Here are some quotes that I picked up yesterday from some of the nominees

Annie Mumolo

Our main objective was to write a film that focused about relationships and friendships. We really tried to focus on that when writing this…Apatow is a creative producer and his influence really helped us when we were writing this film. I think that really shows in the final product. (Variety)

Glenn Close

It’s an incredibly strong year for women. It’s just so thrilling to be in the company of these other women — and cross generational, which is great. (EW)

I actually asked my lawyer the other day what year I took out the first option on the George Moore short story (for Albert Nobbs), and it was 1988. I am so proud for our whole team that our little movie got three nominations. It’s phenomenal. (Deadline)

Viola Davis

It’s an honor to be nominated a second time; it is a personal accomplishment and triumph for women and women of color. I’m so glad the film has been recognized; it was a labor of love from the moment it was conceived, and it is rewarding to see the impact it is having. (Deadline)

Meryl Streep

I am honored to be in company with such beautiful artists, and touched deeply by my fellow actors for their generosity in giving me this acknowledgment. (Deadline)

Michelle Williams

I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors — a special congratulations to Kenneth Branagh — and the fearless Harvey Weinstein. This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyn’s legacy. (Deadline)

Janet McTeer

The part was a real stretch and it was an easy decision to make in terms of committing to the project. I had heard a bit about the subject matter — women working as men in the 19th century — a situation that effected the middle and working classes, especially in London. … I’m older and wiser and far less scared [than her last Oscar nomination, in 2000 for Tumbleweeds]. It’s apt to be more fun this time around since I’m doing (Oscar season) with Glenn. (Deadline)

Berenice Bejo, The Artist

I’m overjoyed and filled with happiness. I can’t believe that a year ago I was learning how to tap dance and shooting in Hollywood studios and today I am nominated for an Academy Award. It was a thrill to work on a project as ambitious as The Artist and I am happy to share this moment with our visionary director, Michel Hazanavicius. (Deadline)

Other facts:

If Viola Davis wins lead actress for “The Help,” she will be only the second African American woman to win the honor. Halle Berry was the first, for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball.” The first black performer to earn a lead actress nomination was Dorothy Dandridge, for 1954’s “Carmen Jones.” (LA Times)

Adapted screenplay nominee Bridget O’Connor, who penned “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” with husband Peter Straughan, died in September at the age of 49 from cancer. The first posthumous Oscar winner was screenwriter Sidney Howard, who won the Academy Award for 1939’s “Gone With the Wind.” (LA Times)