Australian actress Rose Byrne has opened up about the deeply emotional and unexpected moment she discovered she had received her first Oscar nomination, calling the experience "so surreal and so special". The Sydney-born star earned a nomination for Best Actress at this year's Academy Awards for her powerful performance as a mother in crisis in the film If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You.
A Sleepy Sydney Morning Turns Historic
While the news made headlines across the globe, Byrne revealed to Channel Seven's Sunrise program on Thursday that she was fast asleep at her home in Sydney when the life-changing announcement was made. It was her husband, actor Bobby Carnavale, who first delivered the thrilling news, waking her with a FaceTime call at 1 am.
"I'll never forget it. It was so surreal and so special to be at home with my family. It was really amazing," the actress shared, reflecting on the intimate family moment that marked her entry into Oscar history.
Golden Globe Win and a Viral Reptile Moment
This Oscar recognition arrives just weeks after Byrne took home a Golden Globe award for the same role earlier this month. While celebrated for the win, it was a particular moment during her acceptance speech that captured the internet's attention and went viral.
On stage, Byrne thanked her husband, explaining his absence by saying, "who couldn't be here because we're getting a bearded dragon and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey." Reflecting on that moment during her Sunrise interview, the actress admitted she may have overshared, noting she has since received countless messages from fans sharing their own reptile experiences.
"I've learnt my lesson. Never in my life will I announce something like that at a major awards show again," she laughed. "I was obviously having an out-of-body experience, but the kids are very happy."
Overwhelmed by Recognition for a 'Tiny Movie'
In addition to her Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, Byrne has also received a BAFTA nomination. She admitted the growing recognition has left her feeling incredibly overwhelmed, especially given the independent nature of the project.
"This is a really tiny movie, and it's such an incredible film, and the character's really the film and the film is the character, so it really feels like a recognition for this movie, and I'm so proud of it," she said emotionally.
Aussie Oscar Dreams from Sydney to Hollywood
Byrne grew up watching the Oscars on television from Sydney and first attended the ceremony in 2012 with the cast of Bridesmaids, where she presented awards. She is not the only Australian to receive a nomination this year; Brisbane actor Jacob Elordi has also been nominated for his role in Frankenstein.
Elordi told Sunrise last week that he was also asleep when the nominations were announced, joking about the early hour. "I was asleep because someone decides to do it at five in the morning," he said. "I'm pretty elated."
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony will air live and exclusively on Channel 7 and 7plus on March 16, offering Australian viewers a front-row seat to what promises to be a memorable night for the nation's acting talent.
