In the category of Outstanding Performance in a Reaction Statement to a SAG Nomination, the winner is Sandra Bullock for “Gravity.”
Bullock wasn’t the first to respond to the nomination with the de rigueur mass-emailed expression of gratitude – Matthew McConaughey beat her to it by an hour, getting out his thanks less than an hour after his name was announced – but she managed the nifty trick of being funny while praising her fellow nominees (a must) and simultaneously reminding people that her role was difficult.
And she didn’t use any of the usual reaction-statement buzzwords, which makes her the SAG-reaction MVP, at least based on the early sampling of reaction statements sent to TheWrap.
Also read: SAG Awards Nominees: The Complete List
As for the others, in the early going honored has a narrow edge over proud as the most-used word to describe a nominee’s feelings. Here’s the roundup, which TheWrap will continue to update as statements come in:
Sandra Bullock, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, “Gravity”: “Had I known being locked in a light box and dangling from a ceiling for hours on end would land me in the company of these extraordinary women, I would have done it years ago.”
Matthew McConaughey, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, “Dallas Buyers Club”: “So solid and gratifying to have this recognition from my fellow actors. Cheers to what we get to do: depict humanity and ride this wild bull called acting. With thanks and respect, I’m honored with this nomination.”
See photos: SAG Awards 2013: The Nominees
Bruce Dern, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, “Nebraska”: “Movies are the ultimate team sport. And any time teammates and former teammates acknowledge you as one of the five nominees in a single year, it’s pretty wonderful.”
June Squibb, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, “Nebraska”: “I’m thrilled that Bruce and I are included in the SAG nominations. It’s important to me because it’s my peers and it’s always such a wonderful evening. It is so exciting to be a part of Alexander’s film with such a great cast and crew.”
Julia Roberts, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, “August: Osage County”: “This is such an exciting morning for me and my remarkable cast mates. For all of us to be recognized by our peers in the Screen Actors Guild is a lovely honor.”
Emma Thompson, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, “Saving Mr. Banks”: “It’s a special thrill to be nominated by other actors and this movie was a pure joy to make.”
Also read: ‘August: Osage County,’ But No Robert Redford – SAG Voters Go for Fireworks
Barkhad Abdi, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, “Captain Phillips”: “I am incredibly honored. Thinking back to when I first heard about the casting call for this film, this is now beyond my wildest expectations. I am so thankful to every actor that voted, to our entire cast and crew, and especially to Tom Hanks and Paul Greengrass who helped to guide me so generously through the chance of a lifetime on ‘Captain Phillips.’”
Jared Leto, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, “Dallas Buyers Club”: “I had not made a film in almost six years. To return to the screen with this love and support is absolutely insane and amazing. I’m so honored to be recognized by my peers at the Screen Actors Guild and to be nominated by this wonderful group of people that I admire so much. I’m so proud and so grateful to you all.”
Judi Dench, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, “Philomena”: “I’m very proud to be nominated and with such remarkable fellow actors.”
Helena Bonham Carter, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries, “Burton and Taylor”: “I am so proud to receive a SAG nom. Playing Elizabeth Taylor was both terrifying and the best fun I’ve had in years. The respect of my peers is the one I crave most. I was sick today but suddenly my temperature has gone down.”