Best Actor Oscar Nominee Colin Firth: I've Never Had 'This Much Champagne at This Hour'

Colin Firth, who earned a best actor nomination for his role as the stuttering George VI in The King's Speech, told The Hollywood Reporter early Monday that he is “currently celebrating with my colleagues three feet above the ground. Not used to this much joy, or this much champagne at this hour."

Firth has a reason to celebrate: His film scored the most nominations, 12, this year (see the complete list of Oscar nominees).   Also elated: Firth’s costar Geoffrey Rush, who was recognized in the best supporting actor category for his role as King George's VI speech coach.   “As an Australian, I'm as excited to be recognized and honored by the Academy as my character must have been when his London speech therapy business flourished when the future King Of England happened to pop by one day,” he tells THR. “This story has struck such a rich resonant chord with audiences of all ages, which is very exciting --- to have your work honored by your industry peers is even better."   Helena Bonham Carter was another cast member to receive an Oscar nom. She's up for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth. She says: "Of course I am thrilled to receive an Oscar nomination. As my thee-year-old daughter said 'Yay!' I couldn't put it any better myself."   Says King’s Speech director Tom Hooper: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by the twelve Oscar nominations for The King's Speech.  I am so grateful to the Academy.  I am incredibly proud of my extraordinary cast and crew.  This is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”     Alexandre Desplat, who is up for Original Score, tells THR: "It is a great honor to have my work noticed again by the Academy and I am very grateful. Thank you. Writing the music for The King's Speech has been a delight and I thank our brilliant director, Tom Hooper, for offering us and the audience such an inspiring and beautiful film. I also wish to congratulate all the other talents nominates for our movie.”