Golden Globes: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore on Nominations
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande spent their time filming “Wicked” (and on the press tour promoting the film) holding space for each other’s emotions — so it’s perhaps no surprise that they got on FaceTime immediately after learning they were Golden Globe nominees.
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“I’m so proud of us. I’m so proud of her,” Erivo tells Variety shortly after the nominations were announced. “I couldn’t wait to pick up the phone and be like, ‘Hi there, Golden Globe nominee!’ It’s so cool to be able to say that!”
Meanwhile, Grande signed on to Zoom from the back of a car on the way to the airport, with tissues in hand and donning a Shiz University sweatshirt.
“I truly am an absolute mess. I’m so grateful. I have just been crying on FaceTime with my mom,” said Grande (though her username read “Galinda”). “I have tissues in my hand just in case, because I’ve been crying on and off nonstop.”
As “Emilia Pérez” dominated the musical or comedy category with a record-setting 10 nods, Zoe Salda?a relished in her first recognition by the HFPA. “It feels great,” Salda?a said of being honored after decades of performances in blockbuster films. “After a while, I stopped hoping for that.”
Indeed, whether it’s the first nomination like Grande and Salda?a (and 24 other performers) or the 18th (like for Nicole Kidman), it makes sense to be emotional because of what the recognition represents.
“The Substance” star Demi Moore — who earned her first nod since 1997 — put it best: “I don’t want to make it mean too much. But I have to remember: don’t make it mean too little. Because then you miss the moment of the joy and really the beauty of all the hard work that’s gone in to get to this point.”
Read on for more reactions from this year’s nominees.
Ariana Grande
Grande was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture, for her role as Glinda in “Wicked.”
Congratulations on your first Golden Globe nomination! I imagine it’s been an emotional morning.
Yeah, I truly am an absolute mess. I’m so grateful. I have just been crying on FaceTime with my mom, and it’s hard to find words. I am so grateful I don’t know what to do! I have tissues in my hand just in case, because I’ve been crying on and off nonstop.
Have you spoken with Cynthia Erivo this morning?
She was literally the first voice note I sent, and then we FaceTimed immediately. I’m so proud of her and grateful to share this together, and with every single person who has poured their everything into these films. It feels really surreal and beautiful.
Now that we are a couple of weeks beyond the release of “Wicked,” what are some of your favorite examples of fans engaging with the film and the music?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love watching them make a meal out of every little detail of it. From learning the choreography to making TikToks as Glinda’s grandma seeing the hat on the news to baby Nessa’s “yes!” To see people share a love for the parts that we love so much, and to notice the things that we weren’t sure if anyone was going to notice, it feels really overwhelming and beautiful and exciting. We’re constantly sending each other links to little things here and there.
We’re now getting into the heart of the awards race. Have there been conversations about you and Cynthia possibly performing at the Oscars? Is that something you’d want to do?
Oh my goodness. We haven’t even — it’s only been five minutes since this happened! That has not… I don’t even… I have no idea! All I know is we are incredibly grateful to even have the conversation happening and to see the acknowledgment for the work. I have no idea what is to follow, but we’ll have to see.
You saw “Wicked” in the movie theater with your family. What was that experience like, and how do you feel about singing along in the theater?
Cynthia and I really enjoy singing during “One Short Day,” but for the rest of it we’re quite quiet. But we enjoy seeing the reactions around us, it’s very special. My nonna, who is 99, had a very enthusiastic response to the sugar glider on the drums in the Ozdust Ballroom. She literally grabbed my arm and said, “Oh, I love that.”
With “Part Two” coming out in less than a year, how do you feel about embarking on yet another press tour?
It’s very exciting. I’ve had a really fun and extraordinary experience with my sister, Cynthia. We have been having such a beautiful time and staying present. We feel excited and grateful, and I know that sounds like something that you’re supposed to say on a press tour, but it’s really the truth. We don’t feel overwhelmed or daunted. We feel grateful and excited and carbonated. We worked so hard on it for such a long, long, long time, and so it’s such a privilege to be able to share it with the world in this way and to talk about the work.
It’s funny because we finished the first round of the press tour and then thought of a million other things that we can’t wait to dig deeper into on this next wave of it. We’re so excited now that the world has finally seen it, to be able to share some more of the experience. It feels like an extension of our time with these characters that we fell so deeply in love with and each other, and our Ozian family. It’s lovely to have more time.
Glinda is a role that you have spoken about wanting to play for quite a long time. Looking back, how does it feel to now be recognized for awards for your portrayal of her?
Oh my God [cries]. I’m sorry! It is so surreal I don’t even know how to articulate it. I am so moved and grateful. I have always respected this role and have always been aware of what it requires to play it. That’s why I’ve always adored and admired so many brilliant women who have played it before me. I know what it requires, and all I wanted to do was the work. From my first audition to my last day on set, I was so grateful for that privilege. When you’re focused on something for that long, and to see this kind of acknowledgment — it really is extraordinary. I’m deeply grateful, and I literally can’t wait to call my acting coach, Nancy Banks, and wake her up wherever she is in the world. I think she is across the country, but I don’t care. I’m going to call her and wake her up.
Has this experience energized you to want to do more acting? Are there roles in other films that you want to explore?
Right now I’m just trying to stay present in this moment. But I really feel at home being an actress, and I look forward to hopefully finding more things to explore in that world.
Are you wearing a Shiz sweatshirt?
Yes! This is a coincidence.
Cynthia Erivo
Erivo was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy, for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked.”
Who was your first call after you heard the news?
My first call was to sweet Sam, who is part of my publicity team. I was like, “Hi, what’s going on?” My phone had gone off crazy, so I called her. I had a million missed calls. I don’t know what was going on. I was so out of it. It was 6 a.m. here [in Los Angeles], and I landed yesterday, so my brain was like, “What is happening? This is crazy!” Then I went to text my best friend. I have to call my mom! I haven’t managed to call her yet! This has been so quick. The one person I need to call is my mother, but this has been the wildest ride this morning. I feel like I’m doing cartwheels in my brain.
Is the “Wicked” group chat going crazy right now?
It’s going off in the “Wicked” group chat with Jon [M. Chu] and Ari [Grande]. I’m so proud of us, and so proud of the work we’ve done together. It’s been wild. We’ve been receiving messages from the whole team. It’s been really special.
How does it feel being nominated alongside Ariana, albeit in different categories?
It’s so awesome. I’m so proud of her. I’m so pleased that we could both do this together. For her to make her debut as an actress like this — to really come into the room and just wow everyone — it’s really special. I’m so proud of us. I’m so proud of her. I couldn’t wait to pick up the phone and be like, “Hi there, Golden Globe nominee!” It’s so cool to be able to say that!
This is your fourth Golden Globe nomination. All four have been in different categories. How does it feel to be recognized for your work across so many different mediums and projects?
It’s really wonderful, and I did not realize until this morning — I didn’t even put two and two together. I just thought how lovely it is to be celebrated for the work across the different mediums, across the different styles and spaces. It means a lot.
“Wicked Part Two” is coming next year, and there are two new songs from Stephen Schwartz. What are you most excited for fans to experience from the new music?
I think they further extend the story, and it tells you a little bit more about who these women are and what they’ve been through, and what they want for this next part of their lives. The songs are very special. Some of it you might recognize, but that is as far as I can go. I can’t tell you anything else because I don’t want to get into trouble. But there are things in the songs that you will recognize.
Would you and Ariana be open to performing at the Oscars?
I mean, sure! I’ll sing anywhere with her. If you need us, we’ll be in the alleyway singing together if need be. We just love singing together. It doesn’t matter where, or when.
The internet has made a lot of memes about you and Ariana getting emotional on this press tour. Where does that emotion come from?
What people don’t realize is that we’ve been with this project for like three years. We were cast in 2021 and we didn’t start shooting until 2022, into 2023, and we finished this year at the top of 2024. So it’s been a really, really, really long journey, and both of us are doing something that we have been dreaming of for a very, very long time. This piece was a really emotional piece to be part of, and cracked us open in different ways. We had to pour everything that we had into it, and then we had to keep it to ourselves for a matter of months without really being able to share what the experience was.
And so finally, when we’re on this press tour, we’re talking to people who have also seen it, and they come in also with a lot of energy and a lot of emotion, and it’s hard not to match that emotion when you finally get to speak about something that you deeply love, and you get to share that with a person that you care about, and you get to sit with that person and finally discover the things that you maybe didn’t even know were part of their process and were part of your process. There are things that we were discovering during the press tour that we hadn’t had a chance to really even process yet. So you are sort of seeing just two humans be humans. Hopefully it makes people flow with emotion, too. We could do with a little of that right now.
Glen Powell
Powell was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy, for his role as Gary Johnson in “Hit Man.”
This movie came out in May after a SXSW premiere. It’s hard to capture voter attention with movies that come out so early, especially genre titles. What about “Hit Man” is so sticky?
What a crazy turn of events. But the best audience feedback comes over time. “Hit Man” is an empowering movie about the person you can be if you put your mind to it. People have responded to that. There’s also a lot of joy there. The movies we watch at this time of year, they can leave you with a different feeling. Ours leaves you a little fuller, It was designed to be thoughtful and make you smile. Always leading to a better place in terms of your identity and how people feel about themselves. And to go on this journey with [Richard Linklater], an inspiring Texan who works at the highest level…
There are also constant rumblings that movies get “lost” on streaming, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
I’m so glad you brought that up. I’m grateful for all the hard work Netflix did around this movie, not only making sure it was a cultural moment but understanding the tone and translating it to the PR and marketing campaigns. Think about the bus ads they did with all my different hit men characters. They really understood.
I’d ask how you’re celebrating this, but you probably need to have a blowout for this entire year you’ve had.
What a crazy year. As an actor, you understand ebbs and flows, but I always feel like any great moment is married with a sense of all the other roads your life could be on. I know how lucky I am. I’m calling you from the “Running Man” set, and my family is here. We’re celebrating.
What’s the most surprising thing about your take on “The Running Man”?
Edgar Wright is one of my favorite filmmakers. A lot of sci-fi and other movies in this genre rely on VFX. We are doing so much practically in this film. The sets are huge and the stunts are practical. As a fan of Edgar, this movie will not disappoint.
Demi Moore
Moore was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy, for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in “The Substance.”
“The Substance” scored big with five nominations! How are you feeling about all this love for the film?
Oh, it’s so exciting. And I think it really shows that the film and its impact is kind of stepping beyond the genre. It’s really being seen for the whole, as opposed to being isolated into just one little pocket. I’m still in such awe. I feel like I’ve been riding a wave of awe all the way since Cannes.
Once you got the good news this morning, who was your first call?
I had an entire group of maybe eight people on a FaceTime call of my entire team congratulating me. I barely had a voice to respond. It was so early in the morning! You’re getting me at a little bit more of an awake moment. I’ve had a chance to reach out to many of the other nominees, and send my congratulations and joy for all of us. I’ve been able to send a message to almost everybody that I have a connection to, including my “Landman” co-star Billy Bob Thornton, my co-star Naomi Watts for “Feud” and to Ryan Murphy. It’s a very joyous time. It’s been a long time since I’ve been part of this conversation. It’s been since “Ghost.” I’m really honored and very humbled.
You being back in the awards conversation like this for the first time in 35 years really speaks to the film’s themes.
It’s really the icing on the cake, as they would say. I’ve never been at this point. I am 62, and I’m just inside myself living and trying to be the best version I can possibly be. In doing so, I hope that I can be part of setting down the stones on this pathway that creates a change for all women. Not just women, but for all of us as human beings, to step back and find that recognition within ourselves of value and to know that we all matter, just as we are, at whatever stage we’re at. As I look at the film, really the message is that there’s no better you than you.
Both your co-star Margaret Qualley and director Coralie Fargeat also got nominations. Have you spoken to them today?
I have had a text with Coralie and Margaret on one chain, but I don’t know if we’ve heard from Margaret yet. She might still be sleeping! But Margaret was the first person that I reached out to, because I really do love and adore her, respect her tremendously, and I’m just so grateful that I’ve been on this journey with her. I think she is so wildly talented, and she truly is just getting started. This was a major undertaking for all involved. It wasn’t easy. With no guarantees of whether or not this would have come together, we certainly had no idea that it would have had the impact that the film has had. So to have this acknowledgement, it’s like getting a treat.
What was your dog Pilaf’s reaction to the news?
She was zipping around the bed! Believe me, this is early for her. She was awake and very excited. She was running and like pawing on the bed. I don’t know if that was just because she’s saying, “Feed me.”
I choose to believe she knows it’s a big moment for her mom.
She’s literally staring at me right now. You know, she was my anchor. I was in a foreign country and she was the only thing from home that I had with me. I had none of my normal support system, none of my family. So I was really there alone, and she was my everything. What I realized is that, wherever I am, when she’s there, I’m home.
As we’re talking, what I’m realizing is I don’t know if I’ve really processed, or if any of this has completely landed. I think it’s all up in my head right now, and I haven’t fully taken it into my body what it means. Maybe it’s that fear of, I don’t want to make it mean too much. But I have to remember: don’t make it mean too little, because then you miss the moment of the joy and the beauty of all the hard work that’s gone in to get to this point. Like I said, it’s a little treat. Like when your dogs get a treat and they start to move and wiggle and do a little spin.
I think what’s meaningful [about “The Substance”] is that it’s not a new story. It’s just one that we as women have got into. We’re pushed aside. And if we want that to be different, then we have to change that from within us, how we are holding ourselves. And I hope that I can be part of that for future generations, so that this becomes a non-issue.
Zoe Salda?a
Salda?a was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture for her role as Rita Mora Castro in “Emilia Pérez.”
Who are you with, and who was the first person to congratulate you?
I’m with my glam team because we’re working in Paris. So, I’m here with Vera Steimberg who does my makeup; Petra Flannery, and he’s been styling me forever; and my agent, Jessica. I was surrounded by love and respect because I’m away from my family. They congratulated me first, and then my husband, who’s in California, called me, and then I woke up my mom.
What was your mom’s reaction?
Well, I woke her up. It took me a minute to tell her what it was. My mom is always blessing us with prayer. So she went on to do what she does, which is just to pray, and it was so beautiful. She said how proud she is and that I’ve worked hard for this and that I deserve it. It just means a lot when it’s coming from your mom.
“Emilia Pérez” made history by becoming the most-nominated musical or comedy at the Golden Globes. What is that like to be a part of this film?
It’s almost surreal. It’s what you always hope for movies to do, to help you connect on a human level. I think that is what makes this movie so special. I haven’t been able to think from the moment I auditioned for Jacques Audiard until today, but it’s about feeling and going with your feelings.
Is there a group chat for the “Emilia Pérez” team?
Yes! We always connect. After I called my mom and husband, I did leave a message for Selena because it is an honor to be nominated with her. I know how hard she works, and I know how beautiful of a person she is and how deserving she is of this nomination. I immediately left her a voice message, and then she just left me one back, and she sounded the same way, crying and screaming. It was beautiful. The next person I’ll send a message to is Jacques, and then Camille.
This is your first Golden Globe nomination, which is insane given your incredible career. How does that all feel?
In that sense, it feels great. After a while, I stopped hoping for that and thinking that there was going to be better. We work really hard because we have an innate need to connect with other people. That’s why an artist makes art — they don’t need the art to hold in a closet or just for their own pleasure. They make it to connect and share it with so many people. And so when what you do lands, it gives you an instant connection, even if it’s just temporary.
The Golden Globes don’t recognize CGI motion-capture performances, disqualifying you for the “Avatar” movies. Should awards bodies amend that rule?
I’m going to keep hoping that people and members of academies and organizations reach a level of understanding of what performance capture truly is and what it does for the artist. It gives the artist the right to take full proprietorship of their work. It is not a work that is cloned or imitated. The artist is the one that really does all the labor and the technicians, in post, paint over it. You don’t go into a studio in your sweatpants, and you lend your voice, and then somebody else creates an idea of how they think you would move if you said something like this. Every movement that every character that has been done under performance capture has been performed either by an actor or a stunt actor, and I hope that one day it is able to be recognized, because it is just a shame to overlook the sacrifices and the work put into these films.
Kathryn Hahn
Hahn was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a television series – musical or comedy, for her role as Agatha Harkness in “Agatha All Along.”
Congratulations! How emotional has this morning been?
I had no idea it was being announced today, and I blissfully was unaware of the timeline, so I woke up to get ready to go to a doctor’s appointment to so many texts and emails. The first one I saw was from [“Agatha All Along” creator] Jac Schaeffer and it was just, “Congrats!” I had a second to gather my thoughts, and then I saw the other ones and it was like “Golden Globes.” I was in shock, like shaky hands. Trying to text people back — a lot of spell check — typing as fast as I can without my glasses on.
Without your glasses on, you’re like “Jac, congrats on what?”
There’s a lot of like clapping hands emojis, so it took me a second.
Who was the first person from the coven to get in touch?
We do have a text chain called “My Pretty Coven” that’s all the cast. Joe [Locke] reached out and went “Hahn!” It was very sweet. I love this group of humans, so there’s a lot of hearts and congratulations from all of them.
What does it mean to earn your first Golden Globe nomination for playing Agatha in particular?
I love this character so much, and it was a fever dream to realize that she was going to have her own show, her own place to go deeper, like this supporting character from that incredible show “WandaVision.” So, it’s all just been compounding on top of itself what a special opportunity and experience that has been like.
I never would have thought a spinoff would have been in the cards. I never would have thought that [Kevin] Feige and Marvel would have had it back — this strictly female-led, gay/queer show about witches. No huge, big baddie that comes in. It just felt very different. Even “WandaVision,” we always felt a little bit like a splinter off the Marvel universe — like an experimental stepsister — so to have this acknowledgment is so buoying for what good storytelling means and what it is.
Jac Schaeffer’s mind is incredible. I love her imagination. It blows me away — her freedom of thought of allowing anything to be possible, and her gentle leadership. I really did feel — definitely during the pilot of “Agatha” — that I was seeing Agatha through Jac’s eyeballs. That was how kind of simpatico [we were]. This is all, to me, because of Jac Schaeffer and her unending belief in this part and this world.
Jac has said that every time she thought about what Marvel project to do next, Agatha kept coming back to her — and now look where we are.
I don’t know what happens usually, but spinoffs can be dicey propositions. I loved Agatha so much in “WandaVision” and I knew there was so much to her, but I never thought that that would be the character that Marvel and the humans would care about seeing. For her to recognize it and get creatively turned on by the possibilities, you can never take that for granted. And after all of that, then for it to be something I’m most proud of. All of it has been a real lesson in trust and faith. When something is good, you’ve got to trust your gut.
Does this news put more pressure on Marvel to deliver Season 2?
Yeah, here’s hoping. I know anyone in the cast would be thrilled to jump into it. It was like one of the toughest, most coven-building, nourishing experiences of my creative life. So, I know we would all be absolutely thrilled.
We always thought of it as a trilogy with the “Vision” show, but who knows? They run a tight ship over there. I’ve heard nothing.
How are you celebrating today?
Right now, I’m celebrating by being stuck in traffic on my way to my OB-GYN yearly appointment [laughs]. So, life definitely is going on. Hopefully this afternoon I’ll be able to be on the phone and have a glass of champagne tonight. I’m a mom with two kids and a ton of stuff to do during the day, so it just puts a little bit of a spring in your step — you feel like you have this great tasty secret that you can’t really share. But it’s a great feeling. It’s happened not very many times in my life and it’s a pretty incredible feeling.
What would Agatha say about this news?
Oh, she would say, “I never doubted us for a second.” She’d say, “I knew it the whole time.” I’m not taking any of this for granted. I love playing this part. It was the most unexpectedly deep dig and I couldn’t have done it without these amazing writers and producers and this cast, so this is also to my coven. They are beautiful.
Nicole Kidman
Kidman was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – drama, for her role as Romy in “Babygirl.”
Who were you with when you got the nomination?
With my daughter Sunday Rose, who was getting ready to go to school. My other daughter was sick — so that’s working and motherhood. Sunday, who is 16, was like, “Congratulations, I gotta go to school, I’m running late.”
Do you have a “Babygirl” group chat? If so, what’s the vibe?
No, we all talk directly. If I want to talk to Harris [Dickinson], I text him. If I want to talk to Halina [Reijn], I text. I’m just so excited because even though it’s me being acknowledged, it’s the film being acknowledged, and we haven’t released the film yet. So, all of this is helpful to create a lane for “Babygirl.” I say, “This is ours together: Antonio [Banderas], Harris, Halina, Sophie [Wilde] and Jasper [Wolf], our cinematographer. For [my character] Romy to work, the film had to work.
Aside from Sunday, who was the next person to congratulate you?
Keith [Urban]! He’s just left for L.A. He’s doing Jimmy Kimmel. So, he was like, “Congratulations, Babygirl.”
What does it mean to see audiences connecting with Romy?
It means that there is room for this storytelling. It’s pretty new, and as the head of A24 was saying, it’s a pioneering film. There hasn’t been a film like this with a woman and this existential sexual and emotional crisis in every frame of the film. The way it begins and ends, it’s unusual, but it means it’s still not niche, which is what’s good. It has broader appeal, and it’s not relegated to a corner.
You have two projects coming up: “Practical Magic 2” and “Big Little Lies.” Can you provide any update on them?
It takes time. We’re looking to 2025 as the year for it.
Colman Domingo
Domingo was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – drama, for his role as Divine G in “Sing Sing.”
Congratulations on your nomination! How are you feeling?
It means a lot to me, not only for me, but for all the people that I represent, who made this film with so much love and so much grace and so much joy. I feel very honored.
In your Variety cover story last month, you said “Sing Sing” isn’t a prison film, but a story of male friendship. What do you hope folks take away from the film, especially as it comes back to theaters next month?
I think people are ready for a film and experience about breaking down tropes about masculinity, especially dealing with men who are incarcerated, finding hope through the arts, especially through theater. It sounds so wild, but that’s what that program, Rehabilitation Through the Arts, is about. It’s about giving people a chance to work through feelings and put their feet in another person’s shoes by the practice of theater. I really do believe that theater saved my life and changed my life. I think that that’s what our film is saying in many ways. I never thought of our film as being a political film, or trying to tell someone about the prison industrial complex. It’s more about getting behind the walls and showing these human beings inside who are doing their best to try to correct their circumstances and look for a path for the future. And they found it with art, and that’s extraordinary. I’ve got first-hand experience with these men, my colleagues, who I’ve gotten to know, and I’ve gotten to play with and create a film with. We made it because we just want to tell some human stories of some people whose stories most of the time never get told, and especially never get told in the manner in which it’s told in our film, which is with a lot of joy and friendship and love and grace.
I understand you’ve been texting your fellow nominees! Cooper Koch tells us he got a congratulatory message from you. Who else have you talked to today?
I’ve been texting Sebastian Stan. I texted Adrien Brody. I’m going to return a text to Demi Moore and to Mikey Madison. These people that you start seeing in these rooms, you form this sort of really beautiful club in a way. While you’re on this road, you’re like, “Oh, we’ll see each other on this path.” And how beautiful when you really get to know each other? I’ve had Mikey Madison come meet me for drinks at a little restaurant with some friends. You’re still getting to know your fellow artists and the people who you admire. You’re watching their films and you get to know these people on this road. That’s the joy for me. I experienced it for the first time last season, and it feels like, “Oh, I have some new friends I’m going to make.” Getting text messages from Steven Spielberg and Bradley Cooper — it’s not just because these are people who are the best at what they do, but also just kind, generous, supportive colleagues. That’s what feels great.
I’m eager to see your take on Joe Jackson in Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael.” Diving into that character, did you have any of your perceptions of him changed?
I’m always curious about the making of a person. With Joe Jackson, we have an idea about him, or the way he moved through the world and was a very strong and formidable human being. And for me, I was like, “Yeah, but he also created some legendary performers and this legacy of a family.” I’m like, I want to know who that man is. I had to go on the inside and find out everything that I love about Joe Jackson: what his tools were for survival in the world, the tools that he gave to his children, whether it was the way he reared his children or being from where he was, I want to examine all of that. It was about really building a very complex, complete human being with a soul. I was very happy to lend whatever I could to play Joe Jackson.
Sebastian Stan
Stan was nominated twice: for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – drama, for his role as Donald Trump in “The Apprentice”; and for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy, for his role as Edward in “A Different Man.”
You’re a double nominee. How do you feel?
I’m sort of stunned. This is such a great morning. Both films have had such interesting, difficult journeys. We did “A Different Man” two years ago, and it got shelved because of the strike. The fact that we’re still here … and “Apprentice” was a film trying to be made for five years. This is extremely humbling and gratifying.
Now that the noise of the general election is over, what do you hope people take away from a film like “The Apprentice”?
Our goal is always insight. As creatives, we owe due diligence to the times we are in. To ask uncomfortable questions and remain curious. If the election showed us anything, we need to try to understand this figure [Donald Trump] in a more complex way than we have so far. Usually, we confront history after the fact. But, we have a chance to do so on its nose as it’s happening. I hope people have more permission to look at this movie. Today reflects that it can move on in a more public way where people can see it without fear. We should be weary of fear.
How will you celebrate?
I gotta call my mom.
Cristin Milioti
Milioti was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a limited series, anthology series or a motion picture made for television, for her role as Sofia Gigante in “The Penguin.”
Congratulations! How did you hear the news?
I was about to take my dog on a walk and then looked at my phone and it was blowing up.
Did you go to bed last night meditating on awards or did you not think about it?
I really didn’t think about it. I went to see “Wicked” for the second time last night with one of my best friends, and we just had a lovely time.
So when your phone is blowing up and you’re getting all that positive energy, what is that like realizing that your work has spoken to people in such a way that you’re getting a Globes nomination?
It’s so beautiful and overwhelming and joyful. It’s so special to be a part of something that I loved making that is also connecting with people, because it’s a rarity that it happens on the level that this show has been connecting with people. It’s really just icing on the cake, and I’m so excited for Lauren [LeFranc, creator and showrunner] and Colin [Farrell, her co-star] as well. It’s joyful.
Was there a moment when you were reading the scripts that you realized Sofia was a complex character you could sink your teeth into as an actor?
I knew on Episode 1. I knew it when I read it. When I first met with Lauren, I had questions because obviously there’s more that’s revealed the further you go into the series, but even with Episode 1 and from our initial conversation, I just felt such a pull toward her. Then certainly reading Episode 4 made me vibrate with excitement, realizing what I got to do in that episode, which was very special.
What did you do on the night Episode 4 aired? Did you have friends over or not even turn it on?
Gosh, no. I stayed so far away. I actually don’t remember what I was doing that night, but I would pity whoever had to sit next to me while I watched myself. I would never do that to someone. It’s too much to ask for someone to have to witness that spiral.
Matt Reeves has said he’s interested in another season of “The Penguin.” If you get to do more episodes, what would you want to see from Sofia?
I think there’s a myriad of possibilities of where she could go, especially given how her story ended at the end of the season. With the brain of Lauren LeFranc, it could go into so many different exciting territories, but I think just to get to explore her psyche more and to see her exact revenge on Oswald … I would love nothing more.
Have there been any discussions you could share about the “Batman – Part II” film and if you might appear in it?
I don’t know anything. I would also love nothing more. In every interview when I’m asked about it, it’s kind of the same answer, sadly. I would love to, but nothing has been shared at this point.
Do you have any special plans today to celebrate the nomination?
I should! Once I get off the phone I think I’m going I’m going put some celebratory plans in place.
There’s been lots of news recently about TV reboots: Have you heard any whispers about another season of “How I Met Your Mother”?
Uh, no. Zero, no!
Adam Brody
Brody was nominated for best performance by an actor in a television series – musical or comedy, for his role as Noah Roklov in “Nobody Wants This.”
Congratulations! You’ve had a very nice morning.
I didn’t realize it was the day, and I’m happy I didn’t. I got a call from my agent at like 5:30 a.m., and I didn’t answer. At first I was like, “That’s an odd time to accidentally call me.” But then I got a bunch of texts. So, yeah, it was a great way to wake up.
You weren’t surfing?
No, not that early. I don’t fuck with that.
Who did you hear from first this morning, besides your agent?
Let me look at my phone. I just got something from my friend Dan Levy — a different Dan Levy, but also a comedian. There are my agents and publicists. Oh, my father-in-law — but I think my wife [Leighton Meester] told him. Some producers on the show, people at Netflix. I’m on a thread for “Nobody Wants This.” Also, I’m on a thread from “Fleishman Is in Trouble” and Jesse Eisenberg got a bunch of nominations, so that was a celebratory thread early. My business manager about something else — he doesn’t know. I’m not going to tell him. Let him find out on his own.
You’ve been in the business for a while, but this is your first Globe nomination. How sweet does it feel?
It’s very, very, very gratifying. It’s one of those things where, on one hand, you try — partially as a defense mechanism, and partially because it’s true — you don’t want to put too much stock in this sort of thing. And, at the same time, to be grouped in with some of these amazing performers who you really admire, it’s very satisfying. It’s very exciting.
Let’s take a look at who else is in your category: Ted Danson, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Jeremy Allen White, Jason Segel. Adam, you’re going up against Steve Martin and Martin Short!
I know, we’ve been on a collision course for 45 years. It’s finally happening.
And also, Jeremy Allen White – do you think “The Bear” is a comedy?
Is it funnier than it is, you know, harrowing or tense? I don’t know. It’s not without its laughs. But, then again, so was “The Sopranos.”
What shows, besides your own, are you watching?
Honestly, I gotta actually catch up, especially if I go to some of this stuff. But I do like “The Bear” a lot. “Hacks,” too. I know it’s late, but I’m a big fan of “The Crown.” I really love “The Crown.”
You love a big soapy drama?
I don’t even think of it as that soapy. I think of “Game of Thrones” as soapy.
Now that you’re a Golden Globe nominee, do you become more of a diva?
No, I’m probably nicer, because now I think people are paying attention.
The last time we spoke, you didn’t really know what was going to happen in Season 2. Do you know anything now?
I’m blissfully unaware.
You don’t want to know?
Because I’ll have to start working it on it in my head. If I know that, I’m gonna worry about something and start losing a little sleep over one thing and want to try and help course correct.
Is it still on track to start shooting in February?
That was the plan and has been the plan, but I haven’t really checked in with anyone about what the latest is. But, as of a couple months ago, that was always the plan.
Jeremy Strong
Strong is nominated for best performance by a male actor in a supporting role in any motion picture, for his role as Roy Cohn in “The Apprentice.”
It felt like much of Hollywood wouldn’t touch this film with a 10-foot pole. Were you surprised to see your name and Sebastian’s included today?
A 100-foot pole! I was incredibly surprised and gratified. I found it thrilling, especially Sebastian. You know, his work in this film is as good as any performance I’ve ever seen in a film – and I worked on “Lincoln.” I think it’s that good. For whatever reason, this moment that we’re in, of a reticence in our culture to go to places that are difficult or uncomfortable, or to touch the third rail — people just didn’t want to support this movie. It’s been a battle. Studios didn’t want to touch it. The streamers wouldn’t touch it. Even in the lead up to the election, I reached out to someone who runs one of the studios and said, “What do you think? Can we do this now that Trump has come out against the film and called us human scum?”
I think this film has a lot to say about this historical moment. I think it is capable of moving the needle, in an even infinitesimally small way. It can at least offer insight beyond a Wikipedia page or the way we get our information now. I was told, “It’s too hot.” It’s been dismaying. I was prepared for the movie to be left out of this part of the conversation, so today’s news was just really amazing. For the Globes to recognize this work, just on the grounds of its artistry, that’s been the real hard thing. Ali Abbasi is a visionary filmmaker, and he made a really fearless piece of art. I think this movie has as much in common with “Barry Lyndon” and “Boogie Nights” and “Midnight Cowboy” and “Mean Streets” and a Shakespeare play than it does with any kind of political diatribe. I think a lot of people still haven’t seen the film, because they have a preconception of what kind of film it is. It’s really not what you expect. I think it’s a very bold, an exciting film that also puts its finger on the pulse of where we are right now.
It’s certainly been talked about far more in a political light than in an artistic one. Of course, a Trump story is inherently political in this climate, but the film is really a character study.
We’ve been trying to get people to see the film. We don’t have a studio behind us. We don’t have a budget for any of these things. We can’t participate in some of these bellwether events that you have to pay to participate in. We’ve been excluded from awards things because the publications have not wanted to “support anything to do with Trump.” I feel a bit stupefied by it, because the truth is, if we’re talking about the art form of acting, this kind of stuff is the highest level of difficulty. What Sebastian did in this movie, the challenge that we both had, the size of the limb to go out on … this film exists in this moment that is difficult for people. Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lecter and Hitler, as well as Picasso and C.S. Lewis. For some reason, this film has been declared a no-fly zone.
It’s clear how much admiration you have for Sebastian and his work on this film. Have you spoken with him today?
We texted a bit. I’m just so happy for him. I mean, he was nominated twice today! He’s a heavyweight actor. My greatest hope is that today we’ll invite more people to see the film. If both of the lead performances are nominated for Globes, then surely it’s worth watching or just paying attention to. Maybe that will help reframe the conversation around the film, which has been slightly overlooked. If the role of storytelling is to hold a mirror up to nature, as he says in Hamlet, “to show the very age and body of the time its form and pressures,” I can’t think of something that does that more than this film. This is what we’re living through right now, and it is the past as prologue. Kai Bird wrote the “Oppenheimer” biography, and his next book is about Cohn. That alone speaks to how influential he is on this moment that we’re in. Sean Penn hosted a screening for Sebastian and I two weeks ago. Sean said, “Just wait, you’ll see, this film will have a second life.” I hope that’s the case.
You’ve been hard at work on the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere” alongside Jeremy Allen White. I know you’ve always had a connection to “Nebraska,” but has Bruce’s work taken on new meaning for you while working on the film and portraying Jon Landau?
If you were in the room with me, you would see that the whole complexion of my face just changed when you brought this movie up. I’m in the middle of it now. One of the great joys about being an actor is that is the way you get to be this sort of traveler. It takes you places you would never imagine, like into the heart of darkness with Roy Cohn. But the last six months that I’ve spent in Bruce’s world with his music, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a person’s body of work or their legacy in a way that uplifted me more or filled me with a sense of life and hope and love more than Bruce Springsteen. Jeremy [Allen White]’s work is incredible. Bruce is on set a lot. We’re all kind of working on it together. It’s a real collaboration. Right now, nothing is more important to me than the world that’s serving his story and bringing Jon Landau to life. When I’m not talking to you, I’m listening to Bruce records.
Emma D’Arcy
D’Arcy was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a television series – drama, for their role as Rhaenyra Targaryen in “House of the Dragon.”
Congratulations on your nomination. It’s so awesome. To start off, could you take us through when you first found out you were nominated and where you were?
Just because of time zones, I was fully asleep and then my lovely partner called me, which was kind of unusual. My first thought was that something bad’s happened. And then he let me know. But a lovely way to wake up! I’m currently out in the Texas countryside doing some research for a project. I’m in a very different context just now.
Have you had the chance to chat with any of your crewmates or classmates from the show?
Yeah we’ve been messaging. It’s super nice. All of us are in a fortunate position that my colleagues on the show are some of my best friends, right? So we’re all in touch all the time.
For you as a nonbinary actor, what does this kind of recognition mean?
I guess my feeling is that the more trans and gender non-conforming folk that are sort of visible within the industry, the more space I hope we create for people in all walks of life to feel comfortable in their expression. So, in a lovely way, it doesn’t feel super complicated, but I do feel very honored to get to represent the community.
And what is it like being nominated alongside such amazing actors like Kathy Bates, Keira Knightley and Anna Sawai?
Wild. You know, the bit that I find hard to get my head around is, like, you know, these are actors who you’ve grown up watching, how could it be possible that I could be in the same list? That’s the sort of “pinch me” quality to days like this.
Looking ahead, what are you excited about with future seasons of “House of the Dragon”?
I’m so excited to go back. I mean, obviously it’s coming around. As soon as we kind of get into the new year, I know that I’ll be sort of creeping toward pre-production and we’ll be headed that way. I’m kind of excited about everything. I mean, I’m just at the point where I have this powerful desire to go back. I miss everyone. The show is made by such extraordinary people who pour love into this production over a big period of time. The commitment is at the very top level and I feel deeply honored whenever I get to sort of spend big portions of my life in that company.
And in terms of Rhaenyra, I’m waiting with bated breath to read exactly what she’s going to be doing. It’s exciting leaving the second season in such a moment of change, both sort of personal and political change. Rhaenyra is a character who’s finally coming into her power. I think it’s taken two seasons for her to sort of come into herself. And so I think it’ll be quite a different challenge to start to wear that confidence.
From your perspective, what has it been like hearing fan and audience reactions to Season 2?
Really good. I don’t dabble with online feedback because I don’t feel that’s like my space. But when I meet people, I love it. I feel deeply proud of the season, and maybe it feels quite specifically personal to me. And my sense certainly is that it really connected with people. I guess one of the beautiful things about a recurring series and about characters that we get to spend so many hours with is that you as a viewer really start to live with them. It becomes less presentational. And as the audience builds a familiarity and the actor also builds a familiarity with that character, the nature of the relationship changes. That, for me, is when television starts to be a thrilling medium because it’s the long form that allows that extended relationship.
Cooper Koch
Koch was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a limited series, anthology series or a motion picture made for television, for his role as Erik Menendez in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.”
Did you wake up at 5 a.m. to watch the nominations being announced?
I wanted to sleep through it, but then my body just naturally woke up, and then we put it on, and, I don’t know, I was ready to be disappointed. But then it happened, and I was just floored.
Why were you ready to be disappointed?
You never know how these things will go. I feel it’s best to not have any expectations. So to have it happen is just so overwhelming.
Let’s take a look at who you’re up against: Colin Farrell, Richard Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor and Andrew Scott.
It is a pretty legendary lineup. It feels crazy to be listed among those names. It’s unbelievable.
Did you scream, did you cry when you heard your name?
I am a crier but I didn’t cry. I think the adrenaline was so much. I was just like, “Oh, my God! Oh, my God!” Then my partner [filmmaker Stuart McClave] and I embraced and we hugged for a while and he told me he was really proud of me.
Who did you hear from first? Who texted you right away?
My team. They FaceTimed me and they were all freaking out. But then I also got a text congratulating me from Colman Domingo.
When will you start writing your acceptance speech?
I think I’m just gonna wing it [laughs].
Who will you bring to the Globes?
My partner and my twin brother Payton. They’ll have to battle it out — or maybe they’ll let me bring both of them.
What kind of meetings and scripts have you been getting since “Monsters”?
I’m meeting with some really, really cool producers and some really cool directors, and meeting with the studios. I’m so lucky that I signed with UTA. They’ve been amazing and have been helping me get those meetings, and it’s just been great. I have nothing specific I can say right now. I’m being patient and picky, but everything that’s been coming my way has been great, and I’m just lucky and fortunate to be in the position that I’m in now. It’s very, very surreal.
Have you heard from Kim Kardashian this morning yet?
No, not yet. She’s probably still getting her beauty sleep.
She should be sending you a Skims basket or something.
Maybe [laughs]. We’ll see.
When was the last time you spoke to Erik Menendez?
It’s been a minute, but hopefully soon. I texted [Erik’s wife] Tammy recently just to send my love.
How are you feeling today about Erik and Lyle’s chances of being released from prison?
I feel good. I still have cautious optimism, because you just never know with these things. They pushed their latest court date, so that was a little disappointing because I know that their family members are older and they wanted them to be home for the holidays. I’m still really positive. One of the first things that I thought about when I got the nomination was: “Oh my gosh, this gives me another moment to have a stage and a platform to advocate for them and speak about them.” I’m super grateful that I get to do that again.
Besides “Monsters,” what other series have you been watching?
When I was shooting the show, everyone started talking about “Baby Reindeer,” and then I started watching that. I binged it in one day. Absolutely loved that show. “Ripley” is amazing, and I still have to finish “Disclaimer.”
Have you seen “Wicked”? Are you a musical boy?
Oh, yes. When I couldn’t sleep last night, I kept singing, “I’m limited,” from “For Good.”
As an out actor in Hollywood, have you been hearing from young LGBTQ people thanking you?
I don’t have social media, so I don’t have that direct line of communication, but if I’m letting young gay boys or girls or anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community be seen and heard, that makes me so happy. I’m so grateful that I can be an advocate and a person to look up to.
Why don’t you have any social media? Do you have secret accounts?
I really don’t. I don’t have a Finsta. It’s just not good for me. It’s not good for my brain. But I do see some stuff because someone will send me a tweet when it’s something good.
Hannah Einbinder
Einbinder was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role on television, for her role as Ava Jacobs in “Hacks.”
Congratulations on your nomination! What were you doing when you first found out about the recognition?
I just had woken up and checked my phone and saw a lot of excited text messages from my community. I was just kind of gaining consciousness. It’s a really, really interesting thing to be emerging from sleep to very, very exciting news.
Who’s the first person that congratulated you, and what was it like being recognized alongside Jean Smart and the show as a whole?
I think Paul [W. Downs], Jean and Lucia [Aniello]. Yeah, that’s the first message I saw. Getting this recognition alongside the show and Jean Smart means so much. You know, we go to work every day and I really do not let a day pass without looking around at the people who make “Hacks” and feeling such deep gratitude. We’ve worked together for four-ish years now, and we’ve all gotten so close. We laugh and we cry and we’re making something that we are all so, so proud of. And you know, Paul, Jen and Lucia have single-handedly changed my life by casting me in the show, and Jean has made me into the actor that I am just by being able to act with her and look into her eyes. And you know, this recognition is just a cherry on top of a very tall sundae.
With Season 4 in production right now, what is the atmosphere like with the rest of the cast and crew following the Golden Globe nominations?
Just excitement. You know, I think everybody on our show recognizes how special and singular the experience of being on it is. This very wild ride has been filled with a lot of really, really incredible recognition, and so we’re always just appreciative and relishing in it.
What are you most excited for with Season 4?
I’m just looking forward to the community of fans of the show being able to watch it, and kind of being able to experience it, not only in shooting but also through their eyes. I think we all feel very connected to the group of people who watch our show, so I’m really excited for them to see it and to experience it with them.
Coralie Fargeat
Fargeat was nominated three times: for directing, writing and producing “The Substance.”
What was your reaction when you heard about the nominations?
I literally screamed into my apartment out of joy. I think all the neighbors heard me. This is such a huge honor, and an amazing achievement for the film. We all put our heart and our guts into this film. The fact that it really reached the audience and the journalists, it seems that this energy has translated and has been recognized and rewarded. For me, that’s really incredible.
How significant is it for you to see a body horror film like “The Substance” cross over and earn such recognition at a major award show?
Genre films are highly political and of course they’re a great way to entertain and have fun and create an extreme experience. But deep down, they are such a powerful tool to confront political or social matters through the lens of entertainment. Everything I wanted to express with that film, I could do it in the best possible way, because it was a genre film, and I was allowed to go very far and not restrain myself. I wanted to break free all the constraints and all the things that are not possible in real life.
Have you already congratulated Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley?
I immediately texted Demi and Margaret to congratulate them! I’m so happy because taking this role was risky and challenging. When Demi read the script, she loved it. When you do a movie like this you have to do it 100%, and you have to trust the vision. You have to take the risk of doing what is on the page, with the tone, with the nudity, with the prosthetic, with everything. And so it’s a huge commitment, because until it’s done, you have to trust the vision and do everything you can to be 100% sincere, and honestly that’s what she did. She had this intelligence and instinct, and she had no fear going there. She was at a moment of her life where she wanted to take control of her life and make a very strong move for herself.
You’re one of several international filmmakers nominated at the Golden Globes. Is this year a milestone for international filmmakers breaking into the U.S awards race?
It’s so great to see very different voices express themselves. I think that’s how cinema is still very much alive. It’s a medium that always creates new voices and visions, new ways of making films. And to see that all of these voices have been welcomed at the table, to me this is such a positive sign for cinema and for the industry that continues to transform itself and create new opportunities for filmmakers. It’s a great gift to include all of these voices, and I’m extremely proud to be one of them, and to be here with all the other talented filmmakers who I deeply admire.
Pamela Anderson
Anderson was nominated for best performance by an actress in a motion picture drama for her role as Shelly in “The Last Showgirl”
Who was the first person to congratulate you this morning?
My publicists Annette Wolf and Caryn Leeds. They were the first calls. I was up early, and so I got their message early. As people have been waking up, I’ve been getting lots of love.
What does it mean to be nominated for this special role?
This was so unexpected. Our little film was shot over 18 days, for less than a couple of million dollars. It was just a labor of love for everybody. I feel like we all made each other better, and all lifted each other up, and there was such a sisterhood and real wonderful women and love on the set. Gia [Coppola, the film’s director] was such a visionary. When she watched my documentary, she could see through the nonsense and see a person hungry to express herself as an artist. I’ll be eternally grateful to her. I hope I get to work with her forever because that is a skill and a wonderful quality; a director able to cast in that way, without fear.
I feel like I’ve been living in character, creating characters in my personal life. And now I feel like I can be myself. That’s what these last three years have been about, feeling who I am underneath. What are my original thoughts? What do I want to be when I grow up, instead of constantly putting those layers of protection on? This movie gave me a place to put my entire life experience. So that’s what it was for me – it’s the catalyst for everything. I feel like it’s just the beginning. I’ve just scratched the surface. I’ve worked hard with an acting teacher in the past. When I saw myself on screen at TIFF with the whole cast for the first time, I just looked up and I transformed. I just thought, “Well, I just laid it all out there.”
You’ve talked about sisterhood. Is there a WhatsApp or an iMessage group chat amongst you all? What was the vibe this morning after Miley Cyrus was announced first [nominated for original song] and then your name was announced?
We do, and it was blowing up. Jamie [Lee Curtis] was like “Boom.” Everyone’s very happy. Everybody is a part of this. I love Miley, and I’m so happy for Andrew Wyatt because he orchestrated the music.
The movie hasn’t yet been released wide, but it’s played for some people. Have you heard from any showgirls?
I was at the Sun Valley Film Festival, and the girl in the front row was just crying. She said, “Where do showgirls go?” She was sobbing. I met the Jubilee showgirls, and not all of them make it. You don’t think about what happens at the end. There are all sorts of things you can only imagine from every end of the spectrum – good, bad and ugly.
At a recent screening, Jamie said, “The truth is, I wanted to be in this because it was called ‘The Last Showgirl,’ and Pamela Anderson was going to play the ‘last showgirl.’” What does it mean to hear that?
Jamie Lee Curtis is a legend. She’s incredible. I love her fearlessness and how she tackles these new roles in her life. She’s such an inspiration. When she came up to me – and I was terrified to meet her – we were doing a table read, and she had just gotten a spray tan, and she was changing colors before my eyes. It was getting deeper and orange. She looked at me and said, “I did this for you.” The lightning bolt of love that goes through your heart. She’s such a champion for women, for herself and everybody loves Jaime. She introduced herself to every single person on the crew and created a safe space to play.
How are you going to celebrate?
I’m going to keep working hard, just doing what I’m doing. We’re doing screenings and interviews. I have a nice dinner with my son tomorrow night. There’s plenty more to do. Just until the end of the week, and then I’m going to go back to my dogs and have a week-long dog hug.
Edward Berger
Berger was nominated for best director for “Conclave.”
Where were you when you found out “Conclave” had received these nominations?
I was in Berlin, between phone calls, having a coffee, sitting on a bench, and suddenly I looked down at the phone and saw it pinging.
I understand you’re at the airport. What has this day been like for you as you’re traveling?
You go through this as a team, and you come out on the other end alone. It’s a bit lonely, especially flying to Los Angeles and halfway around the globe, and you’re all by yourself. But, it’s always sweeter if you can enjoy the dessert with your teammates.
How did your cast react? Is there a group chat somewhere?
No, we don’t have a group chat. The first person I spoke to was my producer Tessa Ross. And then I called [composer] Volker Bertlemann and [actor] Ralph Fiennes.
I’m curious, what do you think Cardinal Lawrence [Fiennes] would say right now about the nomination?
He would be very humbled and retreat in the shadows and let Isabella win [laughs].
What about Cardinal Tremblay played by John Lithgow?
Cardinal Tremblay would say the Hollywood Foreign Press still hasn’t learned anything, “Nominate me!” He would say, “People should vote for Tremblay.”
Is there any update on the Jason Bourne movie you’ve been rumored to direct?
To be honest, I don’t know, because I’m not quite ready yet to know what my next movie will be. I’m right now editing my film “The Ballad of a Small Player,” and hanging out between editing a movie and promoting this one. My head’s quite full, and so I’m not going to be ready to know what the next movie is for months.
Kelsey Mann
Mann directed “Inside Out 2,” which is nominated for best animated motion picture and the cinematic and box office achievement award.
Which emotion is at your Headquarters console this morning?
Definitely Joy. Maybe a little bit Ennui. It’s so early, so I think she’s kind of like, “What? Why are we awake?”
You said you’d like to do more “Inside Out.” What are some possibilities that didn’t make “Inside Out 2”?
One of my favorite lands we ended up cutting from the film is an area called Procrastination Land. And when the emotions see it, there’s a big sign: “Procrastination Land Coming Soon.” It was this big empty dirt lot with a couple of construction workers and some construction equipment. And the emotions were wondering, like, “Man, they’ve been trying to build this place for months. Why hasn’t it gotten any further?” It was such a fun location, yet it was really hard for it to fit into the story, especially a story that’s all about Riley being taken over by Anxiety. So we ended up cutting it, but it’s definitely a place I want to go back and revisit, hopefully someday.
In the making of both the first film and the second film, there were a lot of emotions that were tried and cut from the film. There was one from the first movie that Pete Docter, who directed the original film, really believed in and asked me to try again in the second one, which was the emotion of Schadenfreude, which is the feeling that you get when you take pleasure in someone else’s pain. He was this really funny character with a German accent, and he would come into headquarters and always laugh whenever somebody hit their head. But there was no reason for him to be there to tell Joy and Riley’s story, so sadly he got cut yet again.
Maybe he’ll get a chance one day for the next film.
We tried a lot of emotions [for “Inside Out 2”]. One of them that comes to mind is Jealousy. We tried that emotion pretty early on. When I first started, I didn’t know the difference between jealousy and envy. We actually had a joke where they showed up as identical twins and nobody could tell them apart. And once I spoke to a lot of our experts that we had on our film, and I learned the difference. Envy is the one that I wanted to deal with, which is the feeling that you wish you had what others had. And it really drives when you’re at this age, when you’re a teenager, where you’re comparing yourself to to others, especially for Riley. So we ended up cutting Jealousy and leaning in to the emotion of Envy.
Would you like to work more with Nostalgia?
I love not only the character of Nostalgia, but I love June Squibb, who does the voice of Nostalgia. She is incredibly talented and incredibly kind and sweet, and I wish that I had more lines for Nostalgia, because I would love to work more with June, not only on this film, but in the future.
With animated movies such as “Moana“ getting the live-action treatment, would you like to see a live-action “Inside Out“?
This world all came from Pete Docter, and it came from his want to create something that took advantage of the animation medium. So, I can’t see it translating into live action because it’s build on this foundation of animation and what animation can do.
Yura Borisov
Borisov was nominated for best performance by a supporting actor in any motion picture, for his role as Igor in “Anora.”
This is your first time being recognized by the Golden Globes. How are you feeling, how did you first react?
Yesterday was my birthday and a lot of people were writing and calling me. Today it was more than yesterday. My friends writing me that they were proud and surprised about this. I’m happy to be nominated for the first time in my life with some respectful people and actors like Denzel Washington. It’s a very special moment.
Who was the first person that congratulated you this morning?
The first person was [my publicist] Carmen, but I didn’t answer because I was cooking in the kitchen, and I had dirty hands. I was preparing some food and I didn’t know why she was calling me — I couldn’t answer with all of this stuff on my hands. Then I washed my hands and took the phone.
Your co-star Mikey Madison and director Sean Baker were both nominated as well. Have you had a chance to speak with them today?
No, I’ve not spoken with them. I’m going to. I’m very happy that they are nominated too because, for me, the best award is being part of this crew and our team for this movie. Of course I’m happy about all the nominations and this stuff, but I’m happy for them more than by myself, you know?
How has your life changed in the past few months with the film’s release?
I don’t know, we’ll see. You never know. Maybe nothing will change. I hope that inside me nothing will change.
Are there other films or actors nominated this year that you are really happy to be alongside?
Of course I respect Denzel Washington, first of all, with whom I’m nominated. I grew up with his films. And Edward Norton. Only after some time will I understand what’s happening with me right now. But at this moment, I’m very excited and just trying to be in the moment.
Billy Bob Thornton
Thronton was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a television series – drama, for his role as Tommy Norris in “Landman.”
How are you feeling this morning?
Oh, you know. Moving right along [laughs]. Yeah, we’re up in San Luis Obispo with our daughter at college for the holidays and everything. [My publicist] Arnold called me at 5:16 a.m. and I was like, you know, I always think something happened to somebody.
Well, finding out that you were nominated for a Golden Globe must’ve been some great news to wake up to.
It’s a really nice deal when you work on something that you love and you get recognized, I love that. I’m humbled.
Your “Landman” co-star, Demi Moore, was also nominated. Did you get a chance to chat with her, and how did you react when she got recognized for “The Substance”?
Oh, well I love her. I’ve known her since about 1989 or ’90, somewhere in there. I’ve always loved her and it’s been such a joy to work together after all these years. She did such an awesome job and I’m so proud of her. So I haven’t called her yet but I will because, you know, a lot of people start texting you and calling you, and I don’t want to bombard her, so I’ll just send her a message first.
And you’re in some good company as a nominee against names like Eddie Redmayne, Gary Oldman and Jake Gyllenhaal. What is it like being in this specific category with these actors?
Yeah, it’s funny. When you’ve been around as long as I have, you kind of know everybody. And I knew Jake when he was a kid. His dad directed me in a movie years ago. It’s so funny to be in the same category with a guy who’s now all grown up and has his own career. I knew him when he was running around the house when I was doing script read-throughs with his dad. It’s always a real honor to be included among people like that. You know, Gary Oldman is one of my favorites. It’s a terrific thing.
Are you planning on celebrating your nomination with your family? What’s the plan?
Well, I got a few Zooms that were set up already before this that I have to do for Paramount today. So I’m probably going to spend most of the afternoon doing that. And then, you know, we’ll probably go to dinner tonight somewhere here on the Central Coast of California.
Very nice. I’m also curious knowing that this is the first season of the show, how are you and the rest of the cast and crew feeling about a potential renewal?
Yeah, probably so. People tend to really pay attention when award nominations come up and everything. And I think the studio likes that. It brings attention to your show. And like you said, this is our first season, so any help we can get is greatly appreciated. So I’m sure it’s going to be fine. And obviously, we certainly hope there’ll be multiple seasons. That’s the intention.
Fernanda Torres
Torres was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – drama, for her role as Eunice in “I’m Still Here.”
How are you feeling right now?
Fine, busy, happy, all together. Unbelievable. Miracles happen.
Who were you with when you found out about the nomination?
I was doing makeup with Rebecca, the makeup artist, preparing myself in London, and then I got a call saying that I have a nomination. I knew it would be announced today, but I don’t like to have any expectations about anything. I was really proud and happy.
What is it like having the film “I’m Still Here” nominated alongside your performance?
It’s the perfect duo for this movie because I think the movie has a lot to do with me — and I wouldn’t be as honest as I am in this movie without the movie around me. So it’s the perfect compliment to both of us, I think.
Your mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated 25 years ago for “Central Station,” also directed by Walter Salles.
Unbelievable. Can you imagine? I mean, I remember when she was nominated. I remember the Golden Globes 25 years ago, and it means so many things. It means that Brazil was able to produce another generation of good artists that endured. And finally, 25 years after “Central Station,” “I’m Still Here” brings all of us together like a family. It’s so meaningful. It means that art and culture are still around in Brazil. It’s a confirmation that we have endured. No matter what dictatorships, coup d’états, or impeachments: art has survived.
Have you heard from your mom yet today?
I couldn’t talk to her yet, because I was going from one interview to the other. I was sending her a picture with me and Walter. It’s very emotional. I want to have time for them.
How is the rest of the cast and crew feeling about the news?
So beautiful, because what’s happened with this film in Brazil is that it’s become a national passion, which is really a surprise. This film united Brazil in the sense that we all agree that a dictatorship that kills someone is not a good deal. So the film makes it through the story of a family, which everybody can relate to. Young people are discovering what it really means to live in a dictatorship through this film. And now there’s this national pride of our cinema, of our culture — a culture that lately, in the last few years, has been attacked in a very deep way, like we were immoral, corrupted, dirty. So the Paiva family, in a way, presented art again to Brazil as a place with values.
Congratulations on everything.
I would also just like to thank the Golden Globes, because you might know how wonderful this season is for female performances. It’s an amazing year, and I’m very proud to be together with so many great actresses in all kinds of awards.
David Derrick Jr., Dana Ledoux Miller and Jason Hand
Derrick Jr., Ledoux Miller and Hand co-directed “Moana 2,” which is nominated for best animated motion picture.
Have you talked with the team this morning?
Derrick Jr.: We have a good text chain with the small-room creatives who’ve been along this journey. But honestly, one of the first people I texted individually was Jason [Hand]. It was Jason and I who started this together four years ago, and so it means a lot. I’m so glad that people are enjoying the film. This is just like sort of icing on the cake.
In recent years, Disney Animation has had a couple of misfires. Do you believe “Moana 2” is signaling an overall turnaround?
Derrick Jr.: I’ve spent more time in the movie theater [lately] than I have in years recently. And I love seeing a shift in everyone’s habits of going to see these big stories on the big screen. And I think it’s even beyond just Disney Animation. It’s an exciting revival for the entire film industry.
Hand: I saw “Gladiator II” [last night]. The movie theater was almost completely full, which was so exciting to see people back at the theaters. For Disney Animation, we’ve been fighting back since COVID times, and we want people to get back to the theater. This is a great sign.
Have you been involved in the upcoming live-action “Moana”?
Hand: Our culture consultants were involved. Of course, Jared [Bush] and Dana [Ledoux Miller] both co-wrote the script together. It’s just so exciting that our story is going to live in a different way and continue on. … We’ve had a little bit of a sneak peek, and it’s looking incredible.
Are there any characters that you’re particularly excited to see on the screen, like maybe the Kakamora tribe?
Hand: One thing that I’ve heard that I haven’t actually had a chance to see, is that the Kakamora Tribe actually changed a bit from the version that we have in our film. I can’t wait to see what they do with them.
Will there be a “Moana 3”?
Hand: I always certainly hope so. It’s helpful that audiences have an appetite for the film and we can see that there are more possibilities for this world and these characters. They are beloved by us, and it’s nice that they are beloved by other people as well. So nothing in the works quite yet, but it’s so exciting that it’s on the table.
Derrick Jr.: We have just dipped our toe into the vastness of this world, into the potential of “Moana.” So I do love how we show the promise of continual evolution of self, even at the end of the movie.
Are there any stories and or characters in particular that you’d really like to explore further?
Hand: Matangi [voiced by Awhimai Fraser] would be one that I think we all are interested in finding out more about. Obviously, she plays a pivotal role in Moana 2, but there’s just something about that character that’s so mysterious, and I think we all want to learn more about what that story is.
How are you feeling about “Moana” the franchise’s journey?
Ledoux Miller: Moana is really a character who changed my life in so many ways just by existing. So the fact that she’s seeing so much love around the world is a wonderful thing for me personally. I think she’s got more to conquer, more adventures to come. There’s been a really huge groundswell of support, especially from the Pacific Islander community, for this film. And so I’ve had a lot of people reaching out, excited about the prospect that that Moana is getting some recognition on a larger scale, because it means so much to so many people to see themselves on this screen.
I’m Samoan, so I’ve got like 50 first cousins, and they all have kids. And I work a lot with the Pacific Islander community through an organization I co-founded called Peak. And so we’ve built a community of Pacific Islanders and entertainment out here. What this nomination says to a lot of them is that their dreams are all possible, and that they can achieve these at the highest levels and be recognized for those achievements.
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