Benedict Cumberbatch says telling his parents he has been nominated for an Oscar is one of the "proudest moments" of his life.
The 38-year-old actor was "knocked for six" to be in the running for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his role in 'The Imitation Game' and delighted in breaking the news to father Timothy Carlton and mother Wanda Ventham earlier today (15.01.15).
He said: "I am knocked for six by this. So excited and honoured to receive this recognition. It's wonderful to be included by the academy in this exceptional year of performances. To ring my parents who are both actors and tell them that their only son has been nominated for an Oscar is one of the proudest moments of my life."
Meanwhile, fellow Best Actor nominee Eddie Redmayne - who picked up the Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globe awards last weekend - was woken up with the good news this morning.
The 'Theory of Everything' star told USA Today newspaper: "I'm in bed! 20 minutes ago I was in a deep, dark sleep, and there was this gigantic knock on the door. I stumbled in the dark and put a towel on and my manager was there brandishing a telephone with a lot of screaming coming out of it.
"[The nomination is] like cherries being placed on top of the most beautiful cake."
And the British actor - who married girlfriend Hannah Bagshawe last month - admitted his new wife was equally thrilled by the news.
He said: "I just spoke to her now, and she said, 'Ed, how am I meant to do the tax returns today when I'm so excited?' "
Meanwhile, Steve Carrell - whose turn in 'Foxcatcher' has earned him a Best Actor nomination - thanked his co-stars in the movie for the "great honour" of being nominated.
He tweeted: "Such a great honor. Thank you @TheAcademy. Love to @MarkRuffalo, @channingtatum, Bill Corso, and Bennet Miller. #Foxcatcher (sic)"
The three actors will contest the prize with 'Birdman' star Michael Keaton and 'American Sniper' hunk Bradley Cooper.
The quintet will find out who is taking home the prize when the Academy Awards take place on February 22.
Tagged in Bradley Cooper Benedict Cumberbatch Eddie Redmayne