American Horror Story's actor Finn Wittrock talked with TVLine for a short interview about his recent Emmy nomination Thursday morning for his role as killer clown Dandy Mott in American Horror Story: Freak Show and battling Matt Bomer for Lady Gaga in the new season Hotel.

 How does it feel?

I’m surprised. I didn’t see it coming. There was some talk about [the possibility of a nod] but I’m still in shock. It’s incredibly nice and humbling.

Where did you draw your inspiration from for Dandy?

Anthony Perkins from Psycho. Honestly, it was less about watching other psychos and more about finding your inner child, in a dark way. [Laughs]

Do you think Dandy got off easy just merely drowning to death? Did he deserve a punishment more befitting of his crimes?

I think drowning is maybe the scariest way to go. [Laughs] And filming it was actually really intense and a bit painful. I’m sure they could’ve cooked up other more torturous [deaths], but I think it was pretty befitting.

When do you start work on AHS: Hotel?

Very soon. Two weeks

What can you say about your character?

I’ll be pretty involved with Ms. Gaga.

You’re in a love triangle with Gaga and Bomer, right?

Yes. Bomer and I will go head-to-head once again. Payback might be a bitch.