After the announcement of Oscar nominations, actors and directors often release perfectly curated responses via press release to share their joy about the nomination. They’re honored just to be nominated, it’s such great recognition, what a fine group of actors to share this honor with, etc., etc. Not Jordan Peele.
The writer and director of 2017’s breakout horror hit Get Out, which this morning received four nominations (best actor, director, original screenplay, and best picture), made history as the fifth Black director to be nominated for best picture and only the third person ever to be up for writing, directing, and best picture in the same year. So it’s understandable that Peele was a little less composed than, say, perennial Oscar fave Meryl Streep, when he dropped this simple GIF on Twitter:
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 23, 2018
He added an inside joke for everyone who saw the film and shared that he ugly-cried on the phone with lead actor Daniel Kaluuya, who’s also nominated.
What’s the opposite of the Sunken Place?
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 23, 2018
I just spoke to Daniel. You know when you’re on the phone trying to disguise the sound of an ugly cry? I failed at that.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 23, 2018
Fortunately for Peele, Kaluuya was having an even harder time keeping it together. In an emailed statement, the actor is quoted as saying, “THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. NOTHING LONGER MAKES SENSE ANYMORE.”
In the end, Peele shared his gratitude for everyone who saw Get Out in theaters:
Right now I’m just thinking about everyone who bought a ticket and told someone else to. You did this. Thank you. ✊🏾
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) January 23, 2018
The 90th Academy Awards presentation will be held March 4.
H/T BuzzFeed