Colin Firth toasts Oscar nomination

The nominees were quick to express their delight - including Natalie Portman, Jesse Eisenberg, Helena Bonham Carter and more

He may have been considered a shoe-in for a Best Actor nod, but Colin Firth was still quick to celebrate yesterday, after the Academy announced his nomination for The King's Speech.

Commenting on the happy news, Firth revealed: 'Currently celebrating with my colleagues three feet above the ground. Not used to this much joy, or this much champagne at this hour.'

It was a good day for The King's Speech, which picked up a whopping twelve nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Geoffrey Rush. Speaking from his Sydney home, Rush said, 'It's really wonderful. It's sort of like 'Ben-Hur' proportions. It all seems a bit crazy, you know?'

Helena Bonham Carter, nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category, added, 'As my three-year-old daughter said - 'yay'!. I couldn't put it any better myself.'

Nominees were quick to express their delight. Social Network leading man Jesses Eisenberg, who'll compete with Firth for that coveted Best Actor title said: 'To be nominated for this award, especially alongside these other actors, is truly astonishing and a great honour for me.'

Meanwhile Best Actress nominee Natalie Portman took the chance to thank director Darren Aronofsky, saying, 'I am so honoured and grateful to the Academy for this recognition. It is a wonderful culmination of the 10-year journey with Darren to make this film.'

'Making Black Swan is already the most meaningful experience of my career' she added. 'I am so thankful for the support we have received and I share this honour with the entire cast and crew of the film, especially Darren Aronofsky.'

OSCAR NOMINATIONS 2011: THE FULL LIST