Emmy Reactions: What the Contenders Are Saying About Their Early Morning Wakeup Call

With the nominations for the 2013 Emmy Awards announced Thursday, the nominees are offering their thanks and expressing their joy for the honor. Read below for reactions from this year's nominees.

Don Cheadle (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, "House of Lies"): "Given all the hilarious film work I've done, from Traffic to Crash to Flight, it's nice to finally be recognized as the comic genius I am. Thank you, Academy members."

Also read: Emmys 2013 Nominations (Complete List)

Edie Falco (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Nurse Jackie"): "It's a huge honor -- genuinely exciting to be among these women in my category. These are actresses I've watched and loved for years."

Alex Gansa (various, "Homeland"): "It's an honor to be included among shows we watch and admire – the field is more crowded than ever. We are ridiculously lucky to be writing for our incredible cast and crew. It's great to see our actors and crew be recognized for their singular contributions. Thanks to Showtime and Fox 21 for making it all possible."

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Gareth Naeme (various nominations, "Downton Abbey"): "I'm thrilled that the Academy has again recognized our show in so many categories, with nominations for many of our cast and crew. The other nominees demonstrate this really is a golden age of television and we are honored to be alongside them."

Amy Poehler (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Parks and Recreation"): "I appreciate the nominations. I love my job. But nice try, guys. I'm not falling for this old trick again."

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Jimmy Kimmel (Outstanding Variety Series, "Jimmy Kimmel Live"): "It just goes to show you -- good things happen to bad people."

Jim Parsons (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, "The Big Bang Theory"): "There are a lot of really good shows out there and a lot of really good actors -- to be a part of a show recognized in this way is truly a tremendous honor. I'm so proud and grateful to be a part of 'Big Bang,' and the chance to celebrate in this way with the whole team is a really special experience, especially six years into our run - you really never know with these awards-things, so it's very important to enjoy it while it's happening."

Mayim Bialik (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, "The Big Bang Theory"): "I am legitimately in shock and beyond honored to be nominated for the second year in a row alongside the inspirational Jim Parsons and our fantastically written show. I can't begin to express how shocked I am to be nominated with such an impressive group of women. Wow! Now I have to find a dress."

Robin Wright (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, "House of Cards"): "I'm so proud to be a part of such a ground breaking project as "House of Cards." I'm thrilled that our show has been recognized and I want to thank the academy for this great honor. "

Vera Fargima (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, "Bates Motel"): "It is such an honor to be recognized by the Academy and in the company of such brilliant women. I'm grateful to Carlton, Kerry and Anthony for gifting me with the opportunity to play such a complex woman and for breathing new life into the iconic Norma Bates."

Alfre Woodard (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, "Steel Magnolias"): "It's Mandela Day AND my colleagues recognized 'Steel Magnolias'? It's a Great Day!"

Beau Willmon (various, "House of Cards"): "All of us at 'House of Cards' are honored by the nominations. Almost four years into this journey, and well underway on production for Season Two, it's such a thrill to have the collective efforts of our talented cast, crew, designers, directors and writers recognized by the Television Academy. This dedicated team has made 'House of Cards' by far the most rewarding artistic experience of my career. I'm particularly happy for Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright -- they are the center of our show's universe and make every episode shine. And of course I'm delighted for David Fincher -- his brilliance and vision inspire us all."

Howard Gordon (various, "Homeland"): "It's always humbling when you're recognized by your peers and colleagues. This is an amazing cast and crew as a whole, but Henry Bromell's nomination for outstanding writing is especially meaningful. Henry was an amazing talent and extraordinary person whose contributions and presence continues to be missed."

Mark Burnett (Outstanding Reality Competition, "The Voice"): "What a tremendous year we have had at 'The Voice' and this is a great reward. Our entire Voice family deserves all the kudos for a great show every week."

Alec Baldwin (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, "30 Rock"): "It's days like this that make me miss '30 Rock.' Many thanks to everyone that nominated me."

Emelia Clarke (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, "Game of Thrones"): "Wow! It is such a huge honor to be recognized by the Academy and to be among such a brilliant group of women. I am thrilled for Peter, Diana, David and Dan, HBO and the entire cast and crew of 'Game of Thrones.' I can't begin to tell you how proud I am to go to work every day with this incredible team who has become a second family. I am so grateful to David and Dan for taking a chance on me and giving me the privilege of being the mother of dragons.

Yer chomoe anhaan. Jin ha Khalaan, shekh ma shieraki anni. (That's 'You do honor to me. This is for the Khal - my sun and stars' in Dothraki.)"

Merritt Wever (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, "Nurse Jackie"): "I'm really honored to be nominated and very happy to see Edie and Bobby recognized. I'm so grateful for 'Nurse Jackie.'"

Bryan Cranston (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, "Breaking Bad"); "Taking nothing for granted, this Emmy nomination -- and that of my fellow 'Breaking Bad' family, is as sweet as ever. I'm very grateful for the recognition."

Sigourney Weaver (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie, "Political Animals"): "Such great news to wake up to. I am thrilled that 'Political Animals' is nominated for Outstanding Miniseries and that Greg Berlanti's compelling vision of Elaine Barrish Hammond and what women bring to the political process continues to be recognized. I am dancing on the table for Ellen Burstyn who rocked that role. And I am very touched and honored that my work as Elaine is nominated. It means so much to me. Thank you to the academy and thank you so much to USA who championed our show."

Tim Gunn (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program): "It is still a bit surreal but I am thrilled and honored to be nominated alongside Heidi and the show. I am so grateful to Heidi, as she is the real star of the show, for sharing billing and allowing me to stand in her shadow."

Jane Krakowski (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, "30 Rock"): "This is such an incredible way to celebrate '30 Rock's' final season. I can't wait to go to the Emmys with my cast mates and dance like no one's watching!"

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