Netflix; USA; HBOCongratulations, nominees!
The nominations for the 2016 Emmys were announced Thursday morning, so the stars of many shows have a lot to celebrate. Whether it's a first-time nomination or a repeat honor doesn't matter; these celebrities are feeling the love after being honored in such an official way. Ellie Kemper scored her very first Emmy nomination for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus scored another nod for Veep. Anthony Anderson, who expressed his delight while reading out his own nomination, received kudos for Black-ish, as did co-star Tracee Ellis Ross.
Here are more reactions from the stars who were nominated in categories at the 2016 Emmys:
Courtney B. Vance, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series Or Movie, The People v. O.J. Simpson: "When we finished the incredible journey of creating this groundbreaking project, The People v. OJ Simpson, we all knew we'd created something incredibly wonderful and special together! It was an opportunity of a lifetime to work with such a dream cast and to portray a man like Johnnie Cochran. To receive an Emmy nomination today is the continuation of this phenomenal journey and is indeed a true blessing and honor. I am overjoyed that my wife, my mother, and children are here to enjoy this moment with me. Although the disease ALS has taken my mother's ability to speak, I see joy and pride written all over her face right now. Being surrounded by my family - at this very moment - means everything to me!"
Kit Harington, Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Game of Thrones: "It is a serious understatement to say that I am somewhat stunned. For my work on Game of Thrones to be recognized in this way is an emotional moment for me. I could not be more humbled."
Padma Lakshmi, Outstanding Reality Competition Program, Top Chef: "I'm so honored and excited that after 13 seasons, our fans at the Academy are still enjoying the show as much as we enjoy making it."
Michael Kelly, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, House of Cards, "The first time, I was shocked. Second time? Just completely floored. I am so honored and grateful to be included in this group of amazing, insanely talented people. Huge congratulations to Kevin, Robin, Beau, Mahershala, Paul, Reg E., Ellen Molly, and everyone involved with the show – it's so special to be sharing this with you all. What a thrill!"
Idris Elba, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series Or Movie, Luther: "I am floored that I've been nominated but I am even more excited that LUTHER has been nominated as well. The success of LUTHER is so much due to the fans and I hope they are as proud of this nomination as we are. OH BOY! What a category!"
Tracy Morgan, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Saturday Night Live: "Oh my God. I am just so happy and want to share this with so many people and am nominated with some extraordinary company. I love you guys. I just want to thank everyone who helped me and my family after that horrific night and the months after. Lorne and everyone at SNL for having me come home. The Doctors at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital who saved my life. The staff at JFK Medical Center who got me back on my feet. The first responders who helped me and my friends that fateful night. My AMAZING wife and kids. Lira, who helped my wife. My father, who is looking down on me right now. I feel like Cuba at the end of Jerry Maguire! But most importantly…this is for you Jimmy Mac. I love you. Thank you to everyone who made this possible."
Allison Janney, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Mom: "What a great morning! I am so proud to represent 'Mom,' a show that is highlighting issues that are important to so many people. It's a show for and about survivors who are doing the hard work of recovery every day. And with 'Masters of Sex,' I get to play a character who is so rich with so many layers and nuances to tackle. Portraying Margaret Scully's journey of self-discovery has been such a challenge and joy for me."
Constance Zimmer, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, UnREAL: "I screamed, jumped up and down, got a little teary and screamed again. I'm so proud to be a part of this show and so grateful to Lifetime for not taking no for an answer."
Lena Headey, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Game of Thrones: "Totally overwhelmed. Thrilled for the show receiving so many nominations...Wahoo!"
Bob Odenkirk, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Better Call Saul: "Wow! I am blown away! I am surrounded by excellence on Better Call Saul and to be picked out of that line-up is a crazy honor. This unique show, with no genre behind it – just honest character exploration, surprises me over and over. The fact that TV fans and critics are welcoming this unpredictable journey - it's simply inspiring. Thank you."
Maisie Williams, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Game of Thrones, "I am so grateful to be a part of Game of Thrones, so to be nominated for an Emmy is beyond words, but I would like to say thank you to George for creating such an amazing character and to Dan, David and everyone associated with the show who bring Arya to life."
Kate McKinnon, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Saturday Night Live: "I am so floored by this. Writing and making sketch comedy is really hard, particularly a 90 minute show in a week for years on end, and so this is really an acknowledgment of the unbelievably hard work and insane talent of my colleagues at SNL, who are my other family. It takes a tireless village, and I am so lucky to just get to hang out with the smartest people in the world."
Rami Malek, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Mr. Robot: "I couldn't be more honored to receive this nomination. To be included among of list of actors whose work I've admired for years is truly humbling. I'm so grateful for the brilliant Sam Esmail who brought Elliot to life and has allowed me to play a role one could only dream of. Thank you to the cast, crew, USA Network and Universal Cable Productions. And, of course, to the Academy."
Ellie Kemper, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: "I am so lucky to be able to work with the most brilliant cast and crew in television, and I am honored to be included in this group of exceptional women. I am in debt not only to the Television Academy, Netflix, and Universal, but also to Tina Fey and Robert Carlock for creating this show in the first place. And by the way, with this nomination, I've already won....a complimentary round-trip flight to Los Angeles, plus accommodations!"
Sterling K. Brown, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series Or Movie, The People v. O.J. Simpson: "So this is it! To paraphrase my favorite musical, I get to be in the room where it happens! I am beyond thrilled to be receiving my first Emmy nomination! What an incredible journey the last 15 years has been. Allow me to first recognize the village that has supported me from the very beginning. My friends & family in St. Louis, MO (Love you, Aralean Brown, aka Ma), my Stanford compatriots (#chocolatecardinal), and my friends and faculty from the 5th floor @NYU. To my agents at Innovative David Rose, and Allison Levy, I adore you both. To my manager Jennifer Wiley Stockton, I wouldn't know what to do without you. Thanks for believing in me when I had a tough time believing in myself. And to the love of my life, Ryan Michelle Bathe Brown, thank you for saying yes, for baring two of the most gorgeous children in the world, and inspiring me with your insane talent, intelligence, and passion everyday!
Thank you to the Television Academy for this tremendous honor. Thank you to Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, 20th Century Fox & FX for allowing yours truly to be a part of this phenomenal team! Thank you to all our incredible writers, including Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Joe Robert Cole, and D. V. DeVincentis for creating a role that I could only dream of. Thanks to my wonderful directors (already mentioned you, Mr. Murphy) John Singleton and Anthony Hemingway for all your guidance and encouragement. And congratulations to my fellow nominees! Dr. House himself, Hugh Laurie! My extended FX family Bokeem Woodbine, and Jesse Plemmons. And of course my American Crime Story brothers in arms David Schwimmer, and Vincent Vega himself, Mr. John Travolta. Honored to be in the company of you all! And lastly, allow me to congratulate the outstanding leads in our show, Mr. Courtney Bernard Vance, and Mr. Cuba Gooding, Jr. And of course, the lovely and uber talented Ms. Sarah Katherine Paulson. Love you, Darlin'! See you on the carpet!!!!!"
Regina King, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, American Crime: "Very proud to be a part of such a talented team. John Ridley has given us the opportunity to exercise our talents in an exceptional setting. Feeling a lot of gratitude!"
Audra McDonald, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill: "I am honored to be nominated alongside these incredible actresses. Portraying Billie Holiday was most of the most intense, challenging, and gratifying experiences of my career. I wanted to do her justice and show audiences the ‘real' Billie—a person with hopes, dreams, pain and joy—because I worship the artist that she was and admire what she was able to endure."
Keegan-Michael Key, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Key & Peele: "I am so pleased to hear this morning's news, and especially for the show. Once again our amazing staff and crew has been recognized for their countless hours of hard work, and there is no team more deserving. What a great way to celebrate the end of Key & Peele. The whole thing fills my heart with joy."
David Schwimmer, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, The People v. O.J. Simpson: "I am totally surprised and thrilled to be nominated alongside my other cast mates, as well as the show's writers, producers and directors. I'm proud to be part of such a timely and provocative series, and hope it continues to contribute to the much needed discussion of race and class in this country."
Aziz Ansari, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Master of None: "I'm bummed the medium sized dragon in Game of Thrones got snubbed in Best Supporting, but happy to see Master of None and our entire team get acknowledged. We are thrilled!"
Kerry Washington, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Confirmation: "I'm awed by the journey we have been on with CONFIRMATION. I'm deeply grateful to the academy for acknowledging this film that so many people poured their hearts and souls into. As both an actress and producer, I could not possibly be more proud or humbled."
Ryan Murphy, Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series, The People v. O.J. Simpson: "Working on The People v. O.J. Simpson has been a career highlight and its own reward, but I am especially moved by the recognition for everyone who devoted their hearts and souls to this project—from our brilliant cast to our amazing writers and directors to the extraordinary producers. We are all incredibly grateful. It's a happy day."