The absence of Kathryn Bigelow - and a few other names - from the Academy's list of best director nominees has been a contested oversight, not just for observers but for the star of Bigelow's Oscar-nominated film.

When CNN spoke with Jessica Chastain, who did earn an Oscar nod for best actress for her work in "Zero Dark Thirty," she admitted that she was let down that her director wasn't recognized as well.

"It's a bittersweet moment because I wouldn't be able to do what I did without her," Chastain told CNN Thursday. "So much of her is in my performance. So I do feel disappointed. But by acknowledging the film as a best picture nominee we're also acknowledging her. It makes me feel better."

Chastain is also up for an award at Sunday's Golden Globes, where she's nominated for best actress in a dramatic motion picture, and she won't be flying solo on the red carpet.

"Grandma is coming with me this year. My grandma is very excited about the awards season," Chastain, 35, said. "I brought her to the Oscars last year. I think now she's going to be my go-to date for most of these shows. She'll be the biggest party animal at the table at the Globes, I can tell ya that!"