Ana de Armas, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser and Brian Tyree Henry among first-time Oscar nominees who have built long careers

"It is impossible to imitate her", Ana de Armas talks about "Blonde" 1:13

(CNN) --

Their faces may be familiar, but the nominations are brand new.

When the nominees for the 95th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday, there were 16 actors who entered the shortlist for the first time in the four main acting categories: Austin Butler, Hong Chau, Kerry Condon, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana of Arms, Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Brendan Gleeson, Brian Tyree Henry, Stephanie Hsu, Barry Keoghan, Paul Mescal, Bill Nighy, Ke Huy Quan, Andrea Riseborough and Michelle Yeoh.

• Nominees for the Oscars 2023: see the complete list here

Some like Curtis (supporting actress in "Everything Everywhere All at Once"), Farrell (lead actor in "The Banshees of Inisherin"), Fraser (lead actor in "The Whale") and Yeoh (lead actress in "Everything Everywhere All at Once") are well-known figures who have been in the industry for years.

Ana de Armas in "Blonde," Brian Tyree Henry in "Causeway" and Michelle Yeoh in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" are among this year's first-time Oscar nominees.

Credit: Netflix/Apple TV+/A24

Waiting years for his first Oscar nomination seemed like a sweet treat for Quan, who starred as a child in some iconic movies like "The Goonies" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

His role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," for which he received a best supporting actor nomination, marks a big step in his return to the big screen after decades away from acting.

In a statement to CNN, Quan said he can't "even begin to describe how incredible this feeling is to be recognized as an Oscar nominee."

advertising

"Not in my wildest dreams could I imagine this moment. It still doesn't seem real!" she said.

"Many thanks to the Academy for this wonderful honor and for believing in our little film. The outpouring of love and warm welcome back is something I will treasure forever."

• When will the 2023 Oscars take place?

  Date, time and how to watch the ceremony

Farrell, a first-time Oscar nominee for best lead actor for "The Banshees of Inisherin," celebrated all the "guys" in the category.

"I am very grateful to the Academy for all the love they have shared with the Banshees cast and crew," Farrell said in a statement to CNN.

"I'm also very honored to be standing with my fellow nominees. Heartfelt congratulations to all the boys."

Brian Tyree Henry, nominated for best supporting actor for the drama "Causeway," celebrated his nomination with a stranger.

“I am beyond honored to be nominated!!!!!

And in such incredible company!!!

I'm so grateful," Henry told CNN. "And to the unknown man in the elevator who saw me yell on the news, thank you for hugging me and not scaring you!!!!!!"

Ana de Armas Oscar