Brad Pitt is "ecstatic" two of his movies are up for Oscars.

The star said both nods meant a lot to him for different reasons.

The actor starred in and co-produced best picture nominated sports drama Moneyball. He is also in the running for an award in the best actor category for his role in the film.

Another of his releases, The Tree of Life, is also named in the best picture category.

"We're ecstatic over here. It means so much considering this film [Moneyball] was just dead on the rocks two years ago. It took a lot of people to get it to the screen. It's a great honour. I'm really happy." he was quoted as saying by MTV. "[The] Tree of Life was just as difficult to get made and it's gonna be pancakes for everyone this morning."

Meanwhile, best actress nominee Viola Davis revealed she stayed up until 3.55am last night.

The thespian got the nod for her portrayal of Southern domestic Aibileen Clark in hit movie The Help and will be facing her idol Meryl Streep in the Oscar category.

"That's what you do the night before the Oscar nominations. I'm in good company. Most of the time you're only as good as your company. I've held Meryl Streep in high regard. She is one of my heroes. She's inspired to act," she said.

Octavia Spencer joked she has already got a plan in place to ensure she will take the golden statue home.

Nominated for best supporting actress for her part in The Help, she can't take in the good news.

"I am so overwhelmed right now I can't even tell you, I can't believe I've just watched this," she told American network ABC. "I am so over the moon that once we've dealt with all of this I'm probably going to do a drive by."