Nominees Prep For Golden Globes

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Los Angeles held its annual awards-season kickoff tea party on Saturday, attracting a slew of Golden Globe nominees.

BAFTA, as the academy is known, sponsors the British version of the Academy Awards.

Spending time in Los Angeles during the rougly four weeks between the Golden Globes awards on Jan. 11 and the Oscars ceremony on Feb. 22 is "like arriving into a different planet," said "Waltz With Bashir" director Ari Folman. "And everything here has nothing to do with my everyday life, I can tell you that for sure."

Here's what some had to tell AP Television about preparing for Sunday's big show.

• Ron Howard, producer and director of "Frost/Nixon": "I don't really have a regimen. ... I think I try to keep it out of my mind as much as possible. I think I get up, I make sure I get a little exercise, get things done early, 'cause you have leave to get to the Golden Globes. It's a traffic jam, believe me. I think, 'Keep it out of your mind.' That's my regimen."
• Marisa Tomei, nominated for her supporting role in "The Wrestler," was asked whether she has awards-show nerves: "No, not really. I'm excited and I'm looking forward to have a nice time, and seeing everyone look beautiful, and just have fun."
• Kristin Scott Thomas, nominee for her leading role in "I've Loved You So Long": "I'm expecting to have a really good time. And it's really great fun, 'cause I'm in a really great group of women - to be selected among that group of those particular actresses. I haven't been in Los Angeles for ages, so it's great to bump into people I haven't seen for a long time. It's fun."
• Tom Wilkinson, nominated for his performance in the television miniseries "John Adams": "Well, I think 3 o'clock, the vehicle comes through. So, about quarter to 3, I'll get into my tux. . . . About six years ago, when I was nominated for 'In the Bedroom,' Georgio Armani gave me a tuxedo, and I've worn it ever since. I'm going to wear it tomorrow. No one else is offering, so I'll wear that one."
• Danny Boyle, Globe-nominated director "Slumdog Millionaire": "I'll be watching the Chelsea-Manchester United game tomorrow morning."

By Mike Cidoni