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Emmy nominees react to TV's highest honors

(Reuters) - The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced nominees on Thursday for the Emmy awards, television's highest honors.
/ Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced nominees on Thursday for the Emmy awards, television's highest honors.

The Emmy winners will be announced at an Aug. 25 ceremony at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, which will be broadcast live on the NBC television network.

Following are the reactions of some of the leading nominees:

"The entire cast, crew and production team is thrilled by our nominations," said Beau Willimon, the creator of "House of Cards, which earned 13 nominations.

"It's an honor to receive so much recognition from our peers in the TV Academy. I'm particularly happy for Kevin and Robin - the two stars which bring such radiance to our show," he said, referring to Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey, who were nominated in the acting categories.

Joanne Froggatt, nominated as a best supporting actress in a drama for "Downton Abbey," said she was thrilled with the show's 12 nominations.

"It is super amazing. I feel very fortunate to have this experience. There are some really outstanding shows, and to be able to say we have 12 nominations is incredible."

"I am so glad you love Violet so much ... these nominations keep her from kicking the bucket," said Maggie Smith about her best supporting actress nod for "Downton Abbey."

"What a beautiful way to wake up this morning. Thank you everyone for the incredibly kind words. I feel so blessed," tweeted Aaron Paul, best supporting actor nominee in a drama for "Breaking Bad."

"That's amazing news to start the day with here in Boston! An early birthday present. I'm honored to be in such great company," said Benedict Cumberbatch, a nominee for best actor in a miniseries or a TV movie, for "Sherlock: His Last Vow."

“I'm so honored to be nominated," said Kerry Washington about her best actress nod for "Scandal." "I'm crazy grateful that the TV Academy has acknowledged our show in these ways.”

“I can safely say that this is one of the few phone calls a person wants to get at an ungodly hour. I am shocked and thrilled and shocked and really, really excited," said Lizzy Caplan of her best actress nomination for "Masters of Sex." "Champagne before 6:00 a.m. is OK, right?”

"I am over the moon. I cannot wait to fly to LA to see Louis C.K. win," Ricky Gervais, a lead actor nominee in a comedy series for "Derek," said of the star of "Louie," who is up against him in the same category.

"Genuinely though, I am absolutely thrilled," Gervais said.

"Very humbled by my Emmy nom. Thank you to the @PrimetimeEmmy 4 ALL the #ModernFamily love & congrats to my fellow nominees," Jesse Tyler Ferguson, best supporting actor nominee in a comedy for "Modern Family," tweeted.

“Wow, I’m truly shocked and humbled by this recognition. Thank you so much to the TV Academy for this honor,” said Idris Elba about his Emmy nomination for lead actor in a mini series or TV movie for "Luther."

(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Bernadette Baum)