Ranking the Oscar Reactions: Which Nominees (and Publicists) Brought Their A-Game?

If you're anything like me, you read most of the publicist-approved Academy Award nominee reactions...and you nod off somewhere between "thrilled to be in the company of such wonderful actors" and "this film was a labor of love." That's all good and classy but who cares? We live in a Jersey Shore-driven society where people would sooner light a Wall Street Journal on fire for warmth (and attention) at a Midwestern Justin Bieber concert than read it. Just give us a little creativity and edge that was not approved by your management. With that simple request in mind, Movieline has ranked the Oscar nomination reactions this morning -- based on originality, genuineness and political incorrectness -- and listed them below for your convenience.

THE TOUCHING

Darren Aronofsky, Nominated for Best Picture and Best Director (Black Swan)

"I was building Lego with my son and lost track of the time. Then the phone started ringing and I realized it must be good news. I'm incredibly touched and humbled. I grew up watching the awards and never thought this would be my reality. I'm thrilled for Natalie who trained tirelessly for a year and then trusted me with her soul and spirit. And I'm so thankful the academy recognized my long time collaborators Matty, Andy and Scott. They are such focused and committed artists and their work inspired me every day."

Annette Bening, Nominated for Best Actress (The Kids Are All Right)

"4 nominations and 4 kids. I am damn proud!" [via Variety]

Jacki Weaver, Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Animal Kingdom)

"I'm elated to the point of euphoria. I feel like I'm in a walking dream. I'm so relieved that all those millions of Australians that wanted me to get this nomination aren't disappointed. Happy Australia Day." [via Variety]

Helena Bonham Carter, Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (The King's Speech)

"Of course I am thrilled to receive an Oscar nomination. As my 3yr old daughter said 'Yay!' I couldn't put it any better myself."

THE HUMOROUS

Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Adapted Screenplay (True Grit)

"Ten seems like an awful lot. We don't want to take anyone else's."

Colin Firth, Nominated for Best Actor (The King's Speech)

"Currently celebrating with my colleagues three feet above the ground. Not used to this much joy, or this much champagne at this hour." [via Us]

Dean Deblois, Nominated for Best Director (How to Train Your Dragon)

"What honor it is to be nominated for an Academy Award! I'm actually on my way to the Van Nuys immigration and naturalization office for a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment. I'm looking at the Oscar nom as a good sign! Maybe they'll let me stick around and become a citizen now!" [via Variety]

James Franco, Nominated for Best Actor (127 Hours)

"I'm about to go to class. I've got my normal pre-class makeup on, and there are some lights here. It's great." [via Today]

THE SLEEP-RELATED

Hailee Steinfeld, Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (True Grit)

"I was asleep and I heard my mom and dad screaming in the other room. They came in my room with flowers. It was very exciting. It's incredible. I'm in shock. The film overall is incredible. To be a part of it all was amazing. I'm so proud of it all." [via Today]

Jennifer Lawrence, Nominated for Best Actress (Winter's Bone)

"I woke up this time to watch the nominations and didn't have to work," she said. "I think now to celebrate I'm just going go back to bed and sleep the rest of the day. Maybe I'll have dinner later on tonight." [via Variety]

THE NOSTALGIAC

Lisa Cholodenko, Nominated for Best Director and Original Screenplay (The Kids Are All Right)

"It's incredible to think that this morning's Oscar nominations go back seven years to the fateful day Stuart Blumberg and I crossed paths in a Los Angeles coffee shop and agreed to write 'Kids' together. If luck is preparation meeting opportunity, then that was the opportunity, hands down I'm thrilled that I'll be at the Kodak Theatre next month with Stuart, Mark Ruffalo, Annette Bening, Jeff Levy-Hinte, and my other producers who worked so hard to get this film made. I only regret that Julianne Moore didn't get the acting nomination she so richly deserved. But the Picture nomination is as much hers as ours. We couldn't have made this film without her heart, smarts and loyalty, not to mention her outstanding performance."

Danny Cohen, Nominated for Best Cinematography (The King's Speech)

"I'm gobsmacked! What a wonderful journey it has been, from filming in the freezing London winter to being nominated today. Thank you to the Academy for this recognition and congratulations to all of my King's Speech colleagues. It's something very special."

THE CUT AND DRY

Aaron Sorkin, Nominated for Best Original Screenplay (The Social Network)

"My recommendation to anyone who wants to be nominated for an Academy Award is work with David Fincher. I'm thrilled to be nominated by the Academy and I'm especially pleased for everyone who worked so hard on the film - it is a triumph of teamwork. I'm honored to have our film nominated in such an incredible year for movies."

Natalie Portman, Nominated for Best Actress (Black Swan)

"I am so honored and grateful to the Academy for this recognition. It is a wonderful culmination of the ten-year journey with Darren to make this film. Making Black Swan is already the most meaningful experience of my career, and the passion shown for the film has completed the process of communication between artists and audience. I am so thankful for the support we have received and I share this honor with the entire cast and crew of the film, especially Darren Aronofsky." [via Us]

Harvey Weinstein, Executive Producer of Blue Valentine and The King's Speech

"I'm blown away. We owe The King's Speech nominations to our ensemble of amazing actors who gave career performances under Tom Hooper's masterful direction. Congratulations to our fantastic producers who made a majestic film for $15 million that has now grossed over $90 million in worldwide box office. I am thrilled for the amazing Michelle Williams who was recognized for her beautiful and daring performance in Blue Valentine."

Eve Stewart, Nominated for Best Costume Design (The King's Speech)

"I am elated that all the hard work by my department put in on THE KINGS SPEECH has resulted in such a treat. Working with director Tom Hooper is challenging, exacting and inspiring. He is a real friend. He pushes everybody to do their best work. My fellow nominees are brilliant. I'm just so honored to be considered among them. This seems so unreal when I'm over here on a rainy English day in my Wellington boots. It's hard to believe this is happening."

Jeremy Renner, Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (The Town)

"I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude by this recognition by the Academy this morning. I'm smiling from ear to ear knowing that lightning can strike twice and it feels electrifying. I'm thrilled to be amongst these tremendously talented artists. A big congratulations to all the nominees!"

Geoffrey Rush, Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (The King's Speech)

"As an Australian, I'm as excited to be recognized and honored by the Academy as my character must have been when his London speech therapy business flourished when the future King Of England happened to pop by one day. This story has struck such a rich resonant chord with audiences of all ages, which is very exciting --- to have your work honored by your industry peers is even better."

Javier Bardem, Nominated for Best Actor (Biutiful)

"I am truly honored for this nomination. And deeply thankful to the Academy members for their trust and support. Also to all of those who showed their support to my work in 'Biutiful' I express my heartfelt gratitude. I am very happy for Alejandro and everyone who has made possible the special movie we made together. It's really a huge honor to have been nominated in a non-English speaking performance and in the name of all my colleagues in Spain and mine I want to show my gratitude to the Academy for support and a recognition in this nomination for the movie 'Biutiful."'

Michelle Williams, Nominated for Best Actress (Blue Valentine)

"I am honored to receive this nomination. Making Blue Valentine was unlike any experience I've ever had before, or may ever have again. I share this recognition with Ryan and Derek who always brought out the best in me. Thank you to the Academy and to The Weinstein Company for their support of this film."

Nicole Kidman, Nominated For Best Actress (Rabbit Hole)

"What an extraordinary journey this film has taken me on! 'Rabbit Hole' has been a labor of love and I'm so thankful to John Cameron Mitchell, David Lindsay-Abaire and the brilliant cast. This nomination reflects all of the heart and soul that these people have put into it and I can't thank them enough."

Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter, Nominated for Best Film Editing (The Social Network)

"Wow. We are honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to work on a film with this level of creativity and collaboration. David's direction, Aaron's script, and performances by an amazing group of actors created the perfect storm for making a great film. Thanks to the producing team, everyone at Sony, and to the Academy for the gracious nomination. We are incredibly excited and honored!"