Emmys: Viola Davis, Tracy Morgan, Liev Schreiber and More Stars React to Nominations

Emmy Nominees Reactions 2016

The 68th Emmy Awards Nominations were announced today, and the nominees can’t control their excitement.

Some got emotional over the recognition they received; Tracy Morgan, nominated in the Guest Actor in a Comedy category for hosting Saturday Night Live, took the chance to thank the doctors and hospital that helped him recover after his traumatic accident.

Others couldn’t seem to get their bearings in order, like young Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams, who received a nod for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Check out which of your favorite stars took to Twitter and Facebook to show their gratitude. Also included are longer statements from some of the nominees.

Ahhhhhhhh I was just nominated for my second Emmy. #giggling #cannotbelieveit #pouringadrink #unbreakablekimmyschmidt #titusandromedon

A video posted by Tituss Burgess (@titusssawthis) on


“I am totally surprised and thrilled to be nominated alongside my other cast mates, as well as the show’s writers, producers and directors.  I’m proud to be part of such a timely and provocative series, and hope it continues to contribute to the much needed discussion of race and class in this country.”

-David Schwimmer, The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, Supporting Actor in a Limited Series of Movie

“I screamed, jumped up and down, got a little teary and screamed again. I’m so proud to be a part of this show and so grateful to Lifetime for not taking no for an answer.”

-Constance Zimmer, UnREAL, Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

“We want to thank the Academy for this wonderful and special honor.  It took 10 years to tell this story, and we are humbled by that experience and inspired by all who have joined the conversation about our criminal justice system.  We are thrilled to share this nomination with everyone who made this series possible, especially our subjects, our incredible team and our partners at Netflix.”

-Executive Producers/Directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, Making a Murderer

“Oh my God.  I am just so happy and want to share this with so many people and am nominated with some extraordinary company.  I love you guys.  I just want to thank everyone who helped me and my family after that horrific night and the months after.  Lorne and everyone at SNL for having me come home. The Doctors at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital who saved my life.  The staff at JFK Medical Center who got me back on my feet. The first responders who helped me and my friends that fateful night.  My AMAZING wife and kids. Lira, who helped my wife.  My father, who is looking down on me right now.  I feel like Cuba at the end of Jerry Maguire!  But most importantly…this is for you Jimmy Mac.  I love you.  Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

-Tracy Morgan, Saturday Night Live, Nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

“I’m so honored and excited that after 13 seasons, our fans at the Academy are still enjoying the show as much as we enjoy making it.”
– Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef, Nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program

“As strange as it may seem, all of us who are responsible for ‘Inside the Actors Studio’ are as excited about our 19th nomination as we were about our first. What a journey – for which we have our hundreds of generous and gifted guests to thank.”

-James Lipton,  Inside the Actors Studio, Nominated for Outstanding Informational Special or Program

“I am so lucky to be able to work with the most brilliant cast and crew in television, and I am honored to be included in this group of exceptional women. I am in debt not only to the Television Academy, Netflix, and Universal, but also to Tina Fey and Robert Carlock for creating this show in the first place. And by the way, with this nomination, I’ve already won….a complimentary round-trip flight to Los Angeles, plus accommodations!”

– Ellie Kemper, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

“I was sitting at my piano working on a new musical the moment I heard the news. In that moment, surrounded by so much love, I felt truly humbled to be a part of such an amazing show. Thank you to the Academy, and thank you to the wonderful family and team that is Ellie, Jane, Carol, Robert, and Tina.”

– Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

“It really is overwhelming to be on a list with such incredibly funny guys. I’m so THRILLED for my Veep family!!  Lord knows we needed some good political news”

-Tony Hale, Veep, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

“I’m so glad The Americans is finally getting the recognition it so richly deserves! Oh, also I’m incredibly thrilled for everyone who worked so hard on Master of None. We couldn’t have made the show without the help of so many talented people and we’re very grateful to be recognized by the Academy.”

-Alan Yang, Master of None, Outstanding Comedy Series

“The most gratifying award of all is working in the greatest industry in the world, which is media.  You don’t get into this business to win hardware, but when you do, it’s always deeply humbling, because it recognizes that across VICE and VICELAND our creative teams are some of the best in the business. Congratulations to everyone.”

-VICE Founder and CEO Shane Smith,

“It’s a huge reward for our global team to be nominated for an Emmy, and it’s one more proof that “WOMAN: Be A Witness” is a series whose time has come. I’ve never been part of a project that seemed so risky, yet so inevitable, and is so full of suffering, yet so full of hope. I’m thankful to VICE for taking on what others don’t.”

-Gloria Steinem, WOMAN with Gloria Steinem, Outstanding Documentary or Non-Fiction Series

“We are so honored for this recognition from the Television Academy. ‘Gaycation’ started as small idea and with the help of Spike Jonze and Viceland, it became a series that we hope has helped educate and shift perspectives about LGBTQ community.”

-Ellen Page, Gaycation, Outstanding Unstructured Reality Programming
“Wow!  I am blown away!  I am surrounded by excellence on Better Call Saul and to be picked out of that line-up is a crazy honor.  This unique show, with no genre behind it – just honest character exploration, surprises me over and over.  The fact that TV fans and critics are welcoming this unpredictable journey – it’s simply inspiring.  Thank you.”‎

-Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul, Lead Actor in A Drama Series

“The first time, I was shocked. Second time? Just completely floored. I am so honored and grateful to be included in this group of amazing, insanely talented people. Huge congratulations to Kevin, Robin, Beau, Mahershala, Paul, Reg E., Ellen Molly, and everyone involved with the show – it’s so special to be sharing this with you all. What a thrill!”

-Michael Kelly, House of Cards, Outstanding Actor in A Drama Series

“I am floored that I’ve been nominated but I am even more excited that ‘Luther’ has been nominated as well. The success of ‘Luther’ is so much due to the fans and I hope they are as proud of this nomination as we are. OH BOY! What a category!”

-Idris Elba, Luther, Outstanding Lead Actor In A  Limited Series or Movie

“Working on The People V. O.J. Simpson has been a career highlight and its own reward, but I am especially moved by the recognition for everyone who devoted their hearts and souls to this project—from our brilliant cast to our amazing writers and directors to the extraordinary producers. We are all incredibly grateful. It’s a happy day.”

-Ryan Murphy, The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story

“I’m bummed the medium sized dragon in Game of Thrones got snubbed in Best Supporting, but happy to see Master of None and our entire team get acknowledged. We are thrilled!”

– Aziz Ansari, Master of None, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

“I am especially honored to be in a category with so many great actors. Except of course my arch-nemesis Rob Corddry. Never Corddry!!!”

-Rob Huebel, Children’s Hospital, Outstanding Actor in A Short Form Comedy or Drama Series

“I loved doing ‘Childrens Hospital’ and I am most excited that Rob Huebel, and Erinn Hayes were recognized for their talents. It’s been a fun ride and I am grateful for the recognition.”

-Rob Corddry, Children’s Hospital, Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series

“I am super excited and appreciative to be nominated.   I’m lucky to part of the amazing team that makes this show!”

-David Reichert, Deadliest Catch, Outstanding Cinematography for A Reality Program

“All the editors on Naked and Afraid XL are incredibly excited. It’s a serious challenge editing together 42 minutes of content from 40 days of footage. But it’s nothing compared to what the survivalists have to endure… at least we don’t have to eat bugs and snakes! But if we win, we are fully prepared to accept our award naked (and largely afraid)!”

-Eric Goldfarb, Naked and Afraid, Outstanding Picture Editing for An Unstructured Reality Program

“I could not be more thrilled with this Emmy nomination! I love this show and everyone involved. Especially the celebs who enjoy looking foolish as much as I do.”

-Jane Lynch, Hollywood Game Night, Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program

“The entire team at MR. ROBOT is thrilled with our nominations this morning. Today is officially shoot day 80 for season two and we couldn’t be happier to hear the news from set. We are humbled and honored to be in the company of such innovative, groundbreaking storytelling. On behalf of the cast and crew who continue to work tirelessly to make this show, as well as USA Network and Universal Cable Productions, thank you to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.”

-Sam Esmail, Executive Producer and Creator, Mr. Robot, Outstanding Drama Series

“I couldn’t be more honored to receive this nomination. To be included among of list of actors whose work I’ve admired for years is truly humbling. I’m so grateful for the brilliant Sam Esmail who brought Elliot to life and has allowed me to play a role one could only dream of. Thank you to the cast, crew, USA Network and Universal Cable Productions.  And, of course, to the Academy.”

-Rami Malek, Mr. Robot, Outstanding Lead Actor in A Drama Series

“This is a dream job with our dream team. I could not be more excited, honored or grateful.”

-Judith Light, Transparent, Outstanding Supporting Actress in A Comedy Series