It was definitely an eventful day for some of TV's biggest stars.
The 2013 Emmy nominations were announced bright and early this morning, honoring some of the small-screen's greatest actors who snagged a nom for this year's ceremonies—but after the initial shock, comes the official statement.
So what did some of Tinsletown's A-listers have to say about being nominated for their work?
Benedict Cumberbatch, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or aMovie for Parade's End on HBO: "What an amazing honour. I have just landed back in the UK from New Zealand via Japan and am about to board another plane so not sure if this nomination is just the result of too many G+T's from the drinks Trolly and dreadful jet lag and may not exist in the morning.
"I was so honoured to work on Parade's End, to get the chance to get under the skin of such a complex beautifully written character as Tietjens with a script written by the unsurpassable Sir Tom Stoppard and then to get to work on that script with the likes of the incredible Rebecca Hall, Roger Allam and Adelaide Clemens under the eye of the superlative Suzanna White is simply a dream come true for an actor.
"To then receive an Emmy nomination amongst some of my acting heros for having that privilege is beyond thrilling . Thank you."
Cat Deeley, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for So You Think You Can Dance, which is also nominated for Reality-Competition Series: "I am so honored and excited to be recognized amongst such an incredibly talented group of hosts. It's such a thrill to have the collective efforts of everyone who works so hard on SYTYCD also be recognized by the Television Academy. Great morning!"
Bryan Cranston, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Breaking Bad: "Taking nothing for granted, this Emmy nomination—and that of my fellow Breaking Bad family, is as sweet as ever. I'm very grateful for the recognition."
Sigourney Weaver, nominated for Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Political Animals: "Such great news to wake up to. I am thrilled that Political Animals is nominated for Outstanding Miniseries and that Greg Berlanti's compelling vision of Elaine Barrish Hammond and what women bring to the political process continues to be recognized. I am dancing on the table for Ellen Burstyn who rocked that role. And I am very touched and honored that my work as Elaine is nominated. It means so much to me. Thank you to the academy and thank you so much to USA who championed our show."
Tim Gunn, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Project Runway, which is also nominated for Reality-Competition Series: "It is still a bit surreal but I am thrilled and honored to be nominated alongside Heidi [Klum] and the show. I am so grateful to Heidi, as she is the real star of the show, for sharing billing and allowing me to stand in her shadow."
Betty White, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Betty White's Off Their Rockers: "Sorry that the show could not have lasted longer but I am so happy and appreciative of this Emmy nomination."
Heidi Klum, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Project Runway: "I'm so honored by Project Runway's 5 nominations, and I'm thrilled to be nominated for Host alongside my dear friend Tim Gunn. It's also our TWELVTH season premiere tonight! Hard to believe. We work so hard on the show, and never take these nominations for granted. Can't wait for the Emmys in September!"
Laura Dern, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Enlightened: "I'm so thrilled and grateful to the Academy for this lovely news. The role of Amy Jellicoeis a shared creation, and therefore I share this nomination with the extraordinary Mike White for his creation and vision.
"I also share this with the greatest cast ever, who made Amy all that she is, as well as all of the directors and our crew who have helped shape her. I am so excited and thankful for any support our show is offered, so that people can continue to find it."
Kerry Washington, nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Scandal: "I am endlessly grateful to Shonda Rhimes and the entire cast and crew of Scandal. It is humbling to be nominated in the company of such extraordinarily talented and accomplished women and I am thankful to the Academy for this honor and privilege."
Morena Baccarin, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Homeland: "I'm beyond thrilled for the show and feel so lucky to be mentioned in the same breath as the other talented nominees today. I wouldn't be here without the amazing writers and creative team behind Homeland."
Ryan Seacrest, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for American Idol: "I'm grateful and honored to be nominated for my work on American Idol. But I would be remiss if I didn't say that I share this nod with the countless people involved with the show—all the judges, contestants, producers, crew and everyone at Fox. It's been a continuous collaboration for 12 seasons—soon to be 13—and I'm just happy to be a part of it."
Anna Chlumsky, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Veep: "I am proud as can be of everyone on this show. We have a marvelous time at work, and to know people in our community are noticing that is the best kind of encouragement. I feel that way individually, as well. Truly appreciative that folks dig my work. I love doing it, and being noticed for it puts a nice spring in the step. So, congrats to Julia, Tony, and all the cast and crew. It'll be fun to get dolled up again, nay?"
Jessica Lange, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for American Horror Story: "I am so grateful to the academy for the incredible amount of support shown for AHS: Asylum. 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."
Melissa Leo, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Louie: "I am over the moon with the nomination this morning! So thrilled and honored to see my name next to such consummate funny ladies! The joy and pleasure of working with Louis CK would have been more than enough—many thanks to the Television Academy!"
Nigel Lythgoe, nominated for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program for So You Think You Can Dance: "I am honored to see So You Think You Can Dance recognized with 7 new Emmy nominations. So You Think You Can Dance has allowed me to share my love of dance, provide opportunities to thousands of aspiring dancers, and inspire millions more to make dance a part of their lives.
"We reached out to Congress and launched National Dance Day to encourage children to dance and to get active and healthy in the process. Since the show premiered in 2005, we have adapted localized versions of it for over 25 nations around the world—a testament to the universal power of dance. I have a wonderful production team and incredible choreographers. I am delighted to see the past decade of our contributions to television and culture recognized with these 7 Emmy nominations for So You Think You Can Dance."
Harry Hamlin, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Mad Men: "To be nominated is above and beyond my greatest expectations. They had me at hello just by walking onto the set. I didn't have much insight into my character beforehand, but was excited to be another mad man, in Matt Weiner's brilliant world. It's been an unbelievable opportunity to work on an extraordinary show with such talented people. Thank you."
Claire Danes, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Homeland: "It is truly a great day on the Homeland set with so many of my fellow castmates being nominated. I was going to do some serious screaming into pillows if Mandy hadn't gotten a nod. I'm also very glad that Henry Bromell, who we lost too soon, has been recognized for his extraordinary work on our show."
Molly Shannon, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Enlightened: "If you're really lucky in your life, you make a friend like Mike White. Then, if you're CRAZY LUCKY, he writes an amazing part for you to play. I'm so grateful to have been a part of Enlightened and am honored that the Academy recognized me for this performance. I am just thrilled!"
Mark Burnett & Roma Downey nomination for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie for The Bible: "We are honored that our peers have nominated The Bible for an Emmy. We are thrilled we get to share this nomination with our tremendous cast and crew from all around the world who worked so hard with us to bring the epic story of the bible to the screen."