Kathy Bates received a Golden Globe nomination on Thursday for her role in FX's American Horror Story: Freak Show and the actress could not be more thankful.

Bates was nominated in the catch-all category of Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series, Miniseries or Television Film at the Golden Globes. The actress reacted to the big news in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight.

"I just received a lovely email from [AHS co-creator] Ryan [Murphy]," Bates said, discussing the nomination. "Life is good now, and that's due in no small part to him. I don't know where he gets these amazing characters in his head, but I feel so lucky to have played two now. I'm so proud of all of us. I think this year has a very exciting ensemble, and it's been fun to go to work and be with lots of different people every day. I just feel blessed."

Bates is nominated against Uzo Aduba from Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, Joanna Froggatt from PBS's Downton Abbey, Allison Janney from CBS's Mom and Michelle Monaghan from HBO's True Detective. Her American Horror Story costar Jessica Lange is nominated in the Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie category.

The 66-year-old actress, who won an Emmy in August for her role as Madame LaLaurie in American Horror Story: Coven, is very grateful for being able to thrive at her age.

"Before [American Horror Story], it really was a bleak time for me," she admitted. "I couldn't see past Harry's Law being canceled. I couldn't see past the breast cancer. I didn't have anything to look forward to at that time on my calendar. It was a scary time because I'm single. I'm the only one that makes my livin', and if I can't do that, then my life will change drastically."

She discussed the troubling trend of older actresses being out of work once they reach a certain age in Hollywood.

"We don't like to think about it, especially in Hollywood where we're all thinking about beauty and youth and joy - all those things we need to escape to; we need to, for a little while, get away from the dark side of the moon - but it's something I do think about. I don't take any of this for granted."

Bates will likely return for the fifth season of American Horror Story if Murphy and company find a good role for her. The Golden Globes are slated to air Sunday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

American Horror Story: Freak Show airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX.

Watch the promo for the next episode of American Horror Story here:

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American Horror Story, Television, Fx