Oscar nominations: Jacki Weaver: 'I'm so thrilled'

Jacki Weaver, who played the sociopathic matriarch of a crime family in the Australian film "Animal Kingdom," was in Los Angeles for the Oscar nominations announcement on Tuesday. During a phone call, she was overheard sharing the good news with her director, David Michod, who's in Australia, on another line.

Weaver: You better go to bed! Yes, I love you too.

L.A. Times: How's he taking the news of your nomination?

Weaver: It's about 2 in the morning in Australia. He's mental!

L.A. Times: How about you?

Weaver: I'm just so relieved. Everyone in Australia would have been so disappointed if I hadn't been nominated. I'm so thrilled. I'm also so glad for David. I'm probably more thrilled for David than I am for myself. He's such a clever young filmmaker on the brink of a terrific career. I feel honored. It's so unexpected at this stage in my career.

L.A. Times: This movie is a small international indie. Ever think you'd get here?

Weaver: It didn't even come into the equation. What drives me to do anything is character and story. I got the screenplay and thought it was fantastic. David said he wrote it with me in mind. When doing it, I thought we were doing good work -- but I always think that. I'm such an optimist.

L.A. Times: "Animal Kingdom" was in Sundance last year. What do you think about the fest as an incubator for talent?

Weaver: I think it's great the way they nurture and bring to attention the little independent films that wouldn't get a lot of attention otherwise. A lot of what's happened to me is thanks to Sundance.

-- Chris Lee

Photo: Jacki Weaver in "Animal Kingdom." Credit:Sony Pictures Classics