Emmy nominations: Tatiana Maslany, Ricky Gervais react to nods

The 2015 Emmy Award nominations, announced Thursday in West Hollywood, Calif., saw Game of Thrones lead the pack, fan favourite first-timers like Tatiana Maslany and Amy Schumer earn kudos and farewell nods for David Letterman and Mad Men.

• Tatiana Maslany, Game of Thrones earns Emmy nominations

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The nominations naturally sparked delight and pride in the contenders. Here are a few star reactions:

• "It was terrifying. Everything's terrifying." — Tatiana Maslany, who learned about her lead actress nomination in Orphan Black seconds after a fire alarm went off at her home.

• "I feel blown away. Like if I was a leaf, I would have blown right off the stage." — Uzo Aduba, found out while announcing the nominations that she was nominated for supporting actress for Orange is the New Black.

• "Seven nominees? Clearly men in comedy is SO much more weighty and important than any other sex or category. You're welcome, America." — Don Cheadle, who is among seven men nominated for lead actor in a comedy series for House of Lies.

• "If by proton pack, you mean dirty pajamas, yes, I'm wearing a proton pack right now." — Kate McKinnon, who was in Boston for night shoots on Ghostbusters when she learned of her supporting actress nomination for Saturday Night Live.

• "I reckon I'm going to pile into my local pub and crack open something sparkling, probably." — Emilia Clarke, on how she'll celebrate her supporting actress nod for Game of Thrones.

• "It's an honour to be doing this as a job. There are people who save lives and fight wars. I come up with some funny things, write them down, then act them out, and I get awards! It's ridiculous." — Ricky Gervais, nominated for his lead role in Derek.

• "This gives me motivation to stay on my diet." — Jane Krakowski, a supporting actress nominee for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

• "The runway is very long and there's a lot of planes landing." — Kevin Spacey, nominated for House of Cards, on the viability of original programming on streaming services.

• "Well it helps to have four kids who have absolutely no concern or care for the fact that you've been in a hole for three weeks playing a mentally ill individual. They still need their toilet needs taken care of. " — David Oyelowo, nominated for his role in HBO's Nightingale, on how he overcame playing the dark role.

• "Who doesn't like to get nominated for an award?" — Maggie Gyllenhaal on her first Emmy nomination, for The Honorable Woman.

• "I will celebrate by jumping up and down at every alley and every step of the way in Paramount Studios. I will make a spectacle of myself." — Jeffrey Tambor on his way to work after being nominated for his leading role in Transparent.