The movie had already broken the record for most Golden Globe wins earlier in January, and now it has racked up a record-tying 14 Oscar nominations. Needless to say, it's been a good month for Chazelle. He still seemed to be processing the huge news when he spoke to Variety Tuesday and was understandably "a little speechless" and having to work to avoid "sounding like a stuttering maniac."
With its 14 nods, "La La Land" now ranks up there with "All About Eve" and "Titanic," the only other films in Academy Award history to have garnered so many nominations.
"When you mention those movies, it makes my head spin even more than it's spinning," he told Variety.
Chazelle's last film, "Whiplash," won three Oscars, so this isn't entirely new territory for the filmmaker. Still, he was clearly thrilled to be recognized, especially with his cast and crew.
"I got to see firsthand how much work and inventiveness and sleepless nights they brought to this movie," he said. "I'm filled with gratitude."
The lack of sleep and hard work clearly paid off. "La La Land" is poised to bring home multiple awards, and it could even top the 11-award record shared by "Ben Hur," "Titanic," and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."
Congratulations to #LALALAND on its 14 Academy Award nominations including BEST PICTURE - Tying the record for most #OscarNoms! #Oscars http://pic.twitter.com/JsoFuGfffI
— La La Land (@LaLaLand) January 24, 2017
Here's the full list of nominees. The Oscars will be awarded in a live ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 26 on ABC.
[via: Variety]