2025 Oscar Nominees React

Ariana Grande ("Wicked")

Receiving her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "Wicked," Ariana Grande was filled with joy. She shared her excitement with her therapist, best friends, and Kristin Chenoweth, all while trying to stifle her sobs.

"It's really hard to speak. I just got off the phone with my mom and my best friends and Kristin Chenoweth. And I have been texting with Cynthia [Erivo] and Jon [M. Chu] all morning," Grande said.

She expressed gratitude for the recognition, especially considering it was alongside Cynthia Erivo. "It feels like such a magnificent celebration of this hard work that we were able to do together. It feels like we were passed the wand and broom by Kristin and Idina Menzel. They were nominated for the Tonys together, and now Cynthia and I get to have this recognition together."

Demi Moore ("The Substance")

Nominated for Best Actress for her role in "The Substance," Demi Moore shared her surprise and humility. She reflected on the highs and lows of recent events, including a new fire in Los Angeles.

"I don't know that I'm quite in my body. Life has been full of contrast with all that's been going on, such incredible highs and devastating lows. Last night a new fire broke out in Los Angeles, and I was on alert all night because it wasn't that far from us. I'm feeling some deep humility on many, many levels," Moore said.

She also acknowledged the significance of her nomination, considering it was her first Oscar nod. "I'm so grateful for the recognition. But it's not just for me, it's also about what 'The Substance' represents. I'm here to be in service to something bigger."

Mikey Madison ("Anora")

Madison expressed her gratitude for her first Oscar nomination as Best Actress for "Anora," sharing how overwhelmed with joy she felt.

"I am in my bed in a hotel in New York, feeling very grateful. I was on FaceTime with my mom, my dad, my dog and my twin brother this morning, and I'm humbled; absolutely overjoyed. My heart is broken for Los Angeles right now, but I feel like as a community, everyone's coming together and celebrating film in a beautiful way," Madison said.

She revealed her excitement to meet Fernanda Torres at the Oscars, calling her "such an incredible, beautiful actress. Such a talent."

Monica Barbaro ("A Complete Unknown")

Barbaro shared her disbelief upon receiving her nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "A Complete Unknown."

"I'm in London right now, and I was mid-fitting with costume designer Jenny Eagan. She kept refreshing her phone, and I was like, 'I don't want to know anything.' I looked at my phone and fell on the floor. I'm elated. This is surreal," Barbaro said.

She expressed her excitement to attend the Oscars and potentially bring her boyfriend, but admitted she hadn't given much thought to who she would accompany.

Yura Borisov ("Anora")

Borisov, receiving his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Anora," couldn't contain his emotions.

"It's a lot of emotions. People are calling and texting me, and everybody is happy. I can't understand what I feel right now," Borisov said.

He shared the hilarious moment when his nomination was announced and his wife's ecstatic reaction. "It was very funny because my nomination was first, and my name was called first, and my wife started screaming and crying. I [didn't hear] anything after that, all the nominations, because she was screaming."

James Mangold ("A Complete Unknown")

Mangold expressed his surprise and joy at receiving nominations for Best Director and Adapted Screenplay for "A Complete Unknown."

"I'm in traffic on the 101, but I'm good. It was thrilling, beautiful surprise. I was not expecting it. What we all strive for in our creative lives, at least for myself, is the respect and admiration of your peers. This is a huge lift to my spirits," Mangold said.

He shared his pride in the film's camaraderie and commitment, acknowledging the years of development and challenges they faced.

Coralie Fargeat ("The Substance")

Fargeat, nominated for Best Director for "The Substance," made history as the first female director in 20 years to receive an Oscar nomination.

"I'm incredibly happy and proud. It's a huge achievement. I'm happy there's a woman director in this group. It shows there's still a long way to go," Fargeat said.

She emphasized the importance of representation and the need for change in the industry. "Right now it's moving just a little bit but it should move like the end of the film, like the hectoliters of blood I spilled! I'm proud the film is a stone in that edifice. I'm proud to be able to represent something."

Andy Nelson ("Wicked")

With his 25th Oscar nomination for Best Sound for "Wicked," Nelson expressed his overwhelming gratitude.

"It's overwhelming. I have such gratitude for all the different nominations, and can't believe that it's hit a quarter century. I'm thrilled to be recognized for a film that I have so much love for," Nelson said.

He highlighted his passion for musicals and his excitement for working on "Wicked," praising the exceptional performances and the collaborative experience.