Zemsky congratulates New York's 2016 Oscar nominees

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky congratulated the films that were either produced or posted in New York and received 20 nominations for the 88th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards. The New York productions earning nominations generated more than an estimated $31.9 million in spending in the state and nearly 1,700 new hires.

"Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized great movies that filmed or posted in New York state and have entertained audiences both here and abroad," Zemsky said. "The film and television industry is thriving more so today than at any other time in its history, thanks to Gov. Cuomo's efforts to strengthen and enhance the Film Production Tax Credit Program. New York is now the top choice for production and post-production projects from around the world, which are drawn by the talent, resources, locations and diverse communities that we offer here in the Empire State."

The State's Film Production and Post-Production Tax Credit program has attracted more than 1,000 projects to the state since 2011, which have contributed billions of dollars to New York's economy, while creating and sustaining thousands of jobs for New Yorkers. The tax credit is consistently cited as a leading factor in the decision to film and produce in New York.

The list of Oscar nominations that participated in the New York Film Tax Credit program follows:

Best Picture

• "Bridge of Spies," Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers
• "Spotlight," Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers*

Performance by an actress in a leading role

• Cate Blanchett, "Carol"*
• Jennifer Lawrence, "Joy"*

Best director

• Tom McCarthy, "Spotlight"*

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

• Mark Ruffalo, "Spotlight"*
• Mark Rylance, "The Bridge of Spies"
• Sylvester Stallone, "Creed"*

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

• Rooney Mara, "Carol"*
• Rachel McAdams, "Spotlight"*

Achievement in film editing

• "Spotlight," Tom McArdle*

Achievement in Cinematography

• "Carol," Edward Lachman*

Achievement in Costume Design

• "Carol," Sandy Powell*

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

• "Bridge of Spies," Thomas Newman
• "Carol," Carter Burwell*

Achievement in production design

• "Bridge of Spies," Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo and Bernhard Henrich

Achievement in sound mixing

• "Bridge of Spies," Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Drew Kunin

Adapted screenplay

• "Carol," Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy*

Original screenplay

• "Bridge of Spies," Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen
• "Spotlight," Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy*

*Indicates this film participated in the New York State Post Production Tax Credit Program.