Oscar nominations: Jacki Weaver: ‘I’m so thrilled’
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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
