Allison Janney spoke to the Times Monday.
Q: Where are you and how did you first hear about your nomination?
A: I am in my hotel room in New York City. I just got in last night to do "I, Tonya" press. So I got up very early this morning and had forgotten that this was Golden Globe morning because I was dealing with a bit of jet lag and trying to get into hair and makeup. I found out when I had just finished my segment on "Good Morning America." My publicist came in with a huge grin on her face and said, "You've been nominated!"
I was so glad that they'd recognized the movie and of course, Margot. It's a really, really special morning for me and all of us. And it makes it even more special for me because of my friendship with Steven Rogers, who wrote the screenplay and wrote this part with me in mind. So it just couldn't be a more gratifying day.
Q: Who is the first person you told?
A: Well, let me see. Actually, I didn't tell anyone, everyone told me! All of a sudden my phone blew up. I had like 30 text messages so I was busy trying to respond to all of them. Everyone knew before I knew. These days it's hard to break the news of anything happening to anybody.
Q: What was your immediate reaction?
A: I was just incredibly proud and happy. Because of my friendship with [Rogers], it was even more special. We've been trying to work together for many years and it's never worked out until this one so I feel like it was meant to be. I'm very proud of him and all of us, the entire cast and crew worked so hard it was just an impossible amount of scenes to shoot in 30 days _ over 200 scenes to shoot in 30 days! _ and Craig Gillespie is just a genius at the helm. Everyone was bringing their A-game and really happy to be telling this amazing story and one that's very different from the original one.
We first heard about this story back when it happened. It was a simple narrative of one good girl and one bad girl. [But] it's a lot more nuanced than that so it was nice to be able to get the story told from so many different characters' points of view. It's a really interesting biopic. Not the ordinary or traditional biopic. I love the way they broke up the form.
Q: How does it feel being nominated alongside Margot?
A: I am so proud of her. I mean, she's the one that set the bar for this whole movie. Commitment, passion to this role and everything she had to learn to do: the skating, the accent and everything. She worked her ass off and she just made us all step up our games. Really proud of her. And I'm really happy that the movie got recognized too because so many people made us look good too.
Q: It's been a strong year for female-driven film. Do you think Hollywood is finally becoming more inclusive?
A: I think it's a good step. I think yes, there's always room for improvement but it is looking like things are maybe a little more equal in the world of casting and films. There's still a long way to go but it's a great start.
Q: You've had a celebrated television career. How does it feel to be nominated for your first film Golden Globe?
A: Yeah, I mean it's a different category and it's thrilling. I'm really proud to be in this category and I love working in films. I love film, so to be included in this conversation and this world and this arena is a real thrill for me. I'm very proud of it.
Q: What's your favorite thing about the Golden Globes?
A: I think of what a fun party it is. I've been before in the TV world and everyone is very celebratory. There's actors from every arena and you get to see a lot of old friends and you get to make new friends, you get to be star-struck. It's just a lovely party with great food and drink so it's a lot of fun. And I'm grateful that I've gotten to go before, but this time I will be with a wonderful movie so I'm very excited.
