Courtesy of NetflixMary J. Blige received not one, but two Oscar nominations Tuesday morning, both of them her first: for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Florence Jackson in Dee Rees‘ Mudbound, and Best Original Song, for the film’s “Mighty River.”
Blige told Good Morning America via phone that same morning that she was “almost speechless” after hearing the exciting news.
“I’m so grateful,” she said. “I’m just too excited. I’m too grateful and too thankful. I mean, wow. This is amazing. I’m so happy. I’m so happy. I never would have imagined a moment like this. Not ever. I didn’t see any of this coming. I didn’t see anything. And…not this.”
Mary also talked about being “a little uncomfortable” due to wearing little makeup and showing her natural hair during her Mudbound performance, but explained that once she got over the initial discomfort and “let Florence live,” all was well.
“She has really liberated me. She has strengthened me. I will take her with me forever,” Mary said.
The 90th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, air on ABC March 4.
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