Emmy nominations: Tatiana Maslany, Ricky Gervais react to nods

The 2015 Emmy Award nominations, announced Thursday in West Hollywood, Calif., saw Game of Thrones lead the pack, fan favourite first-timers like Tatiana Maslany and Amy Schumer earn kudos and farewell nods for David Letterman and Mad Men.

• Tatiana Maslany, Game of Thrones earns Emmy nominations

• PHOTOS | 2015 Emmy nominations: Tatiana Maslany up for Orphan Black

The nominations naturally sparked delight and pride in the contenders. Here are a few star reactions:

• "It was terrifying. Everything's terrifying." Tatiana Maslany, who learned about her lead actress nomination in Orphan Black seconds after a fire alarm went off at her home.

• "I feel blown away. Like if I was a leaf, I would have blown right off the stage." Uzo Aduba, found out while announcing the nominations that she was nominated for supporting actress for Orange is the New Black.

• "Seven nominees? Clearly men in comedy is SO much more weighty and important than any other sex or category. You're welcome, America." Don Cheadle, who is among seven men nominated for lead actor in a comedy series for House of Lies.

• "If by proton pack, you mean dirty pajamas, yes, I'm wearing a proton pack right now." Kate McKinnon, who was in Boston for night shoots onGhostbusters when she learned of her supporting actress nomination for Saturday Night Live.

• "I reckon I'm going to pile into my local pub and crack open something sparkling, probably." Emilia Clarke, on how she'll celebrate her supporting actress nod for Game of Thrones.

• "It's an honour to be doing this as a job. There are people who save lives and fight wars. I come up with some funny things, write them down, then act them out, and I get awards! It's ridiculous." Ricky Gervais, nominated for his lead role in Derek.

• "This gives me motivation to stay on my diet." Jane Krakowski, a supporting actress nominee for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

• "The runway is very long and there's a lot of planes landing." Kevin Spacey, nominated for House of Cards, on the viability of original programming on streaming services.

• "Well it helps to have four kids who have absolutely no concern or care for the fact that you've been in a hole for three weeks playing a mentally ill individual. They still need their toilet needs taken care of. " David Oyelowo, nominated for his role in HBO's Nightingale, on how he overcame playing the dark role.

• "Who doesn't like to get nominated for an award?" Maggie Gyllenhaal on her first Emmy nomination, for The Honorable Woman.

• "I will celebrate by jumping up and down at every alley and every step of the way in Paramount Studios. I will make a spectacle of myself." Jeffrey Tambor on his way to work after being nominated for his leading role in Transparent.