Actor Hugh Jackman speaks during ceremonies honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, December 13, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Screenwriter Tony Kushner got a kiss and a hug, actor Hugh Jackman found his first Oscar nomination "a bit surreal," and singer Adele felt a bit like screen legend Meryl Streep.

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This year's Oscar nominees reacted with joy, amazement and sometimes just politeness on Thursday after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its shortlists for the movie industry's highest honors.

Jackman, a former Oscars host who was nominated as best actor for "Les Miserables," said he had not planned to listen to the Academy Awards' live announcement, at 5:40 am West Coast time (1340 GMT).

"When I got into the car ... the driver had the nominations streaming," said the Australian actor, and he learned he was among them.

"To be honest, it's very exciting but all a bit surreal and hasn't fully sunk in yet," said Jackman, adding "to be an actual nominee is something I never would have dreamed possible."

Fellow nominee Denzel Washington ("Flight"), a two-time Oscar winner and seemingly more accustomed to the hoopla, said in a statement "It's always nice to be asked back to the show, and it will be fun to share the evening with our nominated screenwriter John Gatins."

Similarly, "Silver Linings Playbook" and past winner Robert De Niro said "I am very pleased" that the academy had honored the film with so many nominations.

Photos:

Scenes from films nominated for Oscars