Matt: To be directed by Clint Eastwood every day and to sit across the table from Morgan Freeman and watch him do what he did was a dream come true. I’m so grateful that this role came my way.
Freeman, who was nominated for Best Actor for his performance in the film, which set during the 1995 rugby World Cup in South Africa, told 702 private radio station in Johannesburg in a radio interview from Rome: "I'm feeling pretty good about it."
"But I just can't understand why the picture didn't get nominated out of the ten (nominated)," Freeman said.
As for being in the eye of the awards storm, "I am more used to presenting or watching these shows on TV. It's best if you enjoy each moment for the party it is and the party you get to see. And to see everyone, everyone I've not met. The actors are just happy to be there. You sit down and see Matt Damon and say, 'Dude, your career is awesome. How are your kids?' That's feeling it from the inside out. It's more calm and humbling."
30 Matt Damon (WME)
Estimated 2009 earnings: $22 million
$7 million: The Adjustment Bureau (fee for starring in upcoming sci-fi thriller opposite Emily Blunt)
$7 million: Invictus (fee for starring)
$7 million: Hereafter (fee for starring in upcoming Clint Eastwood film)
$1 million: Royalties from older films, especially the Jason Bourne movies
Q: Besides Channing Tatum, who is your dream romantic co-star?
AS: Dream romantic co-star? Matt Damon. That would be amazing, I think Matt Damon is so good. Matt Damon, I know he is older, but that would be really cool.