The announcement of the Golden Globes has raised some spirits in a Hollywood beset by writers’ strike malaise.
Some stars made note of the work stoppage as they reacted to their nominations for the awards distributed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Tina Fey, actress and executive producer, “30 Rock”
“I’m very excited and grateful to the Hollywood Foreign Press. It’s a happy piece of news in this weird season,” said Ms. Fey, who is nominated for actress in a comedy series.
Hugh Laurie, lead actor, “House”
“I’m extremely honored to be included in such company,” said Mr. Laurie, who was named as a nominee for best actor in a drama. “But now, especially now, I have to emphasize how much I owe to David Shore and all the writers on ‘House.’ Without them, I wouldn’t even know how to finish this sentence without….you know…”
Bryan Fuller, creator of “Pushing Daisies”
Bryan Fuller was in a Nyquil haze this morning when his producing partner Brian Cohen called to tell him about the show’s nomination for best television series, comedy or musical. “I was all phlegmy and draining,” he said. “Hopefully, the Golden Globes will be a great antibiotic.”
Mr. Fuller said he’s very excited and hopes that with all the stress of the strike, people will get excited again. “I hope it reminds us, on both sides of the strike issues, why we’re here and what the industry is about–to tell stories. Hopefully, the awards we’ll put it all back on track. That’s a lofty goal for an awards show to do, I know.”
The thing he’s actually most excited about is the show’s stars, Anna Friel and Lee Pace, getting nominated for their work. “They’re both such interesting and complicated actors, and they’re easy to be overlooked because they don’t have straight, comedic roles,” he said. “They do fantastic work.”
Ted Danson, lead actor, “Damages”
Mr. Danson was stumping for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at 5 a.m. on an Iowa radio station when his cell phone started ringing like crazy.
He knew then, he said, that he had received a nod for his performance on FX’s “Damages.”
“Two of my favorite things, Hillary and awards,” he said.
“It feels sweet, really sweet,” he said of the nomination. This is the 11th time Mr. Danson has been nominated for a Golden Globe.
He hopes the four nominations “Damages” has received will point more viewers toward the show, but he enjoys the show’s home on FX.
“Your audience is smaller, but you know who you are talking to. You can be edgier,” he said.
But he credits the writers for the success of the show.
“The writing is very, very bright. It asks a lot of the viewer,” he said.
He added, “If I hadn’t been nominated, then shame on me. The writing is that good.”
Mr. Danson said he supports the striking writers, and if they were to picket the Globes, he would honor the line.
Charlie Collier, executive VP and general manager, AMC
Mr. Collier, whose network’s first original series, “Mad Men,” was nominated for two Golden Globes, said he was happy for the “the people who worked so hard on building something distinctive. And to be told you’re one of the best, it’s just great.”
He said the nod reaffirms the movie network’s strategy of creating cinematic television. Last year, AMC attracted awards-show notices with its high-rated movie “Broken Trail,” created by and starring Robert Duvall.
Shonda Rhimes, creator and executive producer, “Grey’s Anatomy”
“I am excited and honored by this nomination,” said Rhimes, whose series is nominated for drama series. “This is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew of ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’”
Alec Baldwin, actor, “30 Rock”
“The Hollywood Foreign Press is always so generous to me, and I am grateful for this recognition,” said Mr. Baldwin, who is nominated for actor in a comedy series.
Lorne Michaels, executive producer, “30 Rock”
“I’ve never been nominated for a Golden Globe before. … I’m excited!” said Mr. Michaels, whose “30 Rock” is nominated for comedy series.
-Compiled by Andrew Krukowski and Stephanie Robbins