Laverne Cox, Matt Bomer and More React to Historic Emmy Nominations

Photo: Getty

On Thursday, the 2014 Emmy nominations were announced, marking a historic day for LGBT actors and gay-themed TV programs. Not only did Laverne Cox become the first transgender person to receive an Emmy nomination, The Normal Heart picked up 16 nominations with American Horror Story, Modern Family, and Orange Is the New Black also being recognized. Additionally, out entertainers, Matt Bomer, Jodie Foster, Larry Kramer, Kate McKinnon, Ryan Murphy, Jim Parsons and Sarah Paulson, were among those named in acting, directing , writing and producing categories.

In the 24 hours since the announcement, Cox and the other nominees have offered heart-felt reactions to the news.

Laverne Cox, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (OITNB):

"I jumped up and down and then cried. My agent of seven years, Paul, was the first person to call me. I'd auditioned for other agents in the past who all told me, 'I can't do anything with you, you're trans, I don't think you'll be able to get work.' But Paul saw something in me and took a chance." [People]

The cast of OITNB celebrates on set. Photo: Netflix

Jim Parsons, nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (Big Bang Theory, The Normal Heart):

"I'm a little floored, I'll be honest. The very first thing that hit me, and it took a while to sink in was, how lucky am I that I was a part of two different projects that have both been deemed mentionable, if you will, by the peers for this year. That fact alone I need to make sure I really let sink in and enjoy while it's happening. Because it doesn't seem to be a thing that probably is going to happen a lot. The odds are against it, no matter how good the work is." [EW]

Matt Bomer, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (The Normal Heart):

"I couldn't even speak for the first minute, I was overcome with gratitude, just the moment was so profound for me. I've been working in TV for 13 years and to have this moment, I was completely overwhelmed and had to collect myself for a bit. [My husband] Simon knew firsthand how hard I worked on this role, how much we put into it, myself as an actor, and us collectively as a family. it was just really great to get to share that moment with him." [ABC]

Ryan Murphy, nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (The Normal Heart):

"I'm just so grateful and feel so excited for Larry ... For a day like today for Larry Kramer and The Normal Heart to get these nominations is so exciting and justified for him because he fought to get that made for so long. Any recognition that that movie gets will perhaps lead more people to watch it and that is the great victory. Larry and I have such a passion for that story, so I'm happy about that." [THR]

Jane Lynch, nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program (Hollywood Game Night):

"I'm so thrilled with this nomination! I adore working on Hollywood Game Night and all the great people who make it possible." [E!]

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Modern Family):

"I'm so humbled and honored to be included amongst the Emmy nominations this morning. Eric Stonestreet and myself are particularly proud of the care that our writers and directors took with the arc of Mitch and Cam's wedding. We can't wait to get back to work on season 6 of the show. It's a love fest over on Stage 5 at the Fox lot!" [E!]

Zac Posen, nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program (Project Runway):

"I'm delighted that Project Runway has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Show Competition. I am honored to be a part of such an incredible, iconic show and I couldn't be happier for Heidi and Tim who were nominated for Outstanding Reality Show Hosts. An excellent moment for our Runway family!" [E!]

Natasha Lyonne, nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (OITNB):

"I am over the moon right now, and genuinely overwhelmed with the news of my nomination! I can't express how proud I am of the show, and thrilled to be recognized for my work. What makes it even more gratifying is being selected alongside Uzo and Laverne! What an incredible honor. It's so rare to be able to work with such a high level of integrity that you can wholeheartedly stand behind. The show is a testament to Jenji's brilliance that allows us the rare gift of being able to pour our souls on the pavement each time we punch in. I'm so happy for Jenji, and overjoyed for the entire cast and crew, and our sick and brilliant writers who put in so much time and effort into making it what it is." [E!]

Mark Ruffalo, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie (The Normal Heart):

"I'm so humbled to be a part of The Normal Heart. Congratulations to my friends and colleagues, Ryan Murphy, Matt Bomer, Alfred Molina, Jim Parsons, Joe Mantello and Julia Roberts. And to the great Larry Kramer, thank you forever." [E!]