What the Nominees Are Saying About Their Golden Globe Noms

Tom Hooper, fielding his first Globe nom for directing The King’s Speech, notes that his movie has the longest pedigree, since writer David Seidler, also nominated for his screenplay, was alive when the events took place. “His journey started as a child with a severe stammer listening to King George VI on the radio during the Second World War and thinking, That man’s my hero,” says Hooper, whose grandfather was killed in the war. “It was a big strong personal connection for me. The war cast a long shadow.” On the phone from Melbourne, Hooper has recently been opening the film for Australian audiences, who “know how to laugh.” With its struggle for financing and central affectation -- the king’s debilitating verbal tic -- Speech was far from a sure thing in terms of awards recognition. “When I started this film, I never imagined that this would happen,” says Hooper. “I was aware of all the things that could go wrong. It felt like a big mountain to climb to get it right. So it’s funny how these things work out.” Indeed, Speech emerged with the most Globe noms of any film, but any potential celebration for Hooper will have to wait. “You can’t plan on, 'Tonight I’m going to get seven Golden Globe nominations, therefore I better have a party,’” Hooper says. “To be honest, it’s a challenge. It’s Melbourne, it’s two in the morning, the city’s asleep, I’m alone in my hotel room. I know the junket for Tangled is going on in my hotel so maybe I can kick them all out of bed.” -- Jay Fernandez