Pete's Writings

A fantasy film has never won the Academy Award for best picture, but this year looks likely to set a precedent. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King topped the list of Academy Award nominations following the film’s strong showing during award season in Hollywood. Associated Press reports that British bookmakers Ladbrokes said The Return of the King is hot favourite to scoop the best picture Oscar giving the film 1/3 odds and the bookmaker is offering the same odds for New Zealand-born director Peter Jackson to win the best director award. Two days before the nominations were announced the film scooped the Golden Globes Awards organised by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, traditionally seen as an indicator to who will go on to win Oscars. The film won Best Picture-drama, Best Director for Jackson, and best song and musical score awards. Over the last two months, the movie has picked up critical recognition for Jackson and the ensemble cast, and has been named the be...

Circa 2002.  The Academy award nominations were announced on February 12 with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring grabbing 13 nominations. The Lord of the Rings, based on Catholic author J.R Tolkien’s trilogy of novels about good versus evil, was filmed in New Zealand during the late 1990’s and beginning of the millennium. Nominations for the film include Best Picture, Director (for Peter Jackson) and Supporting Actor for Sir Ian McKellen as wizard Gandalf. The Fellowship of the Ring Peter Jackson, speaking on TV One’s Breakfast show, was delighted with the result, having nervously anticipated the announcement while watching it live on BBC. While not interested in award ceremonies, Jackson will attend the Academy Awards on March 25. The Academy Awards or Oscars are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are considered the most prestigious award show in the film industry. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which competed with The Fellowship ...