Oscar 2016 Nominees React to Recognition

— -- The nominations for the 2016 Oscars are in and stars are already reacting to what's considered the highest honor in film. Thursday morning's announcement brought us a mix of first-time actors and actresses honored by the Academy, and some veterans who are still at the top of their game.

Brie Larson called "Good Morning America" right after her nod and said the honor means so much, especially after she "spent eight months preparing for ["Room"], so the performance could look effortless."

"I’m shaking right now. I’m really confused. It's the highest form of flattery in my field,” she said. “The nominations mean so much because it comes from your peers, it comes from fellow actors. I was home-schooled and I never really felt like I was part of any group. To be included with people that I respected so much since I was a kid is just absolutely incredible."

Adam McKay, who was nominated as Best Director for "The Big Short," also called in to say of his film, "it’s obviously a very important story that affected everyone all around the world. Fortunately, they went with my vision of it. Man, oh man ... it’s an incredible ensemble."

"Brooklyn" star Saoirse Ronan told "GMA", "I was asleep and my mom ran in and she was crying and so it was either good news or bad news and it was great news. I’m going to start crying now, but to get Best Actress and to get Best Picture means the absolute world to us."

Sam Smith, who was nominated for his song, "Writing's on the Wall" in "Spectre," had a very funny, sweet story.

"I am sitting in a coffee shop with my mum and just found out I have an Oscar Nomination. Feeling very overwhelmed and just can't believe it. Better pick out a gown," he said.

Jennifer Lawrence received yet another nomination for starring in "Joy" and said, "I am beyond grateful and humbled by this nomination. I feel incredibly honored to be recognized among the other amazing women in this category. Joy is an incredibly inspiring story about an ordinary woman who does extraordinary things. For me, working with David O. Russell has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I share this nomination with him as well as our incredible supporting cast. I could not be more proud to be a part of this film and thankful to the producers and Fox for their unyielding support."

Leonardo DiCaprio added his sentiments, following his big win at the Golden Globes.

"Making The Revenant was one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life. None of this would have been possible without Alejandro's talent, vision and determination. Our dedicated crew also deserves to share in this moment. Together, they have created a truly unique cinematic experience," he said.

Here's what other stars and studios had to say:

Mark Rylance didn't forget to thank his co-star Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg in his reaction.

"I cannot separate my work in the film from the work of my friend Tom Hanks. Every thought, every look, every expression you are celebrating in my portrayal of Rudolph Abel, I found them all in the thoughtful generous presence of Tom Hanks beside me, or behind the camera, yet still with me 100%, every take, every moment. Of course you would witness none of it without Steven, nor are any of the choices of what you witness mine."

Andrea Berloff and Jonathan Herman, writers for "Straight Outta Compton" said, "We are humbled by this honor and are excited to be able to continue the discussion of not only NWA’s legacy but also the larger conversation of civil rights in America. Thank you to our talented collaborators - we are thrilled to share in this success with you.”

"I am in London and just heard the good news! We gave it our all on this film and this appreciation from the Academy means a lot to me and my colleagues who made it possible. Champagne and Mezcal will run tonight!" said director Alejandro G. Inarritu after being nominated for "The Revenant."