SCREAMING, BEAMING, PINCH-ME-I'M-DREAMING REACTIONS.

Byline: Valerie Kuklenski Staff Writer

It will be days or weeks before these Oscar nominees start fussing over designer duds, acceptance speeches and red-carpet poses. In the hours after Tuesday's nominations, it was more about jaw-dropping surprises, cheers and tears and, in a few cases, greater goals like righting wrongs and learning from history.

Ross Katz, producer with Sofia Coppola of her sleeper hit ``Lost in Translation,'' was with the writer-director in a Los Angeles hotel when the nominations were announced.

``I went down to her room and we had our pajamas on and we got up at 5 and sat nervously watching and then started screaming,'' he said. ``I think we definitely woke up a few people. 'Shut up!' 'I'm really sorry. We just got nominated for Academy awards!' ''

Katz gave the good news by phone to best-actor nominee Bill Murray. ``He was beaming,'' Katz said. ``He was so honored to be recognized by the academy. ... He didn't scream. It was just a big hearty 'wow' and he laughed. And he said, 'Put me on the phone with the boss.' He calls Sofia the boss. For us to see Bill get nominated is as good as it can get.''

Andrew Jarecki, director of the nominated documentary feature ``Capturing the Friedmans,'' remained focused on film subject Jesse Friedman's efforts to get a new trial in his child molestation case and get his record cleared. He is on tightly monitored parole in New York after serving 13 years in prison.

``The most important phone call I had this morning was with Jesse,'' said Jarecki, whose documentary investigation uncovered important evidence allegedly withheld from Jesse Friedman's defense attorney.

``That's one of the most gratifying things about this nomination,'' he said. ``It's not a 'what will I wear' situation.''

Keisha Castle-Hughes was trying to come to grips with her unforeseen best actress nomination for ``Whale Rider,'' let alone her distinction at age 13 as the youngest nominee ever in that category.

``Words can't explain how happy I am. I am up against amazing actresses so just being a nominee is good enough for me,'' she said in a statement from Wellington, New Zealand.

Errol Morris, nominated for his documentary ``The Fog of War,'' said he is pleased the film, about the experiences of and lessons learned by former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, is having an impact with moviegoers four decades after Vietnam.

``I'm delighted to be nominated. Yes, I would be delighted if the film wins the Oscar,'' he said. ``But I would like the film to have a broad audience. I think we live in very frightening times and I would like to think, I'd like to hope that this movie can contribute to the ongoing political debate.''

Diane Keaton, up for best actress for ``Something's Gotta Give,'' celebrated her fourth nomination in four decades.

``My initial reaction was disbelief. To be getting this kind of recognition at this time in my life is just a fantastic honor,'' she said. ``When Nancy Meyers created Erica Barry she created a unique character in film. Erica makes us all believe that it's possible to find true love at any age.''

Clint Eastwood, who produced and helmed ``Mystic River,'' is faced with the possibility of repeating his 1992 ``Unforgiven'' wins in the best picture and director categories.

``I'd like to thank the academy for the nominations given to 'Mystic River' and I look forward to the awards ceremony in February,'' he said in a statement. ``This film was an ensemble effort from the very beginning and every member of the cast and crew deserves recognition for their efforts.''

Sean Penn, a perennial no-show at awards functions, sent out a statement in response to his best actor nomination for ``Mystic River.''

``I'm thrilled for my friends in both 'Mystic River' and '21 Grams' who have been recognized for their great work. And I am honored to be acknowledged,'' he said.

Charlize Theron was still glowing from her Golden Globe acting award on Sunday when she received the latest good news about her performance as serial killer Aileen Wournos.

``The 'Monster' experience has been the most amazing journey that I have shared with a group of incredible people,'' she said in a statement. ``Today's news is the icing on an already delicious cake. I could not be more honored and proud to have been part of this project, and I am thrilled to receive this recognition.''

Renee Zellweger called her third consecutive Oscar nomination, this time for supporting actress, ``very exciting news.''

``This entire experience has been a great privilege and I look forward to celebrating the evening with wonderful Anthony (Minghella) and all of my 'Cold Mountain' friends,'' she said.

Samuel Goldwyn Jr., 77-year-old son of one of Hollywood's legendary moguls, was savoring his first Oscar nomination, as a producer of ``Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.'' He has been a member of the academy for many years and even produced the ceremony twice, but he has yet to attend with that anxious anticipation known only to nominees.

``You can obviously see I'm a little out of whack,'' he said with a laugh. ``It's going to be fun from the other side.''

Valerie Kuklenski, [phone]

valerie.kuklenski(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) DIANE KEATON

(2) CHARLIZE THERON

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer