First come the nominations for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards ... then come the thanks. Here's statements from people with Coraline and A Serious Man.
"We are very happy to have received these nominations and would like to thank the Academy and everyone that made this film possible – a special thanks to Focus Features and Working Title Films. Thank you very much." - Joel Coen and Ethan Coen Nominees: Best Picture; Original Screenplay - A SERIOUS MAN ________________________________
"I feel very lucky and very grateful that Coraline is nominated. There were more excellent animated features released in 2009 than in any year before, so being included makes all of us from LAIKA and Focus Features very proud. And the diversity of the nominees in both storytelling and animation techniques gladdens my heart: The Princess and the Frog and The Secret of Kells, done in hand-drawn animation; Coraline and Fantastic Mr. Fox, in stop-motion; and Up, in glorious CG. It's a great day for me, my family, and for all of us on Coraline – and a great day for animated feature films."
- Henry Selick Director/Screenwriter/Producer, CORALINE (Best Animated Feature Film) ________________________________
"This is a great honor, especially in a year in which I'm so involved with the Oscars. Coraline is a special film; like many, a hard film to get made and thus it's rewarding to see it accorded our industry's highest recognition. Kudos to Henry Selick and Neil Gaiman and to all the LAIKA and Focus people."
- Bill Mechanic Producer, CORALINE (Best Animated Feature Film) ________________________________
"To know that LAIKA's first movie has been embraced by members of the Academy is a great honor for us. This nomination is a tribute to the unique vision of director Henry Selick and to the passion and talent of the crew who worked closely alongside him, bringing Coraline's world to life with such imagination. We're all extremely proud of today's nomination and want to thank the Academy for this recognition."
- Claire Jennings Producer, CORALINE (Best Animated Feature Film)
________________________________
"In an exceptional year for animation, the Academy's nomination of Coraline for Best Animated Feature Film is especially meaningful. All of us at LAIKA are deeply proud of Henry's inspirational direction, our cast's outstanding performances, and the countless contributions of our brilliant artists and visionaries. We remain grateful to the Academy for this extraordinary honor."
- Travis Knight
President/CEO of LAIKA and Lead Animator, CORALINE (Best Animated Feature Film) ________________________________
"It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an Academy Award nomination for Coraline. It is a tribute to the hundreds of talented artists and technicians who contributed to the making of the film. This nomination is for them, and to them I extend my sincere thanks."
- Mary Sandell Producer, CORALINE (Best Animated Feature Film)