"I feel like there is a real passion for this movie to do well and be recognized," John Travolta said of "Hairspray" nods. "I feel relieved. I feel proud. I feel that giving up my male ego and ... saying it’s much more important to be honorable for yourself than to be worried about what people think about you not being a man -- paid off! I think it’s the official payoff for me."
In comparison to other roles, the actor said: "It’s terra incognita. [You watch] women your whole life. You never thought you’d use it. My preparation was convincing your kind of macho man that I was convincing as a woman ... how do I convince that level of man? Then I’m believable. A voluptuous body, that may help."