DreamWorks, Walt Disney Pictures Nominees Issue Oscar Statements

The Oscar nominees are out and the speculation begins as to who the winners will be. Several of the movie studios and nominated cast and crew have issued statements reflecting their feelings of appreciation toward the Academy and nominators. Here are the statements issued from DreamWorks and Walt Disney Pictures nominees, compiled for your reading enjoyment.

Bret McKenzie for "The Muppets":

"I'm blown away by the nomination and truly honored to be recognized by the Academy. I still can't even believe I got to work with Kermit the Frog."

Jason Segel for "The Muppets":

"The entire Muppets team is so thrilled for Bret McKenzie on his Best Song nomination for 'Man or Muppet'. It could not have happened to a better guy. Go Muppets!!"

Director Enrico Casarosa for "La Luna" (animated short film from Pixar):

"'La Luna' is a deeply personal story for me, and to have it recognized by the Academy is an honor both profound and exhilarating. I know this also means so much to the crew, who believed in this whimsical idea and brought it to life with amazing talent and expertise. On behalf of all of them, I'd like to thank the Academy. This must certainly be how it feels to be over the moon!"

Director Steven Spielberg for "War Horse":

"I am thrilled with our multiple nominations for 'The Help' and 'War Horse.' It is the first time that I have experienced two Best Picture nominations in the same year. One is a high honor. Two is humbling but very exciting. It is a tribute to all those who joined with Stacey Snider and our DreamWorks Studios team to develop and make these two films with stories that we passionately felt we had to make."

Producer Kathleen Kennedy for "War Horse":

"We are thrilled for the nominations 'War Horse' has received and most of all thankful to have been working under the leadership of Steven Spielberg whose moral clarity, vision and sensitive handling of the Great War might serve in some small way to raise awareness of war's pointlessness."

Octavia Spencer for "The Help":

"I am so honored that not only was my work recognized by the Academy, but that the tireless efforts of our amazing cast and crew culminated in nominations for Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and the film itself. It is a testament to our true ensemble of talent, both in front of and behind the scenes."

Viola Davis for "The Help":

"It's an honor to be nominated a second time, it is a personal accomplishment and triumph for women and women of color. I'm so glad the film has been recognized, it was a labor of love from the moment it was conceived and it is rewarding to see the impact it is having."

Walt Disney Pictures for "Real Steel":

"As announced today, we are thrilled that 'Real Steel' (on the same day and date as its home entertainment debut) has been nominated for the 2012 Academy Awards for its great Visual Effects. This is the second Academy Award nomination for Erik Nash (previously nominated for 'I, Robot' in 2004) and first-time Academy Award nominations for John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg."

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

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