Chandra Wilson and Jim Parsons announce the nominees. (Getty)

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Sigourney Weaver was "completely thrilled, astonished and delighted" with her lead actress in a miniseries or movie nomination for Lifetime's "Prayers for Bobby." She said she wasn't expecting a nom for the telefilm, a true story about a mother who discovers her son is gay after he commits suicide. "Mary Griffith's story as a mother is such a wrenching one of what can happen to any parent if that parent doesn't have access to any other points of view," Weaver said from New Mexico, where she is working on Greg Mottola's comedy "Paul." Weaver said she planned to call Griffith and co-star Henry Czerny to celebrate. "I'm thrilled that this will help us get more exposure; the producers had been working for 13 years trying to get this made," she said.

Last year's lead drama actress winner, Glenn Close, was ironing when the nominations were announced and found out from her personal trainer that she received her second nom for FX's "Damages." "This is my ironing day," she joked. Close did have some misgivings, however. "I'm thrilled the whole show has gotten something, but I wish the writers had as well because I wouldn't have been nominated without the writing they give me on a consistent basis. I'm grateful for that; it makes it all worthwhile." Close added that the nominations she and the series received for Season 2 show that the drama isn't just a "flash in the pan." "To be nominated for the whole show is kind of validating for the entire team and what we all produce together. It's really important to receive the nomination in the second year." As for plans to celebrate, Close joked that she "has some beds to make," and that "every day is a celebration as far as I'm concerned."

Jim Parsons always will remember where he was and how he found out about his first Emmy nomination, for lead actor in a comedy series for his role as neurotic scientist Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory." "My first stunning moment was seeing my name on the teleprompter as (Chandra Wilson) was reading it," said Parsons, who also was onstage Thursday at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to read the nominees. "Isn't that the best alibi ever? You can see it on tape anywhere. I'm floored; I really am. And in line with being floored, I don't have a grip on how I feel. I'm very happy; it absolutely has not sunk in yet." After announcing the major nominees live at 5:35 a.m., Parsons said he planned to celebrate with castmates Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar (co-star Johnny Galecki is out of town) with a barbecue that was being delivered just as he was being dropped off from his Emmy duties. "I've been up since 1:45, so at some point during the grilling I think I'll pass out, but I don't care," he said, adding that Sheldon would find "all the nominations silly. He just wouldn't understand why they didn't just give him the award."

Six-time Emmy nominee Mary-Louise Parker was lying in bed with her son "talking about the Loch Ness Monster" when she noticed her phone-message light on. She checked her voicemail and found that fellow best actress in a comedy nominee Christina Applegate had called to congratulate her. "I was so happy for her, too; I think she's so awesome," Parker said. "It was a really lovely way to find out and start my day." Parker -- speaking from the hair and makeup chair on the set, where the "Weeds" actress at work on the season's final day of filming -- said her nomination and the show's best comedy series nom are validation that the risk of changing "the whole premise of the show" paid off. "It's a lovely little burst of validation, and it's very heartening," she said.

Jenji Kohan was elated about the first best comedy series nomination for Showtime's "Weeds." The writer/creator/executive producer said she found out when her father called "really, really early." "I was a little confused at first, but then it registered, and it was nice to hear," she said. "It was a good way to wake up, better than my toddler's foot in my head." She added that the nom came on the final day of filming the show's fifth season. "Everyone gathered this morning, and we read all the nominations," she said. "It's bittersweet that the season is over, so there's a lot of mixed emotions." Kohan added that she's pleased that the TV academy appreciated the show's change in direction. "We had never gotten this nom before, and the show had changed so drastically this year -- I guess for the better because it got us a nomination," she said. As for her plans to celebrate, Kohan said she'd be on the set. "I probably won't be home until late because we're shooting our last day. I'll stick it out until the last shot and probably fall into bed, but with a smile on my face."

Kristin Chenoweth was on a movie set in Calgary, Alberta, when her nomination as best supporting actress in a comedy series was announced. Thinking she didn't have a chance at the nom for ABC's recently canceled "Pushing Daisies," Chenoweth went to sleep without giving it much thought. "I worked really late and was tired," she said. "When my manager woke me with a phone call to tell me, I thought it was a prank." Chenoweth said she was shocked by the nomination but felt vindicated in a way. "That it got five nominations is just a wonderful curtain call for the cast," she said. "We were part of something very special, and we deserved more of a chance." Asked if she had plans for another TV role, Chenoweth said perhaps but what really interests her is that "Daisies" creator Bryan Fuller is threatening to make a movie version. "That would just be fantastic," she said.

"I didn't find out until I checked my messages while walking the dog," John Slattery said of his nomination for supporting actor in a drama series. "I was bending over picking up dog shit, but doing it while finding out something like this is the best way." The "Mad Men" actor didn't expect the nomination but is excited about the show's many noms, saying, "It's great to be part of a show that isn't everywhere yet; it's on the ascendance." With filming on the AMC series beginning in the early morning and continuing until past midnight, Slattery has little time to celebrate. "It's all work and family right now," he said, adding that the nomination is "gratifying. It shows that it's time well spent."

"Coco Chanel would be thrilled. She loved acknowledgment," said Shirley MacLaine, nominated for lead actress in a miniseries or movie for Lifetime's "Coco Chanel."

"Entourage" creator/writer/executive producer Doug Ellin was up waiting for the nominations when he found out about the show's third nomination for best comedy series. "I was out until 3 in the morning, I wanted to get it this year," he said. "It's our third year in a row, and you're nervous right until they call your name." Ellin said he planned to celebrate on the golf course since the show wrapped production four days ago. As for what's in store for the boys, he was most excited about what's coming up for Kevin Dillon, nominated for supporting actor in a comedy series. "This season is 50 times better for him than last season," he said. "He's off the charts this season."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus was at home brushing her teeth when her manager called to let her know she had been nominated as lead actress in a comedy series for CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine." Currently in the middle of shooting, Louis-Dreyfus said she was just about to head out the door when she got the call. "I was profoundly astounded and delighted that this is now four years in a row," said Louis-Dreyfus, who has been nominated for "Christine" three times, winning in 2006. "I'm just really happy about it because, you know, it could have been someone else." She said her role "is a dream job for any woman interested in doing fantastic comedy, and the shoes happen to just fit me really well."

Best actor in a drama series nominee Simon Baker was humble about his first Emmy nomination, waking up after a late night shooting on "The Mentalist" to learn of the news via countless voicemails and emails. "I'm sort of speechless; I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. Good thing I have work to keep me distracted," joked Baker, who turns 40 in two weeks. "It's a good 40th birthday present." Pausing between shooting "about 10 pages" on the Season 2 premiere, Baker said the drama will "have more edge this year, with a little frustration tucked in. But there's a good bit of complexity that kicks in; the show will stay procedural, but it will build a serialized B-plot that carries from episode to episode that is related to the (serial killer) Red John story line."

"As 'Brothers & Sisters' enters its fourth season, it still is and always will be a great honor to be nominated," said Sally Field, nominated for lead actress in a drama. "The only hard part is finding a dress -- and a date."



"I love being in the mix again this year, but am absolutely over the moon about 'How I Met Your Mother's' best comedy series nomination," said supporting actor nominee and Emmy host Neil Patrick Harris. "The only multicamera show in the mix! This kind of recognition is huge for us. Just huge. It should be quite the night. Being asked to host the show -- terrific. Getting a third nomination -- fantastic. Having the ability to scribble my name in the envelope backstage when no one is looking -- priceless."

Four-time supporting actor in a comedy nominee Jon Cryer was patting himself on the back for sleeping through Thursday's nominations and found out when his publicist called with the news at 5:50 a.m. "I was sleeping for the first time, which is a huge achievement of mine because I've always striven to be that guy who doesn't care about the awards so he doesn't stay up waiting," The "Two and a Half Men" star joked. "I've always done the opposite, standing around in my underwear waiting for the nominations, drinking espresso. So this time I had that whole cool groggy voice going on." He star added that he was suspicious of Emmy host and fellow nominee Neil Patrick Harris' nom. "I find it awfully fishy that Neil Patrick Harris is hosting and he's nominated, and if he in fact wins, I'm loudly going to call for a recount," he said with a laugh. "I've also been putting out the word that I'm going to lose it and beat the crap out of somebody in the theater, and I hope that adds suspense to people wondering, (a) if I'm going to win, and (b) who I'm going to beat up."

The writers for FX's "Damages" were in New York when they heard of the show's nomination for best drama series. Todd Kessler, also individually nominated for best direction, was walking his dog, Uncle Ralph, as the noms were being announced. "I got home just in time to see the recap on the 'Today' show," he said. His brother and fellow writer on the show, Glen, was not expecting the nomination. "It absolutely is a surprise," he said. "For so much of the cast to be recognized is deeply gratifying and very special." Daniel Zelman was at his doctor's office when he received word. "I had completely forgotten the nominations were today," he said, adding that an assistant sent him an e-mail with the news. Although proud of the recognition for writing, the three agreed that the show's stellar cast in large part was responsible for the show's success. "We have such an incredible group of people -- not just actors, but people," Todd Kessler said. "It is a group effort, and these exceptionally talented actors are consummate professionals."

Shohreh Aghdashloo was sleeping in her Los Angeles home when her best supporting actress nomination for the HBO drama "House of Saddam" was announced. Her husband woke her, concerned that Aghdashloo's mother had been trying to reach her from Iran. Then a few minutes later, a close friend of Aghdashloo called and gave away the news by asking if Emmy nominees should be sleeping when their names are announced. "I was indeed surprised," Aghdashloo said. "I never thought it would happen." The actress said she was deeply honored by the recognition and that she saw immediate changes around her upon learning the news. "I feel like I am on cloud nine," she said. "Even the sunshine is different -- it's not the same as yesterday."

"I'm honored to be nominated amongst such a group of actors and so proud for everyone involved with this first series of 'Wallander,' said Kenneth Branagh, nominated for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for PBS' "Wallander: One Step Behind." "It was a huge team effort to produce ambitious television -- existential angst and mystery in rural Sweden is not an easy pitch -- but the public around the world has responded wonderfully, and I'm thrilled by the academy's recognition."

Said lead actress in a comedy series nominee Toni Collette: "I am thrilled and honored to represent 'United States of Tara' in this way. I really hope this helps to widen the audience for our show."

HBO's "Taking Chance" star Kevin Bacon, nominated for lead actor in a miniseries or movie, said: "I'm thrilled. The way people react to the film in airports and whatnot is stronger than anything I've ever done. There seems to be so many affected by the war and so happy we were telling this story."

"(Husband and fellow nominee) Kevin (Bacon) brought me tea in bed this morning at 8:15 and asked me, 'Have you picked out a dress yet?' " said Kyra Sedgwick, nominated for lead actress in a drama series for TNT's "The Closer." "But I was still nervous until he said, 'I hope it goes with my tux!' " Sedgwick, nominated a fourth straight year for the hit cable drama, said the writers keep it fresh by "making a commitment every year to make the character deeper, and they challenge themselves and keep me challenging myself. The more obstacles you throw at Brenda, the more interesting the stories are," she noted. Already on her way to work on the "Closer" set Thursday, Sedgwick added: "Most of all I'm hoping to see Kevin win (nominated for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for HBO's 'Taking Chance'). But I'm sure he would say the same thing about me."

"All my phones started ringing at the same time," said Janet McTeer, nominated for best supporting actress in a miniseries or movie for HBO's "Into the Storm." "It was 9 o'clock in the morning, which is early for me. A bit extreme." McTeer, who is starring on Broadway in "Mary Stuart," said filming "Storm" as "a wonderful experience, working with all those people with British accents. Brendan (Gleeson) and I had a ball, and we kept having to be separated." She is particularly excited to "revel in the glory of everyone else as well" on Emmy night, but as for tonight, she'll celebrate her nom with a well-earned martini after the play.

Jimmy Smits was "woken up like cattle" when his publicist called to inform him of his nomination as guest actor in a drama series for his stint as good guy-gone-bad Miguel Prado on Showtime's "Dexter." Although he had no immediate plans to celebrate, he said the nomination was all he needed. "There's no celebration," he said. "It might sound corny, but the nomination is really so important because of the fact that it's acknowledgment from your peers. That's my celebration," he noted, adding that he's looking for "another good at-bat." "I've been lucky in terms of hooking up with great partners, and last season having that opportunity to work with the whole cast and specifically with Michael (C. Hall) was really a joy." Smits added that he felt honored to be nominated with such "industry heavyweights" as Ernest Borgnine and Ted Danson. "It's a good thing to wake up to," he said.

"I was awake already and I had forgotten that this was the morning. I'm way up north at my cabin in the woods in northern Minnesota. And I thought it was somebody calling to talk to me about my bat problem here in the cabin. So I was very relieved and it was an unanticipated bit of joyful information," Jessica Lange said of her nomination for best actress in a miniseries or movie for HBO's "Grey Gardens."

Aaron Paul was struggling for words after receiving his first Emmy nomination, for supporting actor in a drama series for his role as Jesse Pinkman on AMC's "Breaking Bad." Paul, who put in a long day of shooting Wednesday, promised himself he would sleep through the noms and found out the news after his manager called over and over until he woke up. "I'm so thrilled to even be associated with the other nominees; it's unbelievable," he said. "I've been screaming all morning with my girlfriend and my buddy; we're all freaking out together. I just love doing what I do, and I'm so lost for words. I'm so happy for everyone on the show and the show being nominated, and Bryan (Cranston) being nominated again; it's such an incredible feeling."




"I know this industry isn't supposed to be about awards, but screw you and the horse you rode in on," said "My Life on the D-List's" Kathy Griffin, whose show was nominated for reality program and whose "She'll Cut a Bitch" was nominated for variety, music or comedy special. "Seriously, I am truly honored that the academy has recognized my special and 'My Life on the D-List,' specifically the episode where I was privileged enough to visit and perform at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Shout out to my one-legged GI's."

"Drama is going through some drama again," Kevin Dillon teased about what's in store for his character this season on HBO's "Entourage." Nominated for the third time as best supporting actor in a comedy, Dillon woke to a call from his manager at 6 a.m. "I totally forgot that they were announcing the nominations, so when I first got that call, I thought it was probably someone in New York forgetting what time it was in L.A. As soon as I heard who it was, I realized I must have been nominated." In a move the opposite of what Drama would do, Dillon said he hadn't told anyone the news yet. "They're all just calling me. I'd feel like I was bragging if I told anyone," he said, adding that Drama "would tell everyone. He'd wear a hat saying he'd been nominated."

Christina Applegate said her nomination for lead actress in a comedy series for ABC's canceled "Samantha Who?" is bittersweet. "I don't know that there are enough words to describe how shocked we all are," she said. "The cast and crew felt that it was the best job that we ever had, and it's kind of unreal that we don't get to do that anymore." Preparing to begin shooting Warner Bros.' romantic comedy "Going the Distance" later in the day with fellow Emmy nominee Drew Barrymore, Applegate said of the nomination that she was "elated and overjoyed, and the fact that I'm disappointed about the show's end doesn't take away from the honor."

Seth Green had two reasons to celebrate Thursday with nominations for Adult Swim's "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II" in the best animated program and voice-over categories. The executive producer/creator (with Matthew Senreich) didn't know he'd been nominated until after he woke up. "My publicist had been trying to call me for a while, but I don't have a house phone," he said. "My cell phone was off, and she didn't reach me until after I woke up." Of the nomination, he said: "For me, it's so validating for our team, who work super hard on our show that is by all accounts a short-form ad-sponsored cable show. So it's really exciting to get nominated for anything, especially the straight-up Emmy." Green said he planned to celebrate by going to see Lord T and Eloise, an "aristocrunk group of intergalactic travelers who are the richest men in the universe and are coming to save our planet. They are prophets of rap music who are in Los Angeles. I have to go!"

Last year's winner for lead actor in a comedy series, Alec Baldwin, who received his third nomination for "30 Rock," said: "I'm thrilled for everyone connected to the show, but I'm especially excited for (fellow nominees) Jane (Krakowski), Jack (McBrayer) and Tracy (Morgan). It's great working with the entire group, and I'm grateful for the recognition of our work."

Jane Krakowski, a nominee for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for NBC's "30 Rock," was thrilled to receive her first Emmy nom and said she feels lucky to be part of the show that led the series field with 22 mentions. "Days like this are just incredible for us," said Krakowski, who didn't believe she was nominated after her publicist told her the good news -- "I had to ask her to send me the list to prove it! But my first question was if Tracy (Morgan) or Jack (McBrayer) got one." She added: "It's just so exciting that there are so many first-time nominees three years in. It blows me away." Krakowski said she planned to celebrate with champagne during dinner with her parents before taking in a show. "Now I gotta go work out so I can get a nice dress," she joked.

"30 Rock's" Jack McBrayer found out he was nominated for best supporting actor in a comedy series when he happened to pick up his land line -- usually reserved for "telemarketers and faxes." "My phone had been off, and right when I picked it up, Amy Adams was calling me," he said. "I think I'm still a bit numb right now." Also receiving a short-form live-action nomination for NBC.com's "Kenneth the Web Page," McBrayer said he felt like he was doing right by fellow nominee Tina Fey. "In all sincerity, it's a huge honor," he said. "For me, I feel like I'm doing Tina Fey proud because she is running the show by far. To me, I feel more vindicated to her, like I've fulfilled any obligations to her. It gives me confidence that the show might not go away immediately." As for plans to celebrate, McBrayer joked it was "too early to have a beverage," but that "first things, I'll brush my teeth. After that, the world is my oyster."

Tracy Morgan, unlike his "30 Rock" alter ego Tracy Jordan, was calm, cool and totally collected about his first Emmy nomination -- for supporting actor in a comedy series -- and learned the news when his manager called and woke him up. "He was crying, congratulating me, and then I started crying," he said. "It's been a long time, a long journey just to be recognized." Morgan said he planned to spend Thursday hanging out at his apartment in Soho "with my feet up" before heading to the New York set of "A Couple of Dicks," his upcoming film opposite Bruce Willis that's being directed by Kevin Smith. As for the odds of his Emmy nom showing up on "30 Rock," Morgan said he "wouldn't be surprised; most of the stuff written about Tracy Jordan is ripped from the headlines anyway." But what he really wants for the show with 22 noms: "I hope they give us a marathon like 'The Honeymooners' or 'Twilight Zone' on New Year's. A '30 Rock' marathon, that'd be cool."

"Here I am associated again with one of the best, best shows ever on television," said Alan Alda, nominated for guest actor in a comedy series for "30 Rock." "I couldn't be luckier or happier."

"I was overjoyed with my nomination for, what was it, '30 Rock'? Because if I get lucky, it will give me yet again another opportunity to express my deepest feelings about 'show business,' feelings that have been bottled up for 365 days," said Elaine Stritch, nominated for guest actress in a comedy series.

For the first time in the four years "How I Met Your Mother" has been eligible for an Emmy, co-creator/executive producer Craig Thomas woke up well before the nominations were announced, and he wasn't too happy about it. "I would be sitting here thinking about it, and if it didn't happen, I would've been tired all day and not get a nomination," he said. "It would've been horrible." Fortunately for him, CBS' "Mother" landed its first best series nom. Thomas calls himself and fellow co-creator Carter Bays "five-time Emmy losers" as they earned five noms and no wins as writers on "Late Show With David Letterman." "But to receive a nomination for our own show means so much more," he said. How will the series change now that it has "Emmy-nominated" in front of its title? "In Season 6, we will be like 'Mad Men': ('Mother') will be dark and dramatic, and it will be set in the early 1960s," Thomas said.

Beau Bridges planned to "try to stay cool, maybe jump in the ocean" to celebrate his nomination for guest actor in a comedy series for his stint on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." "It was a great experience all around to play with all those wonderful ladies," said Bridges, who added that he found out he was nominated when his publicist called and woke him up. "I have a 15-year-old kid who was at a friend's house, and when I get a call that early, I always pick up," he said. He tipped his hat to writer Marc Cherry for the script and "unique opportunity." "They've got such a wonderful creative team; it's a well-oiled machine," Bridges said. "They welcomed me with open arms. It feels good to get acknowledged."

Michael Suscy was at his home in Los Angeles when he got word of his nomination for best director for the HBO movie "Grey Gardens," about the life of two of Jackie Kennedy's relatives who fell into ruin and lived in squalor in their summer home in the Hamptons. "A friend sent me a text telling me the nominations were about to be announced, and so I turned on the television to watch," Suscy said. After working on the film for six years, Suscy said he feels a great deal of validation in his nomination -- the telefilm's 16 other noms. "It's a highly rewarding experience when other people fall in love with something you've fallen in love with," he said. "Something you've worked so hard on and believed in so deeply." With regard to America's ongoing fascination with all things Kennedy, Suscy said he believes that connection is the hook for the story but that ultimately, it is the Edies themselves and their struggles that keep people connected to the story. "I think without the Kennedys, this story may never have been told," Suscy said. "But it is their story that resonates."

"I'm thrilled and honored to be nominated again this year," said "Ugly Betty's" Vanessa Williams, nominated for supporting actress in a comedy series. "I love my show and my character, Wilhelmina, and this recognition is truly icing on the cake."

Alana Stewart, a close friend of Farrah Fawcett and the producer of "Farrah's Story," woke up at 4 a.m., thinking the nominations were over. "The phone hadn't rang, and I thought that was it," she said. She was awakened later with the news that "Story," which reached more than 9 million viewers in May on NBC, was nominated for outstanding nonfiction special. Meanwhile, Fawcett's death three weeks ago remains in the forefront of Stewart's mind. "The nomination is a wonderful way of honoring Farrah's memory and legacy," she said. "Farrah was incredibly courageous and brave, and she realized that she had a responsibility. She got a message of support and encouragement out to people who have cancer. She's still very close to us. I still talk to her all the time like she's in the room. Her whole journey was not in vain, and she would have been very happy and very proud."

Lifetime's five Emmy noms included two each in the best TV movie for "Coco Chanel" and "Prayers for Bobby" and the lead actress in the TV movie or miniseries for the two film's stars, Shirley MacLaine and Sigourney Weaver. This marks the first time the cable networks has landed multiple noms in each of the top longform categories. "It's so gratifying, said Andrea Wong, president and CEO of Lifetime Networks. "We set a strategy of upping the quality of the movies on Lifetime and ro create great roles for actresses, and it's paying off."

Compiled by Nellie Andreeva, Taylor Callobre, Lesley Goldberg and Marlayna Slaughterbeck