Angelina Jolie's Oscar joy

Jan 23, 2009, 9:25 GMT

US actress Angelina Jolie. The 33-year-old actress - who has been named in the Best Actress category for her role in \'The Changeling\' - added her year has been "exceptional" and credited the movie\'s director Clint Eastwood for helping her gain the Academy Award nod. EPA/GERO BRELOER

Angelina Jolie says her Oscar nomination is "a privilege beyond any expectation".

The 33-year-old actress - who has been named in the Best Actress category for her role in 'The Changeling' - added her year has been "exceptional" and credited the movie's director Clint Eastwood for helping her gain the Academy Award nod.

She said: "Working with Clint Eastwood was a reward in itself that will last me a lifetime. To receive a nomination from the Academy on top of that is a privilege beyond any expectation. It has been an exceptional year for acting, and I am honoured to be in the company of these talented actors whose performances all deserve this recognition."

Angelina's partner Brad Pitt - who is up for Best Actor for his part in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', which received a staggering 13 nominations - was equally as thrilled to be up for a prestigious accolade.

He said: "It's a great honour for the movie. I'm especially happy for Best Director nominee David Fincher, for without him there would be no Ben Button."

Mickey Rourke said he was "tickled pink" to receive a nod in the Best Actor category for his part in 'The Wrestler."

He revealed: "I'm very grateful and appreciative of this incredible honour. I'm tickled pink."

Anne Hathaway, who will vie with Angelina Jolie - as well as Melissa Leo for 'Frozen River',

Meryl Street in 'Doubt' and Kate Winslet for 'The Reader' - for the Best Actress prize for her role in 'Rachel Getting Married', said: "It is such a thrill to be recognised in this category with these remarkably talented women. I was with my parents and my dog when I got the news and we were all overjoyed - although I'm not sure my dog knew what was going on! This is a great day to be an actress!"

Kate Winslet was similarly as excited, adding: "I'm extremely happy to have been nominated. And very fortunate. Playing Hanna Schmitz will always remain one of the biggest challenges I've ever been blessed with."