Brad Pitt 'dizzy with joy' over Oscar noms

Likely having been roused during the early hour of 5 a.m. - although one might muse such an occurrence wouldn't be unheard of for a father of six - Brad Pitt has admitted that he needed a little extra pick-me-up as the Oscar nominations rolled in on Tuesday.

"This is an extraordinary honor. I am dizzy with joy… and caffeine," the actor kidded in a statement to CNN about his best actor nomination for his portrayal in "Moneyball." The film, directed by Bennett Miller, is also up for best picture, along with Pitt's other film, "The Tree of Life."

"Considering both films, 'Moneyball' and 'The Tree of Life,' nearly didn’t make it to the screen, this is especially sweet," Pitt went on. "And I’d like to thank all the artisans and craftsmen who gave their best to each film."

The 48-year-old adds that he's "especially over the moon for [co-star] Jonah [Hill] (and the other 'Moneyballers' acknowledged today), Terry Malick and the tribute this is to Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s organization. My congratulations to all the nominees…pancakes for everyone."

His partner and co-parent-in-crime Angelina Jolie could also join in on the celebratory pancake feasting, as her animated feature with Jack Black, "Kung Fu Panda 2," is up for the best animated feature Oscar.

Says the film's director, Jennifer Yuh, "The year of the dragon is off to a great start! Today's nomination is a huge boost of encouragement for the hundreds of dedicated cast and crew that have created such a beautiful film. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together and honored by the Academy with this recognition."

Yuh does have some competition from "Puss in Boots" in the best animated feature category, and the film's director, Chris Miller, probably could've used some of Pitt's caffeine boost when he learned of the recognition.

"Am I still dreaming? What an absolute honor to be nominated," Miller said of the nod. "Thank you to the Academy on behalf of the entire cast, crew, cat and boots! This is beyond a thrill...and I'm pretty sure I'm awake."

Here are a few more choice reactions from this year's nominees:

• From Christopher Plummer, nominated for best supporting actor for "Beginners": “It’s a shot in the arm for a young kid of 82 to receive an Academy Award nomination this morning. My gratitude to writer/director Michael Mills, the Academy, and to everyone involved with Beginners.”

• From Jonah Hill, nominated for best supporting actor for "Moneyball": "I am so humbled, appreciative and in shock about this incredible honor. I'd like to thank the Academy, Sony Pictures , the cast and crew of 'Moneyball,' Brad Pitt, and, most of all, our brilliant director Bennett Miller."

• From Stephen Daldry, director of best picture nominee "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close": "I'm deeply honored that the Academy recognized 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' as well as Max von Sydow. The entire team behind our film felt the enormous responsibility in taking on this project, and it is deeply humbling to have the Academy recognize it in this way."

• From ("Skyfall" co-writer) John Logan, screenwriter for best picture and best adapted screenplay nominee "Hugo": "I was actually working on a 'Skyfall' scene that films in London tomorrow, so [I] had to run from my computer to watch the nominations and then right back to '007.' I'm enormously honored to have heard my name read alongside those other talented writers. It's a head-spinning company. 'Hugo' has been one of the great joys of my writing life and I'm beyond proud the movie has been so recognized."

• From Joe Berlinger, director of best documentary feature nominee "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory": "The real prize has been helping secure the release of three innocent men from prison, but being recognized by the Academy is a thrilling conclusion to this 18-year journey."

• And last but not least, from Martin Scorsese, whose film "Hugo" is nominated for best picture and who is also up for a best director Oscar: "I am deeply honored to have been nominated by the Academy for my work on 'Hugo.' Every picture is a challenge, and this one – where I was working with 3-D, HD and Sacha Baron Cohen for the first time – was no exception. It's a wonderful feeling to know that you've been recognized by the people in your industry. I congratulate my fellow nominees. It's an impressive list, and I'm in excellent company."