Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has paid tribute to director Christopher Nolan after the film was nominated for 13 Baftas.
The Irish star, who plays J Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist described as the father of the atomic bomb, in the epic biopic, is nominated for the leading actor prize.
His co-stars Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr are also nominated in supporting categories, while Nolan is nominated for his directing and his screenplay.
Murphy said: “I couldn’t be happier that the British Academy recognised so many of my collaborators on Oppenheimer, especially Chris Nolan.
“Working on the film was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Bradley Cooper hailed the seven nominations for Maestro, the biopic centred on US composer Leonard Bernstein in which he starred and directed, as “wonderful”.
Cooper received nods in the best director and best actor categories for his starring role, while Carey Mulligan picked up one for best leading actress for her portrayal of Bernstein’s wife Felicia Montealegre.
The Hollywood star added: “Making Maestro was a labour of love. Seeing Carey, Josh, Matty and the amazing makeup and sound team be recognised this morning is wonderful.
“Carey and I share this recognition with the entire Maestro crew.
Thank you #EEBAFTAs for honoring Bradley Cooper's MAESTRO with 7 nominations including Directing, Lead Actress, Lead Actor, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Make Up & Hair, and Sound! pic.twitter.com/pOZJs6obY5
— MAESTRO Film (@MaestroFilm_) January 18, 2024
“Everyone was servicing the story of Lenny & Felicia, one that we all felt honoured to be able to have told.”
Rosamund Pike said it is “bliss bliss bliss” to be nominated for the best supporting actress for Saltburn.
The British actress plays the mother of a wealthy Oxford student who invites a less privileged friend back to his family estate for the summer in the film, which has become a viral sensation.
She said: “It’s something uniquely special to be nominated for a Bafta.
“It happened once before. I thought realistically it might never happen again.
“I am proud to be nominated in this group of varied and powerful supporting actresses.
“And overjoyed that Jacob and Barry and our mad special film got recognition. Bliss Bliss Bliss.”
Gothic fairytale Poor Things is nominated for 11 Baftas, including a nod for star Emma Stone, who is also a producer.
A statement from Stone, director Yorgos Lanthimos and their fellow producers Ed Lowe and Andrew Guiney, said: “We are delighted with this recognition from Bafta for our amazing cast and creative team on Poor Things based on Alasdair Gray’s iconic novel.
“It’s particularly gratifying that Bafta has recognised the work of our many talented UK-based heads of department across cinematography, costume design, makeup and hair, original score, production design and special visual effects.
“We are also very grateful to our financiers, Film4 who helped us develop the film, Searchlight Pictures who have put it out into the world so brilliantly and to the team at Element who have contributed so much at every step of the way.”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph said her best supporting actress Bafta nomination for The Holdovers is “mind-blowing”.
She said: “I am completely overjoyed to be in London today when the nominations were announced.
“My career started in London on the West End and to have the opportunity to come back as a Bafta-nominated actress is truly dreamlike.
“To be included in this category with these formidable powerhouses is mind-blowing.”
Danielle Brooks is nominated in the same category for The Color Purple, a new musical film version of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel.
She said: “Thank you Bafta for this incredible honour. I feel so humbled to be recognised in this way.
“I have always felt the story of Sofia and The Color Purple is a truly universal one – one of empowerment, resilience, connection and healing.
“All of us in this world have gone on the journey of finding the strength to stand up for ourselves with pride and self-love.
“That is what I hope continues to resonate with everyone when they see this film, and I am grateful The Color Purple has not only personally impacted me in such a manner, but has also brought me to this amazing moment.”
Claire Foy is also nominated in the supporting category for the British drama All Of Us Strangers, and said: ““I’m so proud to be a part of Andrew Haigh’s beautiful film, and to have had the chance to work with a phenomenal cast in Andrew [Scott], Jamie [Bell], and Paul [Mescal].
“It’s such an honour to be nominated alongside all the incredible women in this category – thank you Bafta.”
Colman Domingo, who is nominated opposite Murphy for the best actor prize for Rustin, about the man who helped Martin Luther King Jr and others organise the 1963 March on Washington, said: “What tremendous company to be in.
“Thank you Bafta from the bottom of my heart.
“What an incredible honour to be nominated for my work that highlights one of the greatest champions for civil rights, Mr Bayard Rustin.”