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The fun-dampening writers strike has even managed to infiltrate one of Hollywood's most joyous activities—canvassing awards show nominees for their reactions. Gone is the balls-to-the-wind ebullience of past years, with actors hastily pledging to drop to their knees and service every member of their publicity and management teams in gratitude. Instead, any expression of happiness is instantly snuffed by buzz-killing follow-up question, "I see. And will you be attending?" Some are flatly refusing in deference to the Guild, some plan on following the herd, and some—we're looking at you, Borgnine—will let no chicken-armed red-shirts stand between them and a shot at some shiny gold hardware and an open bar. A sample of what they are saying:

Ernest Borgnine: "The first one since "Marty!" Jesus Christ, it's hard to believe, I swear! My kid called me up from Hawaii and said, 'Dad! What the hell did you do?'

I got a call at 5:20 this morning and a guy said 'You've just been nominated!' At 5:20 in the morning you don't expect to be nominated for anything! Maybe it'll open the eyes of some casting directors that 90 is not old. It's about working. That's what keeps us young, and that's not just actors. That's everyone in this world! It's not just a young man's game. Hey, as long as I can stand up and do my work, I'll be right there knocking on doors saying 'Hey guys! Let's go!' It keeps you going. As long as you love what you do it's better than breaking rocks!" [THR]

Jeremy Piven: "The greatest compliment I've received was from Tim Robbins who taught me comedia del arte, and its this kind of method of acting that allows me to fully enter the character and get pretty big and expansive with him. He works all aspects of the spectrum....I don't know about whether or not I'll be attending because to be honest with you, I don't know a lot about the rules and limitations of what is happening. I need to look into it. Writers are kind of these unsung heroes. People don't see how much these guys work and they're just trying to cover their bases for themselves and for the future. I hope they get what they deserve and I'll do anything I can to help that." [Variety]

Nikki Blonsky: "I'm so excited — it's mother and daughter getting nominated." [THR]

John Travolta: "Let's face it, I spent 32 years being a macho leading man and I thought, what was it that made the producers think I was right for this part? I had to let go of my ego for this part." [Variety]

Ryan Gosling: "I'm gonna have to make some calls and talk to some of the other nominees in the category to figure what we should do. I kinda wanna talk to Tom Hanks about it because I imagine he always does the right thing." [Variety]

John Hamm: "You make these things and you hope people like them, so a positive response is gravy. But (a nomination) is whatever goes on top of gravy." [THR]

Aaron Sorkin: "It's a great surprise. I was in bed and I got called at 5:40 by my publicist. There's no one I'd rather speak to that early. The film opens a week from tomorrow so it's really nice having something like this before the movie opens. It just gives it a little extra push. I loved working with these actors and working with Mike Nichols was like getting paid to go to grad school. He's the greatest and I just loved every minute of it. I'll wait and hear and see if others are going to the actual ceremony but it would certainly be a shame if they didn't." [Variety]

Helena Bonham Carter: "Tim (Burton)'s assistant gave us the news. We're in the hospital because I'm supposed to have a baby tomorrow...It's a long journey. I don't know about the ceremony. We haven't really gotten that far. I think we've got a big thing to get through first and then we'll see." [Variety]

James McAvoy: (On crossing picket lines): "I don't think I'd want to do that. It's an environment I wouldn�t want to stick my nose into. I'm not from this country and for me to stick my nose and throw my small weight around wouldn't be right." [Variety]

Ellen Page: "I have a dinner tonight and then I head back to Nova Scotia where I'm sure there'll be a celebration of sorts. [As for the ceremony,] I'm completely supportive of the writers and I hope it's resolved soon in a completely fair way." [Variety]