Mel Gibson celebrated his Oscar nomination with his newborn son.
The 61-year-old actor has had two reasons to celebrate after he secured a Best Director nod for his work on ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ just days after he and his girlfriend Rosalind Ross welcomed their son Lars Gerald Gibson into the world.
He said in a statement: "What could be more exciting than listening to the nominations being announced while holding my newborn son! This is a truly wonderful honour.
"I’m especially happy for Andrew Garfield, our producers Bill Mechanic and David Permut, our editor John Gilbert and our incredible sound teams.
"The Academy’s recognition of our film is a testament to every single person who worked on Hacksaw Ridge, and to every soldier who made the sacrifices they made to fight for their country, including Desmond Doss."
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ also received a further five nominations including Best Picture and a Best Actor in a Leading Role nod for Andrew Garfield.
Speaking to TODAY about his first-time nomination, he said: "Right now I am in a wonderful Uber car in London rehearsing a play called ‘Angels in America’ … I [found out] when I was having lunch in the canteen at the National Theatre on the Southbank of London and my agent called me screaming. And that was that.
"I’m so proud of Mel and Bill Mechanic and David Permut, who produced the film. It’s all very overwhelming. It’s the first time I’ve been nominated. I can’t believe it. I’m so so proud of the film and the fact that both the film and the director have been recognised."
Mel Gibson celebrates Oscar nomination with newborn son
