As we reported yesterday, the caliber, talent and diversity of women nominated for the 2013 Emmy Awards is incredible. We have writers and directors like Lena Dunham and Allison Anders earning nominations hoping to chip away at the dismal numbers for women in those categories. Julia Louis-Dreyfus received her 14th Emmy nomination tying her with iconic comedienne Lucille Ball. And showcasing the need for more diversity within television, Kerry Washington is the first black actress since Cicely Tyson in 1995 to be nominated for the Drama Lead Actress.
Here are some reactions from the women who received nominations:
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men and Top of the Lake:
I woke up and I did not intend to get up, but I checked my phone – as you do – and I saw that I had one text from [Nashville’s] Connie Britton,
who’s my friend, and a voicemail from my publicist, Erica. I was like, what is this about? I checked the message and she said, “Double nomination,” and I
was sort of shocked and confused [laughs]. I don’t think it’s sunk in. I have a birthday next week, and it’s kind of a nice little birthday present. I just
want to… feel good about and enjoy this moment. I’m so honored to be part of these two groups – Mad Men and Top of the Lake – and I’m proud of both of
them. They’re both families. It’s something I just want to enjoy. This is a good moment.
Laura Dern, Enlightened:
I’m so thrilled and grateful to the Academy for this lovely news. The role of Amy Jellicoe is a shared creation, and therefore I share this nomination with
the extraordinary [series creator] Mike White for his creation and vision. I also share this with the greatest cast ever, who made Amy all that she is, as
well as all of the directors and our crew who have helped shape her. I am excited and thankful for any support our show is offered, so that people can
continue to find it.
Kerry Washington, Scandal:
I found out right before I stepped on a plane, and then [the flight crew] started yelling at me to turn off my phone. [Laughs]. My publicist and
friend Michelle Benson called me, and then I was able to call my manager and a couple other people — which is why I got in trouble! It’s really exciting.
The thing is, to whatever extent anybody is celebrating this character or the portrayal of this character, it really is a celebration of this entire cast,
because we are a company of actors that really lean on each other. This work is a reflection of the talent around me, a level of excellence that I am
constantly trying to elevate myself to meet.
Alfre Woodard, Steel Magnolias:
It’s Mandela Day and my colleagues recognized Steel Magnolias? It’s a great day!
Connie Britton, Nashville:
Every single time I’ve ever been nominated it’s always felt like a surprise. I never, ever take it for granted. I’m just always so thrilled. And every
nomination is different. Nashville was a big risk for me, it was scary in a lot of ways to be taking on the singing and all of that. So I just
feel stunned and grateful to the Academy. I also feel like I’m representing all of my peeps here at the show. Everybody has worked so hard.
Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel:
My husband is my biggest fan ever and he really, really wanted me to get a nomination. He wanted this more than I did. [Laughs] I think because he
knows how hard I worked this year. And he’s also been stuck with the two kids while I’ve been working…. [To celebrate] I’m going to take Freddie
[Highmore] and sneak into a preview of [my new film] The Conjuring. I want to scare the bejesus out of him.
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation:
I appreciate the nominations. I love my job. But nice try, guys. I’m not falling for this old trick again.
The Emmy Awards will air on September 22 on CBS. Let’s hope Poehler has another trick up her sleeve like last year’s speech swap with Julia-Louis Dreyfus.
