about myself as a 16-year-old acting student, just wondering if I had what it took or if I was barking up the wrong tree.
Now that everyone knows you can sing and dance, would you perform a musical number at the Oscars?
In the month or so I’d have to prep, I think I could get there to be confident enough to take a swing at something. Listen, I’m available. I’m open. I’ve watched the Oscars since I was a kid. Being involved in that way would be surreal, to understate it. If it’s the right thing, it’s the right thing. The last time I sang before “Tick, Tick … Boom!” was Will Smith’s “Welcome to Miami” in karaoke. Maybe that’s the opening number. I know the lyrics by heart.
Who should host the Oscars?
It’s such a hard gig. There are a lot of people who would do it beautifully. Steve Martin and Martin Short would be pretty incredible. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey should host everything. Tom Holland would be wonderful.
“Tick, Tick … Boom!” director Lin-Manuel Miranda was nominated for writing a song for “Encanto.” Will he finally get his EGOT?
Finally. … The idea of him finally getting an EGOT; he’s only 42 for crying out loud. What he’s achieved is so insane. To be able to share this moment with him and bringing Jon [Larson]’s story to people, to be associated with him in any way, to be alive while he’s alive and creating … we’re all lucky to be alive while he’s here creating.
Aside from your own, which nominated movie do you wish you were part of?
“The Worst Person in the World.” It is one of my favorite films of the year. The way Joachim Trier makes films, tells stories, is so poignant and inventive and fresh and alive. You can’t help but want to be in the dance numbers in “West Side Story.” To fall in love like Alana [Haim] in “Licorice Pizza” and hang out in the desert in Arrakis in “Dune” and watch Timmy Chalamet becoming the king he’s always meant to be.
Jessica Chastain (‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
How does it feel to be nominated for a film you also produced?
I’m still in shock. I don’t know if there’s any difference to be nominated for a film I produced. It’s been 10 years, the last time I was nominated was for “Zero Dark Thirty,” and that’s actually the time that I got the rights to this story. So it really feels so full circle. I was thinking about Tammy Faye for such a long time. I did not think it was going to happen this morning, and I didn’t even know [nominations were] this morning. I called Penélope [Cruz] and FaceTimed with her and I called Olivia Colman.
How did you find out you were nominated?
I’m in full Tammy Wynette clothing right now. I was in a green room on set. My hair/makeup team, Linda Dowds and Stephanie Ingram, came in and they were crying with masks on. I knew Oscar nominations were going to be announced soonish, [but] I didn’t know what day. I asked Kelly Carmichael, who’s my producing partner, please do not tell me because I really thought it wasn’t going to happen, and I thought I was going to be disappointing everyone. They came in crying, and I was like, “Something’s wrong.” They said, “No, it’s you. It’s us. It’s you and us together!” And then I realized. It’s a big deal.
What was your favorite movie other than your own that was nominated?
I’m so happy Paolo Sorrentino has been acknowledged. I haven’t seen the full list. I’m literally on a set right now. Paolo Sorrentino, I think he’s the Fellini of our time. I’m obsessed with his work, and I was told he was acknowledged. Andrew Garfield was acknowledged, I was told, for “Tick, Tick … Boom!” We shared texts and I’m going to call him on my next break.
Kodi Smit-McPhee (‘The Power of the Dog’)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
How does it feel to see “Power of the Dog” get so many nominations?
I’m absolutely ecstatic, to say the least. Obviously, I’m super honored to see my name up there, but I think I’m even more excited that I’m surrounded by my peers, my extended family — Jesse, Kirsten, Ari Wagner, which is a huge one for me. And, of course, Jane, Benedict. I’m absolutely over the moon.
What did you focus on in portraying Peter?
It was really the matter of how much we had to internalize for him and how much he had going on under the surface, which we had to drip feed to the audience. It was a very tedious tightrope walk to dial in the character of Peter. In the amazing [guidance] of Jane Campion, it’s a much more manageable task.
Who are you bringing to the Oscar ceremony in March?
I’ll definitely be bringing my girlfriend. She’s been my rock and my absolute emotional support through every up and down throughout my career.
I’m not even sure they’ll be able to make it there, but in the same breath, my family. I’m in Melbourne, Australia, where I watched the nominations with my mom — in the house that I grew up in — and my little brother. That was extremely special. And my dad had a really integral part in raising me and teaching me everything he knew about acting. I’d love them to be a part of the [Oscar ceremony] experience, but right now. I’m not getting too far ahead of myself.
Kenneth Branagh (‘Belfast’)
Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture
“Belfast” is inspired by your own upbringing. How does it feel to bring such a personal story to the screen and then see it recognized by the academy?
It’s an incredibly emotional, magical day for all of us involved with ‘Belfast.’ A friend of mine texted me and said he was in a cafe in Belfast as the nominations were being announced. He said everybody in there was on their phones, looking at the nominations live. When we got the best picture nom, the entire place erupted. The academy has started quite the party in Belfast today.
You broke an Oscar record for receiving seven nominations in seven different categories throughout your career.
It is hard to take in, but it just reminds me of a unique privilege that I’ve had in my career to be able to operate as a storyteller, which is how I regard myself. It’s a real team effort, and this team effort has been recognized. I certainly would not be in receipt of these nominations without the work of everybody else.
Have you been able to celebrate with the “Belfast” cast and crew?
The messages and texts and calls are flying around all over the place. ‘Belfast’ is about a family, [and] the making of it was very much under the circumstances of a family. COVID turned us into a family — because we had no choice, we were bubbled up as we made it. Some of that fabric of connection, some of that fabric of community and closeness of spirit infuses the movie. On a day like today, there are so many generous messages.
Are there any other films you were excited to see on the Oscar nominations list?
I have not seen a bad film this year. It’s as simple as that. I’m a cheerleader for the work that’s been done this year. I was particularly happy to see ‘Nightmare Alley’ be recognized. It’s a beautifully made film. [I was] very impressed and happy to see ‘The Lost Daughter’ and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s screenplay be recognized as well.
When was the last time you went to the movies?
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in a full cinema… I just loved it. I was wowed by all the technical wizardry. I was surprised and delighted by its heart. When we were on our travels promoting ‘Belfast,’ we managed to bump into Tom Holland in Paris, where they were promoting ‘Spider-Man.’ I’ve never seen the effect of meeting a hero as clearly defined as it was on the face of Jude Hill. Tom Holland was so unbelievably gracious with him. That was a beautiful thing to see. It just reminded me that our 10-year-old star really is 10 years old — with all the wonder and the delight in movies that we, and a film like ‘Belfast,’ wishes to capture and preserve.
Adam McKay (‘Don’t Look Up’)
Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay
Did you wake up early to watch the nominations?
It’s always weird to get up at 5 in the morning. I decided long ago, run straight into it. Embrace it. You never know if it’ll happen again. We have people over. We have fun with it, no matter what happens. Every movie is so different as far as it’s received. Especially with this movie, “Don’t Look Up,” which has been such a roller coaster, we were extra excited.
Which nominated movie do you still need to see?
I’ve seen most. You know what I haven’t seen? “Power of the Dog.” I’m a hugeJane Campion fan so I’m going to watch that in the next couple of days.
Who should host the Oscars?
Personally, I love Chris Rock. Bring him back. We need Chris Rock. Sarah Silverman would be great.
Which of your past film characters would fare the best in “Don’t Look Up”?
Dale and Brennan from “Step Brothers” would do great in “Don’t Look Up.” They would be completely down with the Don’t Look Up movement. They would be selling shovels for $3,000 a piece. Until the moment the comet hits, they would not believe it’s real. They would be playing video games. They’d have the most even-keeled emotional response to the approaching comet.
And which of your characters would fare the worst?
Will Ferrell’s character from “The Other Guys” would totally know the comet is real and know every detail about it and would be freaking out while Mark Wahlberg’s character was trying to put drug dealers in jail. I’d be curious how Logan Roy [from “Succession”] would react. Logan Roy would be trying to leverage it for getting his stock price up for their media company Waystar RoyCo. I don’t think he’d be rattled by it. He’d be building an underground bunker and survive it. The Roys would probably survive.
What’s the last movie you saw in theaters?
I just saw “Licorice Pizza.” I went to the AMC Sunset 5 with my wife. It was the first time we had been to the movies in three years. We had the greatest time. The whole experience of buying popcorn, sitting in seats, seeing previews. Every second of it, we were in heaven. Even walking out and throwing our garbage out, we were basking in every second.
Javier Bardem (‘Being the Ricardos’)
Best Actor in Leading Role
How does it feel to be nominated alongside your “Being the Ricardos” co-stars J.K. Simmons and Nicole Kidman?
It’s a huge honor for me. My Desi wouldn’t have any meaning without [Kidman’s] Lucy. We created these two characters together. I only have one scene [with J.K.], but he’s one of my favorite actors ever. I truly admire him. He does a fantastic job.
What did you focus on when stepping into the role of Desi Arnaz?
It’s such an iconic character. It’s a person that has shaped lots of people’s memories forever. To inhabit the spirit, it’s always challenging. I’ve always felt the support of Aaron [Sorkin] and the support of the family [and Lucy Arnaz], their daughter.
Your wife, Penélope Cruz, also received an Oscar nomination today. How are you two celebrating?
We were watching [the nominations] together on the sofa — trying to fit in the same sofa, both of us, because we were very close to each other [and] nervous. There were many things that we were looking at, like best international feature for “The Good Boss,” a movie that I did. That didn’t make it to the final five, but it’s a great movie nonetheless. And of course, “Being the Ricardos,” “Parallel Mothers,” “Dune.” So it was a very interesting session, and then when the names came, we both were celebrating like crazy.
Are you two looking forward to attending the Oscars together?
We live in this time around the world that we don’t know much about what’s gonna happen tomorrow. This uncertainty is hard to deal with. But yeah, we are really excited to be part of it and very honored to go [to the Oscars] and also be representatives of our Spanish film industry and culture.
Diane Warren, ‘Somehow You Do’ (‘Four Good Days’)
Best Original Song
Are there any films you were happy to see nominated?
To be honest, I don’t even know. We were jumping around and yelling, and I think someone, by the way, broke my toe. I don’t know. It’s really sore. But I don’t even know what got [nominated for] best picture, I didn’t even see any of that. I haven’t even looked at any of the other nominations for anything that came after my award.
How did you find out you were nominated?
I was watching live on ABC, sitting there with my friends. A lot of them stayed overnight. It was a sleepless sleepover, and I was like, “Well, maybe I shouldn’t do it this year. It’s a really competitive year and everybody’s here. If it doesn’t get nominated, it might be weird.” Not that I ever expect anything. And it was the very last song.
Oh, yeah, that’s the worst.
It was Beyoncé and Lin-Manuel [Miranda] and a couple other songs. Like, shit, there’s only one space left. At that point, I didn’t think I was going to get nominated. I heard them say the title and everybody started jumping up and down and someone landed on my toe.
Have you spoken to Reba McEntire, who sings the song in “Four Good Days”?
I have not. I haven’t spoken to her. I’m sure I will. I don’t have her number. She’ll have to call me.
Do you have any plans to celebrate your nomination?
I want to go out with some of my friends tonight and totally enjoy the moment. It’s my 13th time [getting nominated], and the nomination is the win to me. Whether I win or not — and I usually don’t. I mean, I always don’t — they only pick five, and I’m one. That’s a win.
It’s lucky No. 13, right?
Yeah. Maybe it is. Maybe it is.
Does it ever get old?
No, it never gets old. I’m so not jaded.
That’s good to hear.
I’m jaded with other things, but I am so not jaded with this. I’m through-the-roof excited. I really am.
Sian Heder (‘CODA’)
Best Adapted Screenplay
It’s been more than a year since “CODA” premiered at Sundance. What has it been like to watch the movie resonate and stay in the awards conversation since then?
That’s been the beauty and joy of this moment. When we were making it, it was such a struggle. It was a scrappy little indie movie. In premiering at Sundance; I remember being so nervous and hoping it would sell. I’m stunned by the journey the film has taken and the way it’s resonated.
Does the “CODA” cast have a group chat?
We were all in a group chat, so there was lots of screaming over text at the same time. I was watching the live feed on my computer, which was delayed, and they were all watching on TV. So suddenly I got an all caps “YAY” text come in, but it hadn’t been announced yet. It was an amazing experience to have my own cast tell me. I FaceTimed with Troy Kotsur this morning, and we both danced in our kitchen and cried together.
It’s a historic win for Troy, the first deaf actor to receive an Oscar nomination.
When I finished the movie, my one wish was that Troy Kotsur become a star. If I can make Troy Kotsur a star, it will have been worth it.
Who are you most excited to meet at the Oscars?
Jane Campion. She’s been my filmmaking hero for so long. To have my film in a category with her film is amazing. She’s been such a pioneer for women directors.
Do you think “CODA” star Emilia Jones should perform at the Oscars?
That would make me so happy. Emilia is so incredible singing “Both Sides Now.” Sure, let’s start that campaign.
Questlove (‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)’)
Best Documentary Feature
How does it feel to receive your first Oscar nomination?
I’m still feeling the high, and I hope it never stops. This is great. There’s no way you can take on something of this magnitude and think, “Maybe I’m making an Oscar-caliber film.” I just wanted to make a beautiful film and restore history. And all that’s happening now after the film has come out, it’s just the cherry on top.
Who do you think should host the Oscars?
Last year when I finished [speaking at the end of the ceremony], people were like, “You realize you kind of hosted the Oscars? You said good night. The fact that you were the last person on the Oscars [stage] means that you were the host technically.” That’s going to be hard to tell. But as a longtime observer of the show, I love those Billy Crystal-like numbers at the beginning.
Are you excited to be in the audience this time as opposed to working behind the scenes?
The weird thing is, this is my fifth Oscars in a row. The first time I [attended] was a one-off with The Lonely Island for “Everything Is Awesome.” I pretty much thought, “OK, well, that’s that.” For some reason, I found a reason to come back every year, either as a DJ or a musical segment or drumming. This fifth time is the best time to return to the Oscars as a nominee.
Maggie Gyllenhaal (‘The Lost Daughter’)
Best Adapted Screenplay
Were you excited to see Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley get nominated for “The Lost Daughter”?
The very first name that was announced this morning was Jessie. My husband and I were watching. We had gotten our kids off to school, and I burst into tears. I was so pleased for her because she’s such a brilliant actress and she’s so extraordinary in the movie. Olivia is in another stratosphere. She’s such an incredible actress. To be nominated all three of us together feels like, “Those are my women.” I’m so thrilled to be able to be there with them.
What do you feel touches audiences most about Elena Ferrante’s story and your adaptation of “The Lost Daughter?”
People respond to being told the truth, especially about something hidden or taboo.The book and the film deal with things that we’ve been asked to be quiet about for a long time. We’ve been told that only a small fraction of our feelings as women are “normal” when, in fact, it’s a much broader spectrum of what’s normal. I didn’t put anything in the film, or in the script, really, that I didn’t think was honest.
Aside from “The Lost Daughter,” were there any other nominations that you were particularly excited to see?
I vote in the actor category. There were some performances I thought were brilliant, like Jessica Chastain in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” and Penélope Cruz [in “Parallel Mothers”]. I also loved “The Hand of God.”
Who should host the Oscars?
How about Maya Rudolph?
Penélope Cruz (‘Parallel Mothers’)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
How does it feel to be nominated alongside your husband, Javier Bardem?
I’ve been crying for an hour nonstop. I am really speechless. I didn’t expect it. It is such a strong year with so many incredible performances, so I really didn’t expect anything. To be there with him the same year, it’s mind blowing for us.
What was the last movie you saw in theaters?
I went to see “The 355” because I wanted to see it in a theater. I enjoyed it. I had seen it so long ago because with COVID, we postponed the release more than a year. I also saw “Being the Ricardos” in a private screening. I knew [Javier] could sing like that, but I think other people didn’t know.
What was your favorite movie of the year?
I liked “The Power of the Dog.” I liked Maggie’s film [“The Lost Daughter”] very much. “Drive My Car.” There are so many great films: “West Side Story,” “Encanto.”
Ariana DeBose (‘West Side Story’)
Best Actress in Supporting Role
You’re joining an exclusive club of actors to be nominated for playing the same character in different movies. Rita Moreno was also nominated for playing Anita in “West Side Story.”
That is great. It seems to be a lot of historical references with this nomination, which is exciting. A lot of firsts; a lot of diversity. [Rita and I], we’re very different women, we’re very different Latinas, and our existence is valid and good. She’s a special talent and a special woman to me and to the industry. I’m honored to be alongside her for this entire journey.
Have you connected with your ‘West Side Story’ co-stars yet?
No. I’m still absolutely overwhelmed. I haven’t been answering my phone. My team is killing me because they’re like, “Please answer your phone.”
Who will be your date to the Oscars?
My mother. In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s already picked out her dress. She had a contingency plan in case. Who knows what these protocols will be. Hopefully we get to have a guest or two. It would be lovely to have a few people to share it with, but I’m hopeful that we get to celebrate this really beautiful season of cinema together in person.
Who are you most excited to meet?
Oh my god, are you kidding? I’m dying to meet Judi Dench.
Can you believe you’re nominated in the same category?
Nope. The answer is nope. I can’t believe it. I have not processed that fact. She is one of the greatest living actresses of her time. I don’t understand how I landed in the category with her, but I’m very honored to be there. You’re going to hear me say this from here until the day actually comes: I’m just really happy to be here. Thanks for letting me in.
What snack are you going to sneak into the Oscar ceremony? They don’t feed you!
That is unfortunate because I love food. Honestly, I’ll probably bring a bunch of Luna bars, and then go get a burger when it’s all done. Actually, I’m a chicken wings girl. Could you imagine wearing couture and then you’re like, “Cool, cool, but chicken wings would be great.”
Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Power of the Dog’)
Best Actor in a Leading Role
How are you processing Oscar nominations morning? “The Power of the Dog” scored 12 nods.
I have a silly grin on my face. It’s been an experience that’s a gift that keeps on giving. Twelve is my new favorite number.
Some actors were nominated alongside their real-life partner. You were nominated in the same year as a fellow Marvel actor.
Andrew Garfield was in the last [Spider-Man’ movie], so I guess that’s true. I see [him] more as Sony. Andrew, I’m thrilled for him.
Which nominated movie do you still need to see?
I’ve done my voting, so I’ve seen them all.
Who should host the Oscars?
Sacha Baron Cohen. Queen Latifah. Will Smith, why not?
Who are you most excited to meet at the Oscars?
I’ve never met Denzel [Washington] or Will [Smith], so I’m super excited about that. I hope we can all get together and acknowledge the moment, no matter what happens on the night.
What would someone be surprised to know about working with Jane Campion?
If they have been following the press, they’d get a pretty good idea of what it’s like to work with her. She’s got a silly sense of humor as well as a heightened view of the human condition. She’s a giggler. There’s a lot less intensity than you’d think. There’s some joy and humor, which is fun to be around.
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (producers Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Mike Rianda)
Best Animated Feature
The film’s main character, Katie, is a huge cinephile. How would she react to the nomination?
Mike Rianda:Her head would explode. [Laughs].
Chris Miller:Katie is a very passionate character, and there are a lot of people who felt a big connection with Katie, whether it was because they were art students, film students, LGBTQ+ people, people who’ve had strained relationships with their families. She would be doing some crazy dancing.
How does it feel to be included in the ever-evolving animated feature category?
Phil Lord:We’re so happy to be part of this. There is such a vibrancy and innovation in the animation community, and it’s so amazing to see it represented in this category. Chris and I have made a few of these, from “Lego Movie” to “Spider-Verse” to this. We try to make them all different. We make them to make somebody’s favorite movie.
Phil and Chris, you produced “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which had a historic win. Do you feel pressure for the upcoming sequel?
Miller: We put all pressure on ourselves. No amount of outside pressure will be as much as the pressure we already put on ourselves.
Lord:The dirty secret is that Mike is helping us out a little bit on the movie. When we’re not doing interviews, we’re working really hard on that. We treat it the way we treat everything, which is to be as ambitious as possible, to make it as hard on ourselves as possible. It’s challenging when the thing people liked about the movie was that it was really innovative. We’re hard at work trying to surprise the heck out of everybody.
Jane Campion (‘The Power of the Dog’)
Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay
How did it feel to have “The Power of the Dog” recieve a leading 12 nominations?
It was astounding. In my eyes, the Academy nominations are still the gold standard for excellence in cinema. It’s meaningful for people all over the world, and it’s a great way to create a great conversation about cinema.
And your entire main cast — Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jesse Plemons — were each nominated.
They’re all amazing. They all deserve it. Some people have been asking me, “What do you do as a director to achieve that kind of result?” But really, I choose amazing actors, people I really believe in, and then it’s just all of our love and respect for the material. And the friendships that create trust and open doors for talking about all sorts of things that can trip up an actor. I don’t have any magic sauce to put on it. I wouldn’t have a clue how to get an actor to prepare for a difficult emotional scene; I might talk to them about it, but I don’t know the way there.
You’re making history as the first woman to be nominated twice for best director. What does that mean to you?
I only found that out today. It’s sad, but it’s also great that women are punching that glass ceiling out of the way. I really feel that things are changing. I’ve been in the industry a long time now, and it’s very different today than it was when I first started. The brave women from the #MeToo movement — their revelations about the systemic abuse within the industry — has woken everybody up and committed people to wanting equality. We’re not there yet. But I would say that it’s the end of apartheid for industry when it comes to gender.
Aside from your own, is there a movie or nominee you were hoping would get recognition?
I’m really excited for my friend Nicole Kidman for getting nominated for “Being the Ricardos.” She was amazing. I was sad Lady Gaga didn’t get nominated because I thought she was a blowout.
Since you have been to the Oscars before, you know there is no dinner. What snack will you sneak into your bag?
I’m thinking carrots. I’m crazy about steamed carrots, but it’d probably be raw carrots.
Joachim Trier (‘The Worst Person in the World’)
Best International Feature, Best Original Screenplay
How did you react where you heard you were nominated twice, for international feature and for best screenplay?
I was sitting with [co-writer] Eskil Vogt. We were listening and being kind of like, ‘Come on, let’s get it over with, let’s get to the international [category]… If we’re not nominated, we have the BAFTAs, we have the Cesar nomination. We’re going to be fine.’ We go through this neurotic, nervous break, and then the screenplay came up, and suddenly we heard our names. We were like, “Woah!” We jumped on the bed and hugged.
Who will be your date to the Oscars?
Eskil, of course! He and I met when we were teenagers, and we became best friends. We were film buffs, we went to cinematheques together, we exchanged VHS tapes. Since my first film that I made when I was 20, we’ve always worked together. He’s written together with me all my five films. And suddenly we are Oscar-nominated together.I will sit next to Eskil in that great auditorium with all those wonderful filmmakers, and we’ll be there together. It’s really touching. It’s pure joy.
Who are you looking forward to meeting at the Oscars?
Paul Thomas Anderson is someone I’ve admired for a long time. We’ve had the great pleasure of having him talk about our film, and he’s even screening it on Saturday at the American Cinematheque. It’s an honor to be nominated with him. I loved “Licorice Pizza.” At the end of the day, it’s not a competition, so if he wins, I’ll be happy with a pure sense of enjoyment.
