2015 Emmy Nominations: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Matt LeBlanc, Viola Davis and More Honorees React

Stars and producers sound off about their big honors

By Chris Harnick, Sydney Bucksbaum Jul 16, 2015 5:45 PMTags
Emmy StatuettePaul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

It's one of—if not the—most exciting days in the world of TV: Emmy nominations! Orange Is the New Black's Uzo Aduba and So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley announced the nominees for the 67th Annual Emmy Awards and there were tons of surprises and plenty of snubs.

Shortly after the nominations were announced, the stars started reacting, of course.

Veep's Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
"As President, my staff and I are too busy doing the people's business to watch television. Nonetheless, we are thrilled to be a part of this celebration of creativity. (Go Jon Hamm!)"

Parks and Recreation's Amy Poehler, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
"F--K YEAH" (for Parks and Rec's nominations in Outstanding Comedy Series)

Nightingale's David Oyelowo, Outstanding Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
"Wow!!! 2 Emmy nominations for NIGHTINGALE!! We took a long shot, and we SCORED!!!"

The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
"I am literally shocked. Every year it's a humble blessing to be nominated and I don't think any of this, or the adrenaline it creates, for granted. I never knew that playing dress up for a living could be this invigorating. Thank you for the honor of being nominated for the fourth year in a row!"

ABC/Mitch Haaseth

House of Cards executive producer Beau Willimon, Outstanding Drama Series
"Everyone at House of Cards is thrilled by our nominations. Kevin, Robin and Michael were all on set when we found out. That triumvirate poured themselves into Season 3, along with all the folks behind the camera who make this show what it is. I'm especially happy for Michael Kelly. This is his first nomination and so well deserved. It's always an honor to be recognized by our peers. It motivates us to keep making the show better. And congrats to Netflix for all its other nominations. We're proud to be part of the Netflix family."

Shark Tank's Lori Greiner, Outstanding Structured Reality Series
"I am so excited that Shark Tank was nominated today for an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Structured Reality Program. The strength and entrepreneurial expertise of my colleagues—Mark Cuban, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran—along with our incredible teams at ABC and Sony Pictures Television and the amazing Mark Burnett and Clay Newbill, make it one of the smartest reality shows in television today.  The constantly increasing popularity of the show proves to me that entrepreneurship and the pursuit of the how proves to me that entrepreneurship and the pursuit of the of the American Dream are thriving, more than ever."

Episodes' Matt LeBlanc, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
 "I'm really honored to be considered again and I'm especially proud of our writers Jeffrey Klarik and David Crane for their well-deserved nomination. We are all flattered that the voters have kept Episodes in mind since we were on so early in the year.  A heartfelt thank you to Showtime for all their support these past four seasons…"

Mom and Masters of Sex star Allison Janney, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and Guest Actress in a Drama Series
"I am so proud to be associated with these two brilliant shows and am so in love with the complicated characters and compelling story lines they bring my way."

How to Get Away With Murder's Viola Davis, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
"This is an incredible honor and I am extraordinarily grateful."

AMC

Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series 
"This is truly the most amazing surprise! I am so lucky to have been a part of Mad Men and to have played such a wonderful character like Peggy. Being recognized like this when there are so many other ridiculously talented women on TV right now is incredibly humbling. I am ecstatic for the rest of my Mad Men family who also got recognized and can't wait to celebrate with them in September!"

American Horror Story: Freak Show's Jessica Lange, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie
 "What great news! I am thankful to the Academy to receive this wonderful nomination and to be in such magnificent company. And to Ryan Murphy for the most extraordinary experience. Playing Elsa Mars this season was extremely special to me and I am truly honored."

Dancing With the Stars' Tom Bergeron, Outstanding Reality Host
"I'm honored, although to be honest I'm surprised. I submitted in the 'Best Natural Hair Color' category."

The Tonight Show's Jimmy Fallon, Outstanding Variety Talk Series
"So honored to be nominated for an Emmy. I love being part of the American tradition of late night comedy....that people watch the next day on their phone after a brief yogurt commercial.

House of Lies' Don Cheadle, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
"7 nominees? Clearly men in comedy is SO much more weighty and important than any other sex or category. You're welcome, America." 

HBO

The Newsroom's Jeff Daniels, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
"I will always take great pride in what Aaron Sorkin & Co. did with Newsroom. Will McAvoy will outlive me. It was an honor to portray such a well-drawn character."

House of Cards' Kevin Spacey, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
‏"Delighted to see fellow #HouseofCards cast @RealRobinWright, @michaeljkellyjr, Reg Cathey, @RachieBros as part of the 11 nominations! Congrats to #Netflix/MRC & the team on #HouseofCards for 11 #Emmys noms! Proud to work w/ all & to be included too!"

Olive Kitteridge's Richard Jenkins, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie 
"I'm thrilled to be nominated. Experiences like Olive Kitteridge don't come along very often. It's so gratifying to see so many members of the cast and crew being recognized. My experience on Olive defined collaboration." \

Game of Thrones' Emiliar Clarke, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series 
"From across the pond, thank you with all my heart. I honestly was not expecting this. I am most proud that the show is being recognized by the Academy in such a profound way, especially in such a wonderful year for television. This is entirely a testament to the dedication of David, Dan, HBO and the entire cast and crew of Game of Thrones. If you're going to be a mother of teenage dragons, trust me, these are the people you want by your side."

Veep's Tony Hale, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
"Probably need to call a therapist since my first reaction is always, 'Are you sure?' I'm so incredibly excited and thankful to HBO, Armando and Julia for giving me this opportunity. Happy hour is going to be earlier tonight!"

Hollywood Game Night's Jane Lynch, Outstanding Reality Host
"I couldn't be more honored with this nomination or more grateful to all the celebrities and regular folk who show up every week game to play! And almost certainly make a fool out of themselves." 

Watch: 2015 Emmy Noms: Best Actor in a Drama Series

Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
"I am truly blown away at this nomination. I am grateful to Vince, Peter, and the writing staff. I also have to thank my amazing cast mates Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean, Michael Mando, Patrick Fabian and Rhea Seehorn because everyone raises everyone's game. I promise to wear a tux to the ceremony. And of course thank you to the Academy!!!!"

Bessie's Mo'Nique, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie 
"Congratulations to HBO and the entire cast of Bessie for your Emmy Nominations. Queen Latifah is Bessie Smith! Dee Rees wrote such a dynamic movie. I believed she was in that time with those amazing women."

Derek: The Final Chapter's Ricky Gervais, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie 
"It will be an honour to lose to someone other than Jim Parsons for a change."

American Horror Story: Freak Show's Angela Bassett, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie
"I am grateful to be part of American Horror Story and so happy the show continues to be recognized. Thrilled to be in the company of all the ladies and their well-deserved nominations!

Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec, Outstanding Structured Reality Series
"I  thrilled that Shark Tank was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program. We take such pride in promoting entrepreneurship and it's incredible to see this show support the growth of small business in America. Congratulations to my fellow Sharks—Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran, the brilliant crew and production teams!"

Watch: 2015 Emmy Noms: Best Actress in a Drama Series

Project Runway's Tim Gunn, Outstanding Reality Host
"I'm ecstatic about our nominations. It's always a thrill to hear your name, and show, mentioned in such stellar company.

Project Runway's Heidi Klum, Outstanding Reality Host
"We are thrilled to be nominated for Project Runway as we kick off our 14th season of the show! Thank you to all of our Project Runway fans!"

Houdini's Adrien Brody, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie 
"What an honor. Thank you to the Television Academy for this wonderful news and to my fellow nominees whom I am humbled to share the category with."

American Crime's Regina King, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie 
"I just want to say that I am so proud of this show. Everybody felt that it was a singular experience and that we were a part of something special that could actually start a conversation—so to be recognized in this way is really wonderful. These performances were so powerful across the board. It is extremely rewarding to be part of a cast that is so strong—oh and the crew. I'm so lucky that I'm on my way now to play with half of the American Crime crew on the set of The Leftovers here in Austin. The fact that I get to go celebrate with about 30 men and women who also worked on American Crime is just priceless."

Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggat, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
“Wow, I am so shocked, humbled and excited! Downton is a true ensemble, cast and crew, and I am so proud of all the team. A huge thank you to the Television Academy for your support and for including me in this group of incredible actresses. I couldn't be more thrilled!”

BBC

Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
"The nomination is so surreal and exciting, mostly because of our fans and how voraciously supportive and protective they are of our show. They've totally championed us, and given us visibility and we are so grateful to them. So this nomination is for them. And I'm so grateful to the Academy for the nod."

House of Cards' Robin Wright, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
"I'm  thrilled that our show and actors have been recognized and I want to thank the academy for this great honor."

Glee's Darren Criss, Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
"This is far beyond the realm of what I ever thought the outcome of this song could be. I was just so happy to have 'This Time' be a part of the episode at all, so to have it recognized at this level alongside my fellow nominees is an honor. So grateful to Ryan Murphy for giving it a shot, the Anders brothers for giving it life, and to Lea Michele for giving it a voice. I'm over the moon!"

House of Cards' Michael Kelly, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
"I am so humbled and blown away by this nomination! I was on set filming Season 4 this morning, and to be able to share this with Kevin, Robin, Beau and the cast and crew of this incredible show has been absolutely surreal. What an amazing family to share my first Emmy nomination with! It is an honor to receive this recognition – I am over the moon and I feel so blessed and so grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this very special project."

David M. Russell/SHOWTIME

Nurse Jackie's Edie Falco, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
"It's an embarrassment of riches to be recognized for a show I so thoroughly loved being a part of. Every aspect of it was a joy.  I'm so grateful to the academy for their support throughout the years
 
The Taste's Anthony Bourdain, Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
"Proud and grateful. "
 
So You Think You Can Dance's Travis Wall, Outstanding Choreography
"WOW! To be nominated again this year is truly an honor! ‘5th times the charm' is that how the saying goes?! But really, I am just so happy to see my friends/colleagues/peers in the Outstanding Choreography category getting the well-deserved recognition. My routines, personally, mean a lot to me so to be recognized for something that I put my soul into is extraordinary. Plus I'm so stoked for my So You Think You Can Dance family and our EIGHT nominations this morning!"

Katy Perry, Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
"Um...Woke up to my first Emmy nomination for the Halftime show!!! V proud of everyone involved especially #leftshark"

The Good Wife's Alan Cumming, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
"Tomorrow is my first day of filming season 7 on The Good Wife. I don't think there could be many better going back to work gifts than waking up this morning to find out I had been nominated for an Emmy award for my work on the show!
 
"It's really incredible for me to compute that by the end of this season I will have been filling Eli's tailored suits for more than six years. But due to the truly innovative writing of Michelle King and Robert King and their wit and intelligence and compassion, I have never looked forward so much to going back to work as I do tomorrow. Perhaps its because we are coming into election year that I have such relish to find out what Eli will be up to next. But whatever it is I know it will be of the highest quality and I will have the maximum fun bringing it to life.
 
"I'm truly grateful to the Television Academy for this nomination and there is no truth in the rumor that I'm hiring Eli Gold as my advisor for the forthcoming Emmy campaign. Even though he offered me a really good rate."

PHOTOS: Notable 2015 Emmy nominees