Update!

2014 Emmy Nominations: Lena Dunham, Matthew McConaughey, Edie Falco and More Honorees React

Mayim Bialik, Robin Wright, Lizzy Caplan and Christina Hendricks also share their gratitude

By Zach Johnson Jul 11, 2014 10:25 AMTags
Matthew McConaughey, Lena Dunham, Edie Falco, 2014 Emmy ReactionsHBO(2), SHOWTIME

Talk about a great way to start the day! The Voice's Carson Daly and The Mindy Project's Mindy Kaling announced the nominees for the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Thursday morning. Seth Meyers will host the event, which will be broadcast live on NBC at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT. on Monday, Aug. 25.

Shortly after, several of this year's honorees shared their gratitude to E! News.

True Detective's Matthew McConaughey, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
"I am honored to be nominated with such a talented field of actors. This is a tremendous category filled with some riveting performances. Thank you for this recognition."

Girls' Lena Dunham, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
"It's an honor to be recognized with this incredible group of fierce and funny women. This list of nominees would also be the list for the best dinner party in history. Many thanks to the academy and to HBO."

Mom's and Masters of Sex's Allison Janney, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
"I couldn't be more proud and excited to be recognized for being a part of two shows that I think are just spectacular! I congratulate my Masters of Sex husband Beau Bridges and the divine Lizzy Caplan. And the nomination for Mom I share with Anna Faris because we're a team. Any recognition for my work is recognition for her as well. Congratulations are also in order for the wonderful Chuck Lorre. I definitely have a spring in my step this morning!"

Nathaniel E. Bell/Netflix

Episodes' Matt LeBlanc, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
"Wow it's early...it's still dark outside but thank you to the academy! I'm truly honored to represent a project I'm so very proud of. And equally thrilled that our writers Jeffrey Klarik and David Crane were also nominated."

The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
"How incredibly humbling to be nominated not only a third time but among a group of such exceptionally talented and critically acclaimed actresses. This is truly proof that among women like this, the third time will NOT be the charm for me!!!"

House of Cards' Robin Wright, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
"I'm so proud to be a part of such a consistently brilliant show as House of Cards. I'm thrilled that we have been recognized and I want to thank the academy for this great honor."

Masters of Sex's Lizzy Caplan, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
"I can safely say that this is one of the few phone calls a person WANTS to get at an ungodly hour. I am shocked and thrilled and SHOCKED and really, really excited. Did I mention I'm shocked? Because I am SHOCKED. Champagne before 6 am is ok, right?"

Mad Men's Christina Hendricks, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
"I am so grateful to the Academy for the incredible amount of support shown for Mad Men. To be nominated is a huge honor and I am thrilled that the show itself has been highlighted in so many other areas as well. I am so thankful."

ABC/Richard Cartwright

Scandal's Kerry Washington, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
"I'm so honored to be nominated. And so thrilled for Joe Morton and Kate Burton! I'm crazy grateful that the TV Academy has acknowledged our show in these ways."

Dancing on the Edge's Chiwetel Ejiofor, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
"I am delighted to be recognized by the Emmys for a role in a project that I am incredibly proud of.  Working with Stephen Poliakoff and this amazing ensemble cast and getting to play such an extraordinary character was a tremendous experience."

The Voice's Mark Burnett, Outstanding Reality Competition Program
"We are thrilled to be once again recognized for The Voice with more nominations than ever. We are so proud of The Voice family, whose dedication to creating great television, continues to entertain audiences across the globe each week."

Mad Men's Jon Hamm, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
"I can only humbly thank the Television Academy for again including me in such a talented group of individuals as well as express my sincere gratitude for the recognition of not only the show, but my fellow cast members Christina Hendricks and Robert Morse as well as our stellar crew who were recognized.  Thanks to the Academy and the nominating committees."

Portlandia's and Park Bench's Steve Buscemi, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program
"There are so many great actors doing really inspiring work on television right now and it's an honor to be recognized among them. I'm also thrilled and appreciative of the support that Park Bench has received."

Derek's Ricky Gervais, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
"I am over the moon. I cannot wait to fly to L.A. to see Louis C.K. win. Genuinely though, I am absolutely thrilled."

HBO/Patrick Harbron

The Newsroom's Jeff Daniels, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
"The honor of an Emmy nomination is shared with your show, your cast, your crew, your production team, your writer—especially, your writer—as well as with your fellow nominees. The Emmys are a celebration of the great work being done all across television and I couldn't be more proud to be recognized during what I believe is one of the most artistically creative periods in television history."

Project Runway's Heidi Klum, Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Host for Reality or Reality Competition Program
"I am so thrilled and happy about the nomination for Project Runway and for host, for myself and Tim Gunn! We're currently shooting our 13th season, and we have some of the most talented designers we've ever had and they are doing some of the best work we've ever seen. I can't wait to celebrate the show and everyone who works so hard on it!‎"

700 Sundays' Billy Crystal, Outstanding Variety Special, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special and Outstanding Picture Editing for Short-Form Segments and Variety Specials
"So happy with these nominations. This breaks my 'I can't believe what happened to Brazil funk.'"

The Normal Heart's Mark Ruffalo, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie
"I'm so humbled to be a part of The Normal Heart. Congratulations to my friends and colleagues, Ryan Murphy, Matt Bomer, Alfred Molina, Jim Parsons, Joe Mantello and Julia Roberts.  And to the great Larry Kramer, thank you forever."

Giles Keyte/Carnival Film & Television

Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery, Outstanding Lead Actress in Drama Series
"I am absolutely thrilled to have been nominated again. I am on set today filming series 5 so, Lady Mary has a smile on her face for a change!"

Downton Abbey's Jim Carter , Outstanding Supporting Actor in Drama Series
"I am very proud of the nominations across the board especially our craft nominations. This shows the incredible hard work behind the scenes that goes in to making the show. And for myself, it's great news we have equal nominations between above and below stairs, I am so delighted."

Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
"I am totally thrilled! To be nominated in the same category as these brilliant actresses is such an honor. I couldn't be happier. Amazing news! Thank you so much!"

Downton Abbey's Maggie Smith, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
"
I am so glad you love Violet so much, these nominations keep Violet from kicking the bucket."

The Good Wife's Josh Charles, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
"I'm so proud of the show and humbled by this nomination. I'm thrilled for Julianna, Christine, Dylan, and our casting director Mark Saks for all of their respective nominations as well. It's an honor to be mentioned with such a great group of talented actors."

So You Think You Can Dance's Cat Deeley, Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program
"I am genuinely excited and honored to be acknowledged amongst this brilliant group of hosts. To be a part of a show that is being recognized in this way in its 11th season is remarkable and really such a testament to the hard work of the myriad people involved with the show—the judges, the incredible dancers, producers and crew. I share this nomination with them and thank the Television Academy for this great honor."

Trae Patton/NBC

Hollywood Game Night's Jane Lynch, Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program
"I'm so thrilled with this nomination! I adore working on Hollywood Game Night and all the great people who make it possible."

Scandal's Joe Morton, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
"I was working out this morning while watching CNN when they announced the Emmy nomination announcements were over. Since my phone hadn't rung, I assumed I hadn't been nominated. No sooner did I think that, my phone rang and it was my publicist calling with the good news...so I was brought up after the let down. The cliché is real: it's a great feeling to be nominated by your peers. Of course, I'm very happy for my Scandalmates, Kerry and Kate, and also for my good friend Reg E. Cathy."

Sherlock: His Last Vow's Benedict Cumberbatch, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
"That's amazing news to start the day with here in Boston! An early birthday present. I'm honored to be in such great company not least Martin. Thrilled for all who make Sherlock and especially those who has been nominated in so many categories."

House of Cards' Kevin Spacey, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
"I am honored to be included in this years nominations. It's a dream job, with a remarkable group of talented collaborators. I feel blessed and challenged to tackle our perspective on Washington politics. My congrats to all on the House of Cards team, MRC and to Netflix for a great result across the board—31 nods—not bad for the new kid on the block."

Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles' Sarah Silverman, Outstanding Variety Special and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
"I'm so excited! Osh Kosh B'gosh just offered to dress me!"

Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley's Whoopi Goldberg, Outstanding Narrator
"I am SO excited to get these nominations but I am more excited for Moms because, if anyone deserved an Emmy nomination, it was her."

FX

Veep's Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
"This is an embarrassment of riches, and boy, am I happy to be embarrassed."

So You Think You Can Dance's Nigel Lythgoe, Outstanding Reality Competition Program
"I know we have an incredible production team on SYTCYD but it's wonderful to have that opinion validated by the Academy. Seven times!"

American Horror Story: Coven's Angela Bassett, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
"I felt so honored to have been asked to come aboard and play a woman whose mystique and influence continues to this day. It was a dream of a story, a hell of a role and then to top it off with Jessica and Kathy! Marie Laveau has been one of the most deliciously rewarding characters of my career, thanks to the brilliance of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk."

American Horror Story: Coven's Kathy Bates, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
"My heartfelt thanks go out to our hard working crew who made this amazing season of American Horror Story possible."

Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Outstanding Supporting actor in a Comedy Series
"I'm so humbled and honored to be included amongst the Emmy Nominations this morning. Eric Stonestreet and myself are particularly proud of the care that our writers and directors took with the arc of Mitch and Cam's wedding. We can't wait to get back to work on season 6 of the show. It's a love fest over on Stage 5 at the Fox lot!"

Modern Family's Ty Burrell, Outstanding Supporting actor in a Comedy Series
"I'm so honored to be nominated amongst such a talented group—it never gets old, even though I do.  Seriously, I'm getting really old. We're just about to start working on the sixth season of Modern Family, so to go back to work and share a show nomination with the cast and crew is truly special."

Scandal's Kate Burton, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
"I am beyond thrilled by this nomination. To be on Scandal is to work with an incredible group of people led by the great Shonda Rhimes and the magical Kerry Washington. I am honored to be making penalty kicks for the team!"

Lifetime

Project Runway's Zac Posen, Outstanding Reality Competition Program
"I'm delighted that Project Runway has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Show Competition. I am honored to be a part of such an incredible, iconic show and I couldn't be happier for Heidi and Tim who were nominated for Outstanding Reality Show Hosts. An excellent moment for our Runway family!"

Flowers in the Attic's Ellen Burstyn, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
"I always strive for excellence in my work. A nomination assures me that at least I am on the right track."

Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes, Outstanding Drama Series
"I can hardly believe it. Twelve nominations in the 4th year demonstrates such generosity on the part of the Television Academy.  We are all amazed, flattered and tremendously grateful."

Veep's Anna Chlumsky, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
"I love my job and I love this show. It's the sweetest icing to be recognized for having so much fun. I'm proud as can be of the entire crew and ensemble. I'm all smiles today."

Return to Zero's Alfred Molina, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series or a Movie
"I am thrilled. It's my first Emmy nomination and a great way to start the weekend."

Project Runway's Nina Garcia, Outstanding Reality Competition Program
"It's such a great honor for me to be part of the Project Runway family. These five Emmy nominations—and the fact that we are taping our 13th season this summer—is living proof that the format works and that the show has found a way to be relevant in this ever changing world of television. Heidi Klum always say that 'in fashion one day you are in, the next day you are out,' but today's nominations reconfirms that Project Runway has always been IN."

Fargo's and Sherlock: His Last Vow's Martin Freeman, Outstanding Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series or Movie
"Thank you, people of Emmyland. To be nominated in such company is an honor, especially for two shows that I'm immensely proud of. I'm delighted."

Sherlock: His Last Vow's Sue Vertue, Outstanding Television Movie
"Getting to work on Sherlock, with all these extraordinary people, has always felt like winning an award in itself, so to receive all these nominations is an amazing bonus. The whole team is beyond thrilled, and we're counting the days to the big night."

Netflix

Orange Is the New Black's Natasha Lyonne, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
"I am over the moon right now, and genuinely overwhelmed with the news of my nomination! I can't express how proud I am of the show, and thrilled to be recognized for my work. What makes it even more gratifying is being selected alongside Uzo and Laverne! What an incredible honor. It's so rare to be able to work with such a high level of integrity that you can wholeheartedly stand behind. The show is a testament to Jenji's brilliance, that allows us the rare gift of being able to pour our souls on the pavement each time we punch in. I'm so happy for Jenji, and overjoyed for the entire cast and crew, and our sick and brilliant writers who put in so much time and effort into making it what it is."

Deadliest Catch's Captain Sig Hansen, Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
"I can remember over 30 years ago thinking to myself, 'Wow, if my friends could see some of the things we went through to catch crab and make a living they wouldn't believe it.' Yet here we are today—being filmed at something we love to do and 10 years into Deadliest Catch the show is as strong as ever. I never would have thought it would affect people the way that it does. Everywhere I go—just out of the blue—I always seem to get  compliments from people. They are inspired by our work ethic, determination and courage to go out and battle the Bering Sea season after season. To top it off, being nominated for four Emmys is not only flattering, but humbling as well. It is a true testimony to our fleet and industry and for fishermen everywhere."

Deadliest Catch's Captain Keith Colburn, Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
"Currently in its 10th season, Deadliest Catch continues to defy the odds and remain not only innovative but among the best. Four Emmy nominations only validates that. A big congratulations to Discovery and Original Productions."

Portlandia's Fred Armisen, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
"It really is an honor to be nominated. I am such a huge fan of all of the nominees."

Breaking Bad's Anna Gunn, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
"I am honored to be recognized by the Academy and in the company of such esteemed actresses. I am immensely grateful for all the nominations on behalf of my Breaking Bad family, AMC and Sony."

Several other nominees expressed their gratitude via Twitter:

(Originally published Thurs., July 10, 2014, at 9:05 a.m. PDT)