Return of the King Oscar Predictions (and post-Oscar Comments)

[Gorwingel]

I know it is a little early to be talking about this, but you have to see this article<P><A HREF="http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1045411574" TARGET=_blank>Taking another look at Oscar nominees</A><P>Most of the article just talks about the Oscars in general, and the choices that the academy made.<BR>Midway through the article the critic talks about Peter Jackson not getting the nomination for best director, this line is probably the most striking though.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> What about the slight suffered by another director, the unnominated Peter Jackson, whose ongoing "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is the most popular with audiences? Here, more than likely, many voters deferred on "Rings" as a work in progress.<P>"This year, it's `Chicago,'" my smartest movie-reporting friend told me right after the announcements. "Next year, `The Lord of the Rings' runs the table."<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>The bottom part, Wow! I hope that is true, because it sure gives me hope that next year is the year. (I'll try not to get my hopes up too high though, I still have to see ROTK) I personally don't really know what "runs the table" means, but if they are comparing it to "Chicago" it must be good, I would think.

[Brinniel]

It is hard to say how ROTK will do at the Oscars, as the movie has yet to come out. But this movie is expected to be better than the other two and should be more satisfying as it will have an actual ending, so I do think it will do better than TTT at the Oscars.<P>But even if ROTK gets plenty of nominations, it doesn't mean they will do well at winning them. I believe last year FOTR got 13 nominations, but they only won four. <P>It also depends on what ROTK has to compete against. And though we already know of some of those competitors (The Matrix sequels, for example), there are several masterpiece movies still being filmed that we have yet to know of.<P>I say it's best for us to wait for the outcome of the Oscars this year and wait to see ROTK ourselves before trying to make any meaningful guesses on how the movie will do at the 2004 Academy Awards.

[mollecon]

Well, apart from politics & blatant bribery there is a practical problem - the Academy Awards were never geared for this kind of movie(s). Even The Star Wars movies can be seen seperately, but there's no way it can be done with this trilogy - it's one movie really & should be judged as such. Where's the category? The fair thing to do would probably be to give PJ a special Oscar for outstanding achievement in impossible film making

[Rynoah, the Overly-Happy]

I don't really hold Oscars in such high esteem anymore; ever since they gave <I>Titanic</I> all those Oscars, I have lost faith in them. And it didn't help that <I>Gladiator</I> got the Oscar for Best Picture either. So even if TTT, FotR and (next year) RotK don't win Oscars, they still will be the best ones in the business, no matter what the Academy says.

[Brinniel]

Don't you remember how popular Titanic was, though? Everyone loved that movie, it seemed. It took a couple of years for everyone to realize how corny it was (including myself). But that movie did have great special effects and a great soundtrack, though.<BR>You didn't like Gladiator? I only saw part of that movie, but thought it was well done.<P>Have you ever noticed that the Academy seems to favor movies with historical signifigence? I mean, what do all these movies have in common? The movies, Chicago, A Beautiful Mind, Gosford Park, Titanic, Gladiator, The Hours all take place sometime in history. And of course, fantasy is the opposite of history, even if LOTR has a historical touch to it. The Academy Awards have never favored fantasy movies and they never will.

[Pipperin]

I was really upset when I heard the PJ wasn't nominated! But they might be waiting for next year, everyone knew there would be three parts, and if they gave them what they really deserved for every movie, then it wouldn't be fare to the other movies!

[Gorwingel]

Hey, at the time I liked Titanic and thought it was a wonderful movie, I don't know why everyone gives it such a hard time. but that is another forum...<BR>About the Matrix films, that will be interesting about how that turns out, the original Matrix movie won the most Oscars of that year, but they were all technical. I doubt it would be nominated for best picture though because I just don't think it will have the acting needed for that kind of nominations.<BR>I have not lost faith in the Oscars, I just think it has become way too political. The only reason Chicago, The Hours, and Gangs of New York got nominated is the wonderful campagning of Harvey Weinstein and his friends at Miramax, (even though Mr. Weinstein is also a producer of LOTR) Though I still hope and think that ROTK is going to get many nominations when it comes out, just as icing on the cake of a wonderful well done trilogy. (also I think that some of the people at the academy are kind of mad that Star Wars was not honored, because I think that they would have given it to them if it had came out now) and like I said in another post, the academy is saying just with the TTT nomination that LOTR is more Godfather than Star Wars, and that is always a good thing to think about.

[Brinniel]

Chicago did deserve all those nominations, though. I saw it twice and absolutely loved it. But you have to appreciate music and dance to like it.<BR>My mom thinks the reason why TTT got few nominations was because FOTR took over the Oscar nominations last year. TTT is like old news. But she also thinks ROTK will get more nominations next year, as it is the "big finale." My mom hasn't read the books, yet I think she believes ROTK will be the best. Shows to you what non-LOTR fans are predicting for the last part of the trilogy.

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

Well, we've all seen it now. What Oscars do you think ROTK will win, and what do you want it to win? <A HREF="http://www.theonering.net/scrapbook/group/1266/view/11690" TARGET=_blank>Here's</A> a list of all of the categories that are being campaigned for. <P>I would personally love to see Sean Astin win Best Supporting Actor, and of course Best Director for PJ and Best Picture for ROTK. I've been to some Oscar prediction sites, and it seems that most everyone, acclaimed movie critic or otherwise, is fairly positive that ROTK will win at least one of the two "big" awards. And there aren't many real threats to its success, either, especially since I heard that Cold Mountain was snubbed at some award-thing-or-other. Beyond that, I think it will easily win most of the technical awards.<P>Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the nominations will be announced on January 29th, followed by the ceremony itself on February 26th. Don't count on those dates, though, as I'm going by memory.<P>EDIT: Typed Chicago when I meant Cold Mountain. Don't mind me.<p>[ 10:38 PM January 18, 2004: Message edited by: Luthien_ Tinuviel ]

[Gorwingel]

Well currently if you go on any of the Oscar prediction websites, ROTK is doing extremely well. Basically everyone is in agreement that they will receive a Best Picture, and a Best Director nomination, and on <A HREF="http://www.goldderby.com" TARGET=_blank>Gold Derby.com</A>, out of the eight very prominent film reviewers, 7 say that ROTK is going to win the best drama Golden Globe (an extremely good indicator). Even though it only has four nominations to Cold Mountain's eight.<P>Additionally ROTK has won the most critics awards, including the New York Critic's Circle (who usually give out their award to an independent film), and the Critic's Choice Award. <P>As I look back at the responses in this thread, and see what we originally thought would be challengers. I think we can all agree that The Matrix sequels didn't turn out extremely well, and that they most likely pose no threat to ROTK's award chances. And some of the other films that were expected to be frontrunners have been weaker than expected.<P>But we will see. The Golden Globes are next weekend on the 25th, and I think the Oscar nominations come on the Tuesday after that. And then of course we will all see what happens on February 29th, Academy Awards Day (for me, big fan ). It will either be a very good day for fans of the films, or an extremely sad one.

[SamwiseGamgee]

I've got to say that I find it hard to really bother about the Oscars RotK wins. Sure, it'd be great if PJ wins best director and RotK gets best film, but other than that it's not hugely important. Why? Well for one, the Oscars are a political, corrupt and ridiculous affair anyway- that's why they were so scared of Moore last year- and I don't think PJ himself really cares if he gets Oscar recognition (Nor, I would think, do most of the cast). The Golden Globes and BAFTAs are still reasonably pure, so those mean more, I feel. As an aside, there was a quote I read which said Christopher Lee would resign from his seat in the Academy if RotK didn't win Best Picture. Fairly sure, then.<BR>Secondly, in 20 or 30 years time when my kids want to stay up and watch a great movie, I'm not going to go and get the one with all the Oscars (Titanic), am I? I'm going to go and get what is genuinely a great film. Everyone whose seen RotK knows it's amazing- isn't it slightly insulting to say it needs to clean up at the Oscars for them to know that? Great films- trully great films- survive whether awarded or not. The Lord of the Rings trilogy are great films.

[andreadawn]

Since seeing the first two films I felt that Peter Jackson deserved the Oscar for best director. I felt however that the Academy was waiting for the last film to give it to him (maybe they felt they would get too much flak for awarding the same director three consecutive years.) If he dosen't get the Oscar this year however, it will be an outrage! My love of the films aside, he needs to be recognized for the tremendous accomplishment he achieved.

[Failivrin]

I think it's become fashionable to criticise Chicago now, but it DID deserve best picture because of the amazing choreography. everything worked in it: the dancing and singing were sublime and the script, although a little ropey, entertained between the numbers. i feel the Renee Zellweger should've won best actress of ver Nicole Kidman, who was balatantly campaigning for an Oscar. I hope Renee wins for Cold Mountain this year.<P>Let's take a lokk for ROTK though:<P>i think make up and maybe special FX are dead certs.<P>actor nominations: i can only see another supporting actor nomination there, really. perhaps for Ian McKellen again but i don't think he will win. Ken Watanabe in The Last Samurai was fantastic and deserves that award more than anyone esle. Samurai is also a more 'academy'-ish film.<P>Best Picture: i don't think there is much hope really. Just look what we've seen already: Cold Mountain and The Last Samurai (both academy films) and Lost in Translation, who's 'cool' will carry in the Academy. I think FOTR should have won two years ago.<P>Best director: maybe a chance, actually. you know, last film and all. but there is always Antony Minghella and Sofia Coppola.<P>i don't think ROTK will do that well; i think it will maybe get about 3 or 4 for technical stuff and things like music, but i don;t see any of the big gongs going it's way. . but hey, let's wait and see.

[Lathriel]

I would love to see PJ win an oscar especially since turning LOTR into a movie is a reallly tough job that must have caused many headaches among the way.<BR>I want to see ROTK do well at the oscars. I think it definitly beat Cold Mountain.<BR>Anyway I will keep my fingers crossed.

[The Perky Ent]

I have a strange feeling that if ROTK doesn't win best picture, a huge explosion will go off in the acadamy spelling "LOTR or else!"<P>That's always been a reoccuring though of mine. I seriously don't think anyone would go to that level, but people are definitly willing to send threatning and blackmailing letters! (just kidding)

[Gorwingel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Best Picture: i don't think there is much hope really. Just look what we've seen already: Cold Mountain and The Last Samurai (both academy films) and Lost in Translation, who's 'cool' will carry in the Academy. I think FOTR should have won two years ago.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Well most people say that ROTK is going to get a nomination, and that it is the frontrunner for the win. Cold Mountain (which I have seen) has really been losing buzz, and Lost in Translation is a film that some people like, but others think it is very much overated (does anyone know if LIT is on DVD yet?)<P>The Last Samurai didn't even get the Golden Globe nod. Which means that it most likely has a very small chance of getting the Oscar nod.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Best director: maybe a chance, actually. you know, last film and all. but there is always Antony Minghella and Sofia Coppola <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Antony Minghella didn't even get nominated for the Director's Guild award. Peter Jackson did. Additonally Minghella has aready gotten an Oscar for The English Patient, a film that many agree is much stronger that Cold Mountain. Peter Jackson is the nominee with the largest number of nominations and no wins, which makes him very much a frontrunner for it.<P>And Additionally I think that the Academy is looking at Sophia, thinking that she is young, and that she will have plenty of chances in the future to win. LIT is only her second film.<P>Well good news on the Oscar front... ROTK just took the Producers Guild award for best picture! <A HREF="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040118/ap_on_en_mo/brf_producers_guild_awards_3" TARGET=_blank>Yahoo News</A>. It beat Mystic River, Seabiscuit, Cold Mountain and others.<P>I personally think that the cast and crew of LOTR, even though they are acting like they don't need the award, really want it. Ian McKellen did say in an interview that he thought that the Oscar really didn't matter, and that these films would live on anyway, but it still would be wonderful if they got it. I really would like if it won though. I have been watching the Oscars for my entire life, and the during the last few years I have been greatly dissapointed about their choices for Best Picture. I personally don't think that they are as corrupted as people think, but then I don't exactly agree with the whole treating the race like a political contest.<P>But we will see

[Arvedui III]

I don't think that LIT is out yet, although I would like it to be. <P>Anyway, my irrational mind is of the opinion that RotK need to be nominated and win everything. Every award. All the actor, FX, editing, screenplay, picture, the whole nine yards. But, that has about as much chance of coming true as I have of becoming the king of Gondor. <P>So what little rational thought I have on RotK's Oscar chances are these: I think that Jackson needs to be, and will be rewarded with the Best Directer award. If Sean Astin gets nominated, I'll be happy. But I'm trying not to get my hopes up for Best Picture. I too have seen Cold Mountain, (also read the book) and it was great. It is the serious, gritty, literary, classically-placed film that could rob RotK. A Beautiful Mind did it to FotR. <P>Cold Mountain also got eight Golden Globe nods while RotK managed only four. That has to count for something. And, the fact the Cold Mountain's not as popular may win it votes from the elitists that the academy seems to posses in such numbers. Plus, there's the sea-epic, Master and Commander to consider, and Seabiscet as well. Who knows? It'd make my day if Finding Nemo got a nod. But I hope that Return of the King wins. As one of my fanish friends said, "If it doesn't, we're bombing the academy." <p>[ 8:36 PM January 18, 2004: Message edited by: Arvedui III ]

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Anyway, my irrational mind is of the opinion that RotK need to be nominated and win everything. Every award. All the actor, FX, editing, screenplay, picture, the whole nine yards. But, that has about as much chance of coming true as I have of becoming the king of Gondor. <BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That's definately the way I feel as well. But I doubt that would happen. Rats! If only everything was like we wanted it to be.....<P>Does anyone know anything about the Screen Actors' Guild Awards? Have they announced nominations yet? I'm not sure how much this fits on this thread, but it's not really worth making another awards thread, is it?

[Gorwingel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Does anyone know anything about the Screen Actors' Guild Awards? Have they announced nominations yet? I'm not sure how much this fits on this thread, but it's not really worth making another awards thread, is it?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Yes, they announced nominations last Thursday. ROTK was nominated for Best Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture <P>Here is the complete list of nominees...<BR><A HREF="http://www.sagawards.com/nominations.shtml" TARGET=_blank>SAG Nominations</A>

[ainur]

Realistically: For Best Picture--Very Possible. They will likely award here for all three films. The Academy seems to love this kind of thing.<P>Best Director: Possible, but less likely. They might vote because of the commitment that it took to bring this story to the screen, but at the same time, "Return of the King" was weaker than "The Fellowship of the Ring" as a film, and they all know it. It might work against P. J.<P>Best Actor: Sorry, but I don't think that anyone stands out enough to win.<P>Best Supporting Actor: Sean Astin should win (deserves to win), but his lineage might work against him here. The Academy is mostly actors, and tend to resent inheritance of talent or familiarity with producers. Sean had an "in" to start his career because his parents were so famous, he grew up with people of power in Hollywood. This is not an advantage as most members of The Academy did not. His performance is powerful enough that he might over-ride this handicap though.<P>Best Actress: Who? Liv Tyler? Please.<P>Best Supporting Actress: I would vote for Miranda Otto in a heartbeat, but I don't think anyone in The Academy will. She was both beautiful and as tough as a noblewoman in dark times would need to be. Plus, she's fresh to them. They like that in female performers. That's her best chance, though. Probably not enough.<P>Best Adapted Screenplay: Not a chance. It completely diverged from the flavor of the book. Almost as badly as TTT, especially the characterization of Gandalf. Academy Fans of Tolkien will vote against it for that reason alone (not to mention the omission of Saruman's demise). It probably won't even get a nomination. It shouldn't.<P>Art Direction: A definite win, I think. The next best would be "The Last Samurai" and I don't think enough people in The Academy have seen it. No doubt they have video copies, but will they take the time to watch them? They have never seemed to in the past. They seem to vote their gut feelings here. This will work for the advantage of "The Return of the King." They already know what it looks like from the other films. And that it's brilliant and beautiful.<P>Soundtrack: Maybe. They're fickle.<P>Best Song: Probably not. It's hard to say. See above.<P>Gollum should win something, but I dont know what. There is no category for this kind of innovation. I think it will go the way of the Apes in "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan." Incredible, but there's no where to put them. At least the MTV awards had the right idea here. They just make up categories for stuff they like and want to recognize.<P>It will probably win many technical awards, as the other films have done in the past. It's an amazing achievment.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The interesting thing is that Rotk has a good shot for Best Pic and Best Director, but may not get a single nod in the acting category. Despite what I personally feel, I think Sean Astin is a long shot. And I can't see anyone else in the cast gaining a nomination.<P>Interestingly, someone over at The White Council awards thread mentioned that there have been only a few movies that have won Best Picture without at least one nod in the acting category. So if RotK did it, it would be beating the odds.<P>Too bad there's not an ensemble award on Oscar Night. RotK has had several awards and nominations for that, rightly so I believe. We need to keep our eye on that SAG ensemble nomination which is the closest thing they have to "best picture".

[Evisse the Blue]

I'm surprised no one mentions "Best image', "Special effects', "Best editing', 'Best costumes' - these are must wins, and ROTK is guaranteed to sweep them all. I for one don't care much of the Oscars, they never reflected the quality of movies, not even their popularity, so it's gotta be politics. And politics never interested me. it would be a nice sort of recognition if ROTK got best movie and PJ best director, but IMO, it's not really that important if they don't. One thing is dead certain: they'll surely steal the show at the Empire Awards. <BR>Btw, me and my friends were discussing Oscars and one of them said they should give away a special mention to ROTK by giving each actor an Oscar. I could see she had a point there: no actor really 'stood out' because the script wasn't made so that one should stand out,it's a story-drived script, not a character-driven one, but they all supported each other beautifully, and helped the story onwards. They were a real fellowship, and every one should get 'best supporting actor'. <BR>HEY -I got it! New Zealand should get 'best country in a motion picture'! (I stole that idea from an Empire ad! )

[Eruanna]

On the subject of awards. I have just read that RotK has been nominated in <B>twelve</B> categories of the BAFTAs, including Best Picture and Best Director. However "Cold Mountain" has received thirteen nominations!

[SamwiseGamgee]

The BAFTAs have tended to be kinder to LoTR in the past, not as elitist, which I find strange. The history of the Oscars is littered with miscarriages of justice, it might even be worth it happening so we can moan about it! :

[Lalaith]

I think Best picture/director is a distinct possibility. And the various technical Oscars other posters have mentioned. As for the main competition, I haven't seen Cold Mountain, so I can't judge there, but I have seen Lost in Translation, and IMO it is really a rather slight film that will I think date quickly. RotK is simply in a different league.<BR>But I don't think any actor in the ensemble, except Ian McKellen - and Andy Serkis! - really deserves an Oscar. Sorry. What I would like to see this year is Jonny Depp winning for Pirates (you know he's never even been nominated!) but I don't think that's going to happen.

[Mister Underhill]

Some astute observations here. For my own part, I think the skimpy number of Golden Globe nominations is telling. Don’t expect big things out of Oscar.

Best Picture: Not likely. As has been mentioned, I think it’s not as strong a film as Fellowship, leaving voters in an awkward position. Add in the fact that there is now a common perception that the “real” cut of the film will be released months later on DVD and the fact that the Academy almost never gives the award to “sequels” (The Godfather Part II is the only exception that I can think of), and I’d say you’re looking at a pretty long shot.

Best Director: Look out for Clint Eastwood. The Academy tends to reward more personal, intimate work. The performances of RotK are not its strong suit. Also, it’s widely known that a platoon of second-unit directors and a battalion of CGI artists had a big hand in making RotK a reality. I’ll be shocked if PJ walks away with a statue.

Adapted Screenplay: FotR didn’t win and TTT wasn’t even nominated. They may earn a nom here, but I doubt they’ll beat out the likes of Cold Mountain and Mystic River.

Score: Shore already won for FotR and there’s nothing much new here. Not likely. Academy favorite Hans Zimmer may get the nod for The Last Samurai.

Acting: The trilogy’s best shot was Ian McKellan for FotR. Astin may manage to land a nom here, but don’t count on it. Look for several Academy darlings to be nominated in the Supporting Actor category, making a win by Astin a near impossibility. It’s too bad the campaign for a Supporting Actor nom for Serkis wasn’t able to gain more momentum last year. He might’ve had more of a shot if the film had been better.

SFX categories and a sound award or two are reasonable bets, but Rings has lost Art Direction and Costume awards two years running, and there’s nothing new here. Master and Commander, The Last Samurai, and Cold Mountain will be contenders.

I wonder if the Chris Lee threat quoted above was made before (as I suspect) or after he was cut from the theatrical release.

I also predict grim chances for a SAG ensemble award. They’ve lost the past two years running, and the performances in RotK were not the strongest in the trilogy. I predict Mystic River. Robbins, Fishburne, Penn, Linney – these are actors’ actors. Seabiscuit also has some highly respected actors, and there’s a weird momentum around The Station Agent which makes them a strong dark horse candidate.

[ 12:55 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: Mister Underhill ]

[Kronos]

FOTR should have won. ROTK is too cut up too win in my opinion. You can really tell that a great deal had to be cut away and therefore the DVD EE will be the true picture. Far more than was the case for TTT and much much more than for FOTR.<P>The only way I can see PJ and ROTK winning is if the Academy decides to credit them for all three films but that would be wrong and against the spirit of the Oscar. After all it is for best film/director of 2003.

[Failivrin]

I don't see ChrisLee resigning after he was cut out and quite frankly, i think PJ deserves to lose the gong just for cutting out the Saruman/Wormtongue plot because i feel it let down the whole film not having them there and i also love both the actors <P>i don't see the Miranda Otto Supporting Actress: i love LOTR and i wouldn't vote for her. Before anyone could say anything i would be yelling RENEE ZELLWEGER RENEE ZELLWEGER! she's been nominated twice before and imo, both times deserved to win and lost. Her performance in Cold Mountain was truly exceptional; one of the best acting jobs of 2003 without a doubt and she deserves it more than anyone else. She is a hugely HUGELY talented actress and i tink 3rd time lucky is a convenient phrase here. If she doesn't win i shall have to hurt someone.<P>I would love to see Johnny Depp win for PotC because he was wonderful, or atleast get a nod, but i hardly think it will happen. It'll probably go to Bill Murray or Sean Penn.<P>I still think LIT is in with a good chance for Picture because let's face it, the Academy doesn't represent what the masses think; if so FOTR would've won 2001. And although Col Mountain maybe losing steam (it's not here in England, though), it is a historical epic love story adapted from a well loved, prize winning, respectable book with previous Oscar winners/nominees plus the token weirdo in it (Jack White) and has made a good haul at the box office. It's just the kind of film the Academy love. Also, Mystic River and Clint Eastwood for Director.<P>I hope they'll give something to the Trilogy though.

[Lalaith]

Take a look at this, it's supposed to be an Oscar predictor. <A HREF="http://film.guardian.co.uk/oscars2004/story/0,14064,1123089,00.html" TARGET=_blank>http://film.guardian.co.uk/oscars2004/story/0,14064,1123089,00.html</A> <BR>Now if anyone could tell me how to work it, I'd be mighty grateful...I never was any good at Excel.

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

The document itself is confusing, but I think their main point is that whatever Best Picture nominee has won the most previous awards is also going to be the one to win the Oscar.

[Gorwingel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>but Rings has lost Art Direction and Costume awards two years running<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Your right about Art Direction, but TTT was not nominated for Costume last year.<P>I am going to stay by my prediction that ROTK is going to win best picture (right now I am so confident about it I would put money on it!). And I also think that Peter Jackson is going to win Best Director and the Director's Guild award. I don't care if the movie doesn't get any acting awards (Titanic had two acting nods, didn't win either of them, and was considered mainly an ensemble film), I personally don't think that any of that history is going to apply here. I just can't see any reason why they would give the award to any of the other films! (In my eye... Their not worthy! The others will become like a Beautiful...what?)<P>Oh and additionally if FOTR had not been the first film, it would have won best picture. I believe that they have been waiting to award ROTK the entire time.

[Mister Underhill]

TTT was not nominated for Costume last year
Ah yes, quite right. In which case I predict no Costume nomination for RotK.

[Evisse the Blue]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>In which case I predict no Costume nomination for RotK. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Oh, man, that's robbery. I mean, what the heck. What are these Oscar dudes looking for anyway .

[Orominuialwen]

I think that RotK definitely deserves to win best picture. I will be furious at the academy if the don't give it that, but you can't expect to much from them. They are almost all highly politically motivated and often dislike movies such as RotK and the message that they present. I for one think that that is utterly unfair. Sorry, I'll stop my ranting now, I just strongly disagree with the general elitist politics of the academy. I'm positive that RotK will win the Visual Effects, in fact I don't see why anybody else would even bother to try. If I were making a movie with lots of spectacular FX, I would just delay the release until this year so as not to have to compete with RotK. All I can say is that if RotK doesn't win as many Oscars as possible and they go to a bunch of the drivel that passes for film these days instead, then somebody's gonna pay!!! <p>[ 3:45 PM January 20, 2004: Message edited by: Orominuialwen ]

[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> As has been mentioned, I think it’s not as strong a film as Fellowship, leaving voters in an awkward position. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>But surely that's your subjective view. Almost everything that I have read, in terms of reviews of the film and Oscar predictions, has nothing but praise for the film and hails it as the best of the trilogy. It really depends upon how the Academy views it, but I still reckon its in with a good chance of Best Picture, and that Jackson has a reasonable shout at Best Director.

[Mister Underhill]

Well naturally those are just my guesses and opinions. If I knew for sure, I'd be on my way to Vegas.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say right now that RotK will get a Best Picture nomination but will not win the Oscar.

We'll know soon enough about nominations -- they're due to be announced on Tuesday.

[ 11:51 PM January 24, 2004: Message edited by: Mister Underhill ]

[Elentári_O_Most_Mighty_1]

Do you think Sean Astin has a chance of even being nominated? Every other award seems to have ignored him entirely. I would love him to get it though...come on, he's got to be nominated at least!<BR>And I thought it was meant to be in LA, not Las Vegas...<BR>Come on, ROTK...you've got to beat Cold Mountain!!! Not that I've actually seen Cold Mountain...the ads didn't appeal to me. ROTK trailer on the other hand...woah, man! Amazing! And my friend agreed it was the best trailer she's ever seen, and she isn't LOTR crazy by any stretch of the imagination.

[Lalaith]

I think Mr Underhill meant that if he had the gift of foresight he would make a fortune on the roulette wheel or the card table, both commonly found, I believe, in Las Vegas.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Elentari,<P>Regarding Astin....<P>Astin's nomination is a longshot since he did not receive a nom from the Screen Actors' Guild or from other major groups. There were a number of smaller film critics' associations from which he did win an award or nomination: Utah, Las Vegas, Seattle (wins); Phoenix and Chicago (nomination only); Online Films Critics (still pending, I think). <P>He's apparently "resigned" to his fate according to a quote by Sean in Entertainment Weekly, 1/16:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR><BR>"When conversation returns to that Oscar question, Astin remains unfailingly honest. An Academy member, he admits he'll likely vote for himself, because hey, ITS AN OSCAR! Still, he's pre-emptively pessimistic. 'I find myself almost depressed right now,' he says. 'Like I want to get the disappointment out of the way.'"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>RotK may well be the first movie in a long, long time to win Oscars for best picture and director yet not get a single acting nomination (let alone an award). I would be pleasantly surprised to see Sean get an Oscar nomination, but my guess is that this is not going to happen. Too bad there's not an overall ensemble or cast award for the Oscars, as I think they would have a better shot at that.<P>Mr. Underhill --- Like Saucepan Man, I think all the signs point to the Best Picture and Director Oscars, and I will be surprised if that doesn't happen. I felt that way even before the Globes, and I think last night gave the film another shot in the arm.<p>[ 9:12 AM January 26, 2004: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Kransha]

Lord of the Rings and the Oscars:<P>Hmmm....must give that some thought<P>Firstly, how is it going to be decided whether someone in the film (RotK, that is) is a starring actor or a supporting actor. Technically, there are five or six people starring in the movie and countless people supporting.<P>Secondly, I, sadly, do not think RotK will get any of the most coveted Oscars since, despite epic quality, it is still fantasy and those are often set aside for that epic adoration given them by so many, rather than awards (even though it did win the Golden Globe's most coveted, YAY!).<P>Thirdly, I fervently hope that the following things will be nominated and possible win: Howard Shore's magnificent score, Sean Astin for a touching portrayal of Sam, Viggo Mortensen perhaps (that guy just made his career with this trilogy. Do you know how many movie deals he's been offered now?), and PJ for best director. You have to admit, as much as the book-to-movie storyline is mangled, that man held together three tremendous movies very well.

[Mister Underhill]

The Great Underhillo's powers of prognostication have not yet been tested, but I admit I wasn't expecting such a strong showing at the Globes. I may have to eat my words come February, but we'll see. A Golden Globe win does not equal a lock for Oscar. The DGA Awards will be a much better indicator IMO. If Jackson wins that, things will look pretty good for an Oscar for him and for RotK. <P>As far as Kransha's question regarding actors and the distinction between supporting and starring, I think the way it works is that the studios submit their entries to the various categories. So they are the ones to decide where they think their actors have the best shot if it's a close call between starring and supporting. I haven't been keeping an eye on the trades this year so I'm not too hip to what sorts of campaigns Newline has been running for RotK.<p>[ 11:00 AM January 26, 2004: Message edited by: Mister Underhill ]

[Lathriel]

I was so happy yesterday when I watched he Golden Globes. LOTR won in every single category that it was nominated and it dominated the Golden Globes!!!!!! <BR>I think ROTK will have a pretty good chance at the Oscars,at least for the nominations which are tomorrow I think.<BR>I think ROTK will do well but then again i am very optimistic unlike some of you!<BR>Anyway One movie to rule them all.<P>

[Kransha]

For the oscars, I believe that, even though RotK is epic, it won't win any of the most coveted oscars, despite winning 4 out of 4 of its nominated Golden Globes). It is great, but the fact that is fantasy and based on a book may deny it the little golden man on the pedestal.<P>I wonder how nominees would be chosen, since its hard to tell the difference between a starring actor and supporting role in RotK. I would say that PJ deserved an oscar for organizing such a tremendous project, Sean Astin for a beautiful and apt portrayal of Sam, and possibly Viggo Mortenson, for coming out of nowhere as a sueprisingly good actor. For supporting, Ian MacKellan, Bernard Hill, both very good in their roles (even though Theoden was a little twisted from book-to-script).

[Lalaith]

I'm no Academy expert but from what I've seen on various sites, the only LotR actor who seems to have any nomination buzz at all is Sean Astin. <BR>I think Ian McKellen is the best actor in the ensemble - wasn't he nominated for FotR?

[Failivrin]

Yes, he lost out to Jim Broadbent in Iris.<P>ooooooooh, i'm absolutely SEETHING about the Golden Globes! I cannot believe that Johnny Depp and PotC didn't win their categories. I always knew that the Oscars were political but i had hoped that the GG's would be a bit better and he was OBVIOUSLY the best actor i nthe category. LiT didn't deserve either of those awards, it only won them because it wasn't a summer blockbuster and Bill Murray plays the Hollywood cicuit. not even ROTK's well deserved triumph can make up for JD not winning seeing as he is my favourite actor and everything.<P>But now i have more hope for ROTK at the Oscars! let's hope Mystic River or something equally terrible like LiT doesn't win eveything. (i'm on an anti-LiT crusade now :it's not a comedy film, it's a drama)

[Lalaith]

Ah well, Jim Broadbent is a honey, so that's not so bad.<BR>I've seen LiT and thought it was ok but I'm really not as wild about it as most of the critics seem to be. And I thought the dialogue was rather pedestrian, I really don't think it deserves a screenplay Oscar. Mind you, I've got reservations about the LotR screenplay too, maybe I'm just an old fusspot. <BR>As for best actor, Bill Murray was ok but he was so much better in Groundhog Day.

[Gorwingel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The Great Underhillo's powers of prognostication have not yet been tested, but I admit I wasn't expecting such a strong showing at the Globes.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I wasn't expecting it either! And I am the one who is confident about its Oscar chances! Last night was utterly shocking...<BR>But on to the predictions...<P>I believe that it is going to receive a handful of awards. Most likely a ton of tech nods and of course the main ones.<BR>Here are my predictions...<P>Most Definitely:<BR>Best Picture<BR>Best Director<BR>Art Direction<BR>Visual Effects<BR>Makeup<BR>Cinematography<BR>Sound Editing<BR>Sound<P>Not Sure about:<BR>Costume (This could be a little iffy. FOTR was nominated but lost, and TTT wasn't nominated at all. But I think they will get the nod)<BR>Score (FOTR won, TTT wasn't nominated, but they just got the Globe, so most likely they will get the nod. But I still think there is a chance that it won't happen)<BR>Song (Could still be a little iffy)<P>Won't happen:<BR>Acting Nods (I will be very shocked if Sean Astin or any of the other actors recieve a nomination, I just don't believe it is going to happen. I would think that if they were going to receive a nomiation they would have recieved one from at least one other major critics group already)

[Lalaith]

It's funny that TTT score wasn't even nominated. Overall I think it is the best of three, it's certainly the cd of the three that I play most often.

[Lalaith]

STOP PRESS....<BR>Oscar Nominations are announced - RotK tops the lot with eleven nominations!<BR>No RotK actor has been nominated though - sorry, Astin fans.<BR>Two surprises elsewhere - Cold Mountain not nommed for best picture, and Scarlett Johannson not nommed for best supporting actress for LiT. Serves the studio right for trying it on, I think - no WAY was that a supporting role. <BR>Oh, and Jonny got his nom for PotC

[Arathiriel]

I am happy ROTK got nominated for Best Picture and Best Director but I am incredibly sad Sean Astin did not receive what I thought was a well-deserved nomination!<p>[ 9:19 AM January 27, 2004: Message edited by: Arathiriel ]

[The Saucepan Man]

Bah, you beat me to it, Lalaith. <P>The BBC is describing RotK as having "taken the nominations by storm". The 11 categories in which it has been nominated are:<P>Art Direction<BR>Visual Effects<BR>Editing<BR>Costume Design<BR>Make-Up<BR>Sound<BR>Music (Score)<BR>Music (Song) – Into the West<BR>Best Adapted Screenplay<BR>Best Director<BR>Best Picture<P>Since I have not seen many of the other nominated films, I cannot offer a personal opinion (although I very much suspect that I would go for RotK). However, the momentum certainly seems to be going in RotK's favour. At least five of those (Art Direction, Visual Effects, Costume Design, Make-Up and Score) must be dead certs. And I think the likelihood of Best Picture and Best Director is getting stronger by the minute.

[Lathriel]

I am sooooooo happy they got nominated for best costume, I think that will be easy to win since so much detail went into those clothes.<BR>I am glad in general that LOTR got so many nominations and Cold mountain only got four nominations. Awwww poor Cold mountain. NOT!

[Elentári_O_Most_Mighty_1]

I would so love ROTK to get best picture. Best Director would be cool too...it would kind of be like thanking him for the whole lot...and come on, LOTR doesn't have any more chances, because that's it.<P>So...how many did Cold Mountain get? Because it got 13 nominations in some award thing when ROTK got 12...on the other hand it got 1 Golden Globe as opposed to ROTK's 4...<P>Apparently a large proportion of the people voting for Golden Globes are foreign...which the Telegraph was suggesting as the reason The Office won...apparently most people in the audience (and the presenters) didn't know what it was, nor who Ricky Gervais was...

[Iaurhirwen]

It seems as though our biggest threat in the Oscars is going to be the film <I>Master and Commander</I>witch recieved 10 nominations (1 less than RotK). I've never seen this film. I have to wonder what it's chances are, it didn't recieve any golden globes after all (with the minscule bearing that has on Oscar results) <P>I don't know. I guess we'll find out in February. I suggest praying to the Valar everyday

[Sleeping Beauty]

I shall be praying. "Please oh please let the Oscars allow a write-in campaign for Ian Mckellen for Best Supporting Actor at least. Or maybe Bernard Hill." I guess there was too good of acting for any of the actors to get nominated. They all did such a good job, they couldn't pick. But I'm proud of the movie. 11 nominations. W00t!

[Finwe]

Yes, indeed. We must start praying.<P>*hurriedly builds a portable shrine next to her computer and starts praying to Elbereth*<P>A Elbereth Gilthoniel,<BR>O menel palan-diriel,<BR>Give LotR the Oscars please,<BR>Not other movies, stupid hunks of cheese.<P><BR> (I couldn't think of anything else that rhymed with "please.") <P>I think that LotR definitely deserves Best Director and Best Picture. God knows, <I>everyone</I> has worked hard enough on it.

[Shy Hobbit]

I'm suprised about the noms for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay, though I doubt they'll win, that's just the way the Acadamy is. It's a crying shame that neither Sean or Elijah got the nominations they both deserved. Boo. At least if it loses Best Picture, it won't lose to Cold Mountain. I've never seen this film, but it seems like any film featuring Kidman or Zellweger dominates the categories. Actually I haven't seen any of these films that RotK is up against, but many of them I'd like to see. I hear good things about The Last Samurai, and Master and Commander has one of our own boys in it So I think I could overlook hard feelings if either of them win. <P> Oh well. With none of the LotR cast up for any awards, I'll give my full support to Mr. Depp for his fabulous performance

[Lalaith]

Well the Last Samurai isn't nominated so therefore is unlikely to win...

[Mister Underhill]

Well, well, well. It appears that I may be feeling for Oscar's pulse somewhere in the vicinity of the stomach.

Nevertheless, I'll stick by my prediction -- unless Jackson wins the DGA award, in which case I may have to recant. It's not like the Academy to "wait to reward all three", but then again I guess there's never quite been a situation like LotR. Whether it wins or not, it has been an extraordinary accomplishment.

Interesting that Master and Commander had such a strong showing. I wasn't expecting so much out of it, but I guess Peter Weir is highly respected and for some reason the Academy loves Russell Crowe.

That fact that Depp got the nod for his silly (though accomplished) turn in PotC may be a sign that the Academy is moving away from its trademark stodginess.

I think Miramax's aggressive campaigning tactics finally backfired on Cold Mountain. Politics, anyone?

My prediction for Hans Zimmer didn't happen. I think the only real competition for RotK in Score is Finding Nemo.

Lack of a Sound Editing nomination may indicate that Sound will go in another direction, but Makeup seems like a lock, as is, I would think, Visual Effects.

Friday is the deadline for DGA ballots and the awards are on February 7. Very interesting.

[ 12:27 PM January 27, 2004: Message edited by: Mister Underhill ]

[Theron Bugtussle]

I agree with the people that say the Oscars are overrated, political, Hollywood-insider garbage. I have watched them <I>one time</I> in the last 20 years. I was stuck in a hotel room in Thrown Away, Kentucky, with nothing but a pizza and a couple of bottles of wine. <P>Though I understand rooting (cheering) for your favorite movie(s), whether it gets an award or not is meaningless. That is, to normal, everyday people.<P>I mean, if your movie (whatever it is) gets the awards you are hoping for, and the next day, you excitedly bring it up with your schoolmates or co-workers, you know what they are going to say? "Jerk. Get a life." And you can walk away muttering, "What do you know? It's a great movie."<P>And if it does not win, your schoolmates or co-workers will say, "Ha! We told you it was no good." In which case, you can walk away muttering, "What do you know? It's a great movie."<P>So I ask you, what is the difference?<P>P.S. Anyway, what is wrong with <I>Titanic</I>?<P>--Edit--<BR>Further evidence of worthlessness of Oscars and the nominating process:<BR>1. Ian McKellen and Sean Astin not nominated for RotK.<BR>2. John Wayne got his first (only?) "Best Actor" in his twilight years. Shows you what THEY know...<p>[ 12:43 PM January 27, 2004: Message edited by: Theron Bugtussle ]

[HCIsland]

Someone earlier asked about the nominations that Cold Mountain got and it's 6.<P>Leading Actor (Jude Law)<BR>Supporting Actress (Renee Zellweger)<BR>Cinematography<BR>Film Editing<BR>Score<BR>Song<P>Just a quick question. Didn't the Towers soundtrack not get a nomination for score because of a rule restricting this catagory to non-sequels? I guess that rule has been recanted.<P>H.C.

[Finwe]

Despite the fact that the Academy is reputed to be a quagmire of prejudiced snobs, I still think that it's fun to follow the awards. It gives you the general opinion of some people about movies, and it's always fun to cheer for "your" movie against someone else's. Competition makes the world go 'round, don't you know? (Or that may be just because I'm Indian. )

[Estelyn Telcontar]

If the information I read is correct, the Oscar nomination of RotK already is a record - it's the first time that all three movies of a trilogy have been nominated in a row.

[Eruwen]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>If the information I read is correct, the Oscar nomination of RotK already is a record - it's the first time that all three movies of a trilogy have been nominated in a row.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>You mean Star Wars didn't even get nominations like this? Interesting....<P>I am actually quite scared for the Best Makeup category. The people working on POTC did a great job with Johnney Depp, so we might have a little competition in that one. As for the others, I think we have the majority of them practically already given to ROTK. <P>I was just surprised that ROTK wasn't nominated for Screenplay in Golden Globes. Hopefully it will win at the Oscars anyway.

[Failivrin]

i screamed and cried and danced and talked to my Johnny Depp poster when i read about his nomination. i CAN'T BELIEVE IT! i doubt if he will win, but it's so wonderful that he was nominated 1) because he deserved to be and he is amazing and 2) because it may represent cahnges in the academy.<P>Zellweger had better win for Supporting Actress because she thoroughly deserved it, even though i did like Holly Hunter in thirteen (but she's already won!)<P>as for the Make- up, i think the PotC make up was good on Johnny but it didn't really stand out on anyone else, you know? it could give LOTR a run for it's money.<P>Obviously I'd like to see ROTK win all the categories it was nomnated in (any hope of adapted screenplay for Tolkien?) but i would also like to see PotC win as many as possible because i think it would signal real change and i would like Johnny to win Best Actor because HE DESERVES IT. if he doesn't win i don't mind who does as long as it's not bill murray.<P>i like Scarlett Johansson, but sh'es only 19- she has plenty of time to win

[Rose Cotton]

I can't deny that "Master and Commander" is a good movie.<P>However,<P>RotK is much more deserving considering the 7 years of effort put into it and it's predessesors.

[Iaurhirwen]

Even though I am highly saddened that none of the characters from RotK received best actor (actress) or supporting actor (actress), in a way it is fitting.<BR> <BR>In Middle-Earth, no member in the fellowship, or any person in the battle against Sauron was viewed as more important than the other. They all had an important role in the events as they occurred. In the same way, none of the actors and actresses where singled out as the most important. <P>Yes, it is horrible that none of them received a nomination. We all know that their acting is some of the best out there. <P>Does anyone see this concept??

[Eruwen]

I get what you're saying, Iaurhirwen, but Aragorn and Frodo did kinda stand out as main actors just because they were the two that ROTK was pretty much about. But as for supporting actor, I guess we could all just say that we wanted our favorite to be nominated cause they all would tie as to who would go in that category. <P>But you're right....LOTR did have some great acting in it. It could have at least been chosen for supporting actor, you know? [*cough*]Sean Astin!!![*cough*]

[Lathriel]

I heard Peter Jackson saying soemthing like "Sean Astin's performance had moved many people to tears so I guess that is the reward he gets." <BR>Something like that anyway, meaning too bad he didn't get nominated.

[Gorwingel]

The noms made me so happy!<BR>No Cold Mountain! Wonderful <BR>Johnny Depp! Yeah!<BR>A Mighty Wind for best song! Shocking!<P>After hearing the nominations I still think ROTK is going to do rather well. ROTK has gone up against all of these films before and has won. The only film that I think has even a slight chance of actually winning best picture is Mystic River. Because it is the one that the people who don't like big, epic films (like LOTR) are going to vote for.<P>But ROTK is going to win, I have no doubt about it now

[Kalimac]

I thought "A Mighty Wind" was hilarious, though I'm not sure how well the song handles by itself. I agree that Sean Astin was robbed, though. I've seen a lot of those other performances, and his is the one I'll be remembering in years to come. Too bad they can't have some kind of ensemble award for the LOTR cast. (Nine Oscars shaped like the Nine Walkers, perhaps? Nah, they'd never do it).

[Sleeping Beauty]

lol....Little Gold statues of hobbits, a wizard, men and a dwarf. I can see it now. That would be cool though. I wish the academy could honor them the way the fans do.

[Telperion]

Hullo! I'm new to this forum, and I want to join in this thread, since the nomination was my reason to get involved in a LotR forum so...<P>Well, I think RotK has the chance, but the rivalry is quite difficult. I mean there are lots of what I'd call "difficult drama movies" this year. And the Oscar committee loves them.

[mollecon]

Yeah, it'll be exiting to see what happens...<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>RotK is much more deserving considering the 7 years of effort put into it and it's predessesors.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Maybe, but that's the problem, isn't it? The way the Academy Awards are 'geared', they cannot absorb a project like LotR - which in reality, like the books they are based on, is one story divided in 3 for practical reasons. Of course, the Academy <I>could</I> overcome that hurdle by handing out one (or more) 'special' awards - but we'll see

[Lalaith]

For what it's worth, bookies in the UK are considering not accepting bets on RotK because it's such a surefire win.

[Firefoot]

I haven't seen very many of the movies that were nominated for anything - Other than RotK the only movies that I have seen are PotC, Seabiscuit, and Finding Nemo, all of which I thought were really good movies. I hope that RotK wins a lot but I really don't know what it is up against. I think it has a real shot for Best Picture.

[HCIsland]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>You mean Star Wars didn't even get nominations like this? Interesting....<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>It's not even close.<P>Total nominations for the original Star Wars trilogy: 17 (3 each for Art Direction, Sound & Original Score; Star Wars got 1 each for Best Picture, Director, Supporting Actor (Alec Guiness), Original Screenplay, Editing, Costumes & Visual Effects; Jedi got one nom for Sound Editting as well.<P>Total won: 7 (Star Wars: Editing, Art Direction, Costumes, Sound, Visual Effects, Original Score; Empire: Sound; Jedi: squat)<P>Total nominations for Lord of the Rings: 30 (3 each for Best Picture, Editing, Art Direction, Sound & Visual Effects; 2 each for Direction (Fellowship & King), Adapted Screenplay (Fellowship & King), Costumes (Felloship & King), Make-up (Fellowship & King), Original Score (Fellowship & King, Original Song (Fellowship & King); and 1 each for Supporting Actor (Ian McKellen in Fellowship), Cinematography (Fellowship) & Sound Editing (Towers).<P>Total won: 6 and counting (Visual Effects for Fellowship & Towers; Fellowship: Cinematography, Make-up, Original Score; Towers: Sound Editing; King: ?????)<P>As for King not being nominated for any acting awards, I can't say I'm surprised. Nothing against Sean Austin, but I don't think his performance stands out in the kind of way that attracts Oscar consideration.<P>I gotta say that, on the whole, I'm very pleased with what Oscar choose to recognize this year. This might be one of those rare years where it might be worth watching.<P>H.C.<p>[ 4:47 PM January 28, 2004: Message edited by: HCIsland ]

[Sapphire_Flame]

I have heard from those of high repute that whichever film won Best Pic at the Globes will *most likely* get Best Pic at the Oscars. So there is that to think on...<P>I was disappointed that Sean Astin wasn't nominated; but the fact that Annie Lennox with "Into the West" was nominated for Best Song helped make up for it. Hopefully she'll get the nod, it was a really great song.<P>Abedithon le,<P>~*~Aranel~*~

[Mister Underhill]

More good news for those scrappy Kiwi filmmakers: <A HREF="http://www.hsx.com/" TARGET=_blank>The Hollywood Stock Exchange</A> has both Jackson and RotK as early favorites for Oscar. HSX has had a strong record of predicting winners over the past few years. It will be interesting to keep an eye on the trading there over the next couple of weeks!

[Failivrin]

i can't say i'm surprised that Sean Astin wasn't nominated either. Personally i would like to see Ken Watanabe win, because his performance was truly magnificent. he seemed to capture perfectly the essence of the Samurai. Or Benicio Del Toro. i aven't seen 21 Grams, but i lvoe Benicio Del Toro, he rocks and i would love to see him win. I can't remember the others apart from the dude in House of Sand and Fog and i haven't heard rave reviews of him, so you know.<P>I would like ROTK to win best picture, obviously and i think that now it has a very very good chance. Seabiscuit doesn't have a hope in hell. if i can speak for the UK here, the trailer left me absolutely cold. so much, in fact that i didn't even bother going to see the film. I mean, hoenstly, a film about some american horse and a jockey played by Tobey Maguire? NO WAY. and seeing as a lot of the Academy members are British, or atleast non american, i predict it will probably come last. It was just so gosh darn american that i can't really see it appealing hugely to anyone outside of america or huge horse people or huge Tobey Maguire people <P>um, Lost in Translation. i really hope that doesn't wi nanything. It doesn't deserve it. the only good thing about that film was Scarlett Johansson and she wasn't nominated. Master and Commander i found historically good but humourless and rather boring. I can't remember the other nominee.

[HCIsland]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I have heard from those of high repute that whichever film won Best Pic at the Globes will *most likely* get Best Pic at the Oscars. So there is that to think on...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Last 20 Golden Globe and Oscar winners. Keep in mind that the Golden Globes don't have one "best picture". These are best drama except where otherwise noted.<P>1984 Amadeus --> Amadeus<BR>1985 Out Of Africa --> Out of Africa<BR>1986 Platoon --> Platoon<BR>1987 The Last Emperor --> The Last Emperor<BR>1988 Rain Man --> Rain Man<BR>1989 Driving Miss Daisy (comedy or musical) --> Driving Miss Daisy<BR>1990 Dances With Wolves --> Dances With Wolves<BR>1991 Bugsy --> The Silence of the Lambs<BR>1992 Scent Of A Woman --> Unforgiven<BR>1993 Schindler's List --> Schindler's List<BR>1994 Forrest Gump --> Forrest Gump<BR>1995 Sense And Sensibility --> Braveheart<BR>1996 The English Patient --> The English Patient<BR>1997 Titanic --> Titanic<BR>1998 Shakespeare in Love (comedy or musical) --> Shakespeare in Love<BR>1999 American Beauty --> American Beauty<BR>2000 Gladiator --> Gladiator<BR>2001 A Beautiful Mind --> A Beautiful Mind<BR>2002 Chicago (comedy or musical) --> Chicago<BR>2003 Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King/Lost In Translation --> ????<P>16 for 19. Not bad odds, though it should be mentioned that Lost In Translation could win and still keep this pattern going.<P>13 out of 19 best drama winners go on to win the best picture oscar, though.<P>H.C.<P>[ 9:22 PM January 29, 2004: Message edited by: HCIsland ]<p>[ 10:04 PM January 29, 2004: Message edited by: HCIsland ]

[Gorwingel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>16 for 19. Not bad odds, though it should be mentioned that Lost In Translation could win and still keep this pattern going.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>But I highly doubt Lost in Translation would end up winning. It only received 4 Oscar nominations, meaning that it most likely had little support in the Academy. And additionally the main actress in the film (Scarlett Johanssen) ended up not getting any nods, after receiving two (for it and another film) at the Golden Globes.<P>For me the Golden Globes were really the greatest challenge (award-wise) that ROTK faced. FOTR and TTT had all recieved nods, but had not won a thing. A lot of the pundents were predicting that the Golden Globe would most likely go to another film, and that the Oscar would most definitely go to ROTK. Just because ROTK is much more of an Oscar type film (even though it is fantasy).<P>The best picture nods did surprise me though because they (except for ROTK) all seemed rather weak. I cannot see the other films winning, they are just not going to go down in history like ROTK.

[HCIsland]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I cannot see the other films winning, they are just not going to go down in history like ROTK.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I don't think Oscar was ever very good a predicting films that will go down in history. Personally, I think it's a pretty strong field this year, especially from Mystic River.<P>H.C.

[Gorwingel]

Well, Peter Jackson just won the Director's Guild of America's annual prize...<BR><A HREF="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=493&ncid=762&e=1&u=/ap/20040208/ap_en_mo/director_awards" TARGET=_blank>Yahoo! News</A><BR>This is of course usually a very good indicator of who the Oscar is going to go to.<BR>Congradulations to PJ! He has waited a long while for this

[Neferchoirwen]

I'm not really keeping my hopes up, and I'd rather keep the little hope that I have really little.<P>But I sure do hope they win. I'm not so sure bout the Oscars anymore, the Academy often has weird choices for Best Picture (and not to mention Randy Newman's win last year: like, hello-oh!) such as last year's <I>Chicago</I>, which I found odd, save for the fact that it was indeed, entertaining. Either that, or the Oscars would want to see the cinema musical revived.<P>Oh well...

[Evisse the Blue]

Does anyone think that Peter Jackson not being an American will stand in the way of his winning Best Director, and maybe even ROTK Best Film? I know this may sound preposterous but the Academy thinks in a weird sort of way... which is why I usually don't give a floop about their general preferences. (this time, however it's special: it is about the recognition that a wonderful team deserves). <BR>As much as we would like these awards to reflect artistic quality, the movie industry appears to be the stage for some incredulously abject machinations *cough*Passion*cough*.

[Sleeping Beauty]

I don't think Peter Jackson not being an American is not going to make much of a big deal. I just worry because it is a 'fantasy' and a popular movie that the voters are going to frown on that. <P>But if it were a people's vote, just like the one on CNN.com I just saw, it would go like this:<P>Which film would get your Oscar vote? <BR> <BR>Return of the King 80% 49444 votes <BR> <BR>Lost in Translation 6% 3393 votes <BR> <BR>Master/Commander 3% 1650 votes <BR> <BR>Mystic River 6% 3949 votes <BR> <BR>Seabiscuit 5% 3198 votes <P>Total: 61634 votes<P>Maybe that should tell them something? <P>Congrats to PJ on the award. Nice gold plaque. <P>By the way, O'Great Mister Underhill sir, didn't I read something a few posts back about having to recant if PJ did win the DGA?<p>[ 5:30 PM February 08, 2004: Message edited by: Sleeping Beauty ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

The BAFTAs have now come in.....

LotR was nominated for twelve awards which I've listed below, along with the actual winner.....

Picture - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Director - Peter Weir, Master and Commander
Supporting Actor - Bill Nighy, Love Actually (Ian McKellan had been nominated for this)
Adapted Screenplay - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Music - Cold Mountain
Cinematography - ROTK
Editing - Lost in Translation
Production Design - Master and Commander
Costume - Master and Commander
Sound - Master and Commander
Visual Effects - ROTK
Makeup - Pirates of the Carribean

Four out of twelve for RotK -- not a runaway by any means. They did snag best picture, adapted screenplay, cinematography, and visual.

A lot of the kudos went to Master and Commander. PJ lost out to Peter Weir as director in Master and Commander, a movie that also snagged four awards. I believe Master and Commmander was a British Film? Is that correct? In any case, it was a fine movie so I do not feel too badly with the results, especially since PJ had already won the Director's Guild award. And I honestly can't see Master and Commander as the spoiler on Oscar night. I think there's a greater 'threat' from Lost in Translation.


Roger Ebert has come out with his predictions. Although he personally prefers other movies, he says the best picture award is a lock-in for RotK:

The best picture victory is a gimme, I think. There are some better pictures in the running ("Lost in Translation," "Mystic River" and "Master and Commander" for example), but I sense an air of inevitability about "LOTR: ROTK." It's the kind of bold enterprise that Hollywood envies, because it so rarely undertakes it. The trilogy has grossed, what? A billion dollars, with the DVD cash registers still ringing? It's exciting moviemaking, even if this year's film seemed to end, and end, and end. And Jackson has pulled it off: His trilogy delivered all the way through, and looks better as a whole than as the sum of its parts.

For the full article, click here. (http://www.suntimes.com/oscars/predictions.html)

[The Saucepan Man]

Actually, I think that RotK did very well at the Baftas, all things considered. It also won the viewers award, voted on by those that actually go to see the films (and, apart from Pirates of the Caribbean, was the only winner of other awards that was nominated in this category). That, I think, is interesting, since it is really the only one which appealed both too the Academy and the mass film-going public.

It is a shame that Jackson missed out on the director's award, but I think he still has a good shot at the Oscar. And I really think that Howard Shore should have won the soundtrack award. The music to Cold Mountain sounded nothing special to me. I thought that the soundtrack to Lost in Translation was far better, but then I'm a sucker for 80s music.

All in all, though, RotK looks almost a dead cert for the best film Oscar now.

Interesting to see Jackson pay tribute to Tolkien yet again at the BAFTAs (on accepting both the best adapted screenplay award and the best film award). He has made a point of doing this at every awards ceremony that RotK has taken prizes at, which I think speaks well of him. Or maybe he is just trying to appease the Tolkienista. :p ;)

[Mister Underhill]

Hmm... yes, well, it looks like I may be obliged to eat a big slice of humble pie come Oscar night. We'll see in a couple of weeks here.

Having just come from seeing Master and Commander, I have to say that the sound design of that film is fantastic. It's a cinch for Sound Editing and Mixing awards. Great VFX, too. The level of craftsmanship in movies these days (that we mostly take for granted) is incredible. I'm not surprised Weir ran off with the BAFTA. He has the sort of subtle, deft touch with character and story that Jackson lacks.

BTW, it's an American film, and Weir is an Aussie, but I'm sure the story about heroic English sailors struck a chord with the British Academy.

Good on PJ for giving Tolkien his due. Frankly, it's the least he could do.

[Gorwingel]

It is a shame that Jackson missed out on the director's award, but I think he still has a good shot at the Oscar
It actually is not that terrible that he missed out on the directing BAFTA. He received that award in 2002 for FOTR. The British academy has actually been much more congratulatory to LOTR than the Oscars have been in the past.

We really have only one more major test left, and that is the Screen Actors Guild this Sunday. ROTK is nominated for just one award, but it is a biggie, and that is Best Ensemble. If they win this, every person who was on the main credits (Elijah through Sean Bean, actors only) gets an award. Even though some of them only appeared in the film for about 5 minutes.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I also have my fingers crossed for that "best ensemble" award. They already won one such award from the National Board of Review, I think. And I do think this is a film where the sum of the total is greater than the parts, at least in terms of the acting.

Hmm... yes, well, it looks like I may be obliged to eat a big slice of humble pie come Oscar night.

Mr. Underhill - I can whip up a tasty humble pie in my kitchen. Do you prefer yours with or without ketchup? (Seeing as I am a "Yank", I will probably include the ketchup!)

[Arwen Imladris]

I think that ROTK has a good chance at everything, except Adapted Screenplay. There were a lot of corny or silly lines (A diversion! for example) that really did not add anything.

PJ will get Best director because he one at the Golden Globes and the directers guild.

[Lathriel]

I am really getting curious because the Oscars are next week!
I was surprised Howard Shore didn't win the BAFTA for his soundtrack. Those judges musn't be very avid music listeners. O well as long as he wins an Oscar.

[Essex]

So ROTK won best Ensemble at the SAGs (in other words best film)

This is good news but what was even better was Sean 'Let's be terribly important for a moment' Astin being barged aside by John Rhys Davis when he was rabbiting on and on in his acceptance speech. And then John introduced 'the worst actor in this room' Bob Shaye, who we all know is probably the 2nd most important figure in the making of these films. (ie he stumped up the money)

So all bodes well for Best Picture, but if I had to chose 1 oscar for ROTK to win I would want it to get Best Director.

Apologies, I've only just seen the SAG thread.

[Evisse the Blue]

Alright - a day to go, and it looks like ROTK is the favourite. Best movie is definitely a win, and also best director.

Does anyone know who of the cast and crew will be there? PJ will most certainly be there, most probably Fran as well, but I read on TORN that Viggo won't make an appearance. That's too bad I was really hoping all the team would be there, it's their night.

I thought I'd share this with you :D

[Sirithheruwen]

Ahhh...Said in the immortal words of Foxtrot!
I was just going to post that link, but you beat me to it.:mad: Just kidding!

Well, the Oscars are tonight! I'm so nervous! I have my outfit all set out though! LOTR t-shirt, hobbit ears, etc. Well, I'm ready! Bring it on!:smokin:

[Essex]

rotk MUST win Best Picture, as my online bookies, Paddy Power will refund ALL losing Oscar bets if ROTK does not win Best Picture!!!!!!!!


I'm worried about jackson winning best director. I'm not sure if he will, so I've put some money on Coppola (8/1) and Eastwood (16/1) to lighten the blow is Mr Jackson does not win!

[Carlas]

Well the night is upon us, and all we can do is pray. Though I really can't see Lost in Translation winning, I really didn't think it was that good of a movie, but the Academy always seems to pick the ones that I like the least.:confused: Does anyone know who of the cast and crew will be there? Hopefully at least all the hobbits, though too bad Viggo won't be going.

[Gorwingel]

Ahhh, so nervous!!! Must Win! Last Chance!

Oh, I am nervous. It is just that I really want it to win! Actually I can't really see anything else winning (if something else won, it would be one of the largest shockers in Academy history), but it is just that we won't know until that little envelope is opened.

It will either be the most terrible Oscarcast that any of us have witnessed, or one of the most wonderful :cool:

Let's hope for the better ;)

ROTR for Little Gold Naked Guy!!!

[mollecon]

Sweeped the plate so far! :D

[Iaurhirwen]

Oscar night is here and gone, and here are the awards:

Art Direction
Costume
Visual Effects
Makeup
Sound Mixing
Score
Film Editing
Song
Adapted Screenplay
Director
Best Motion Picture

Clean Sweep! Yes!

[BethoHOG]

I am soooo happy!! 11 out of 11!!! Amazing! *ecstatic*

[LembasMuncher]

never in my life have i felt so proud and patriotic such as this! im in a very heraldic mood now! *humming the bridge of khazad-dum track*:) :) :)

[Rose Cotton]

BEST PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this the first fantacy film that's won an Oscar???

OMG!!!

LOTR IS THE KING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11 NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!

*bursts out crying*

(sorry for the shouting)

:D :D :D

[mollecon]

:smokin: Great! :) If one counts the Oscars won by LotR the two previous years, how many is it in all?

[The Green Ringwraith]

*hands out cookies and noisemakers* I started running around the house screaming my head off. Coffee at midnight does wonders for ya. *joins the humming with the theme of Minas Tirith* Ah, but it was all because of the Nazgul. They drove the performance.

Nazgul acceptance speech : "I would like to thank my parents- hi mom!- and of course, the Dark Lord... Without him, I would not be in my present condition. He has brought me so far. Thankyou. Of course, I can't forget my awesome cohorts here... Without these eight guys, striking terror into the innocent hearts of hobbits would be a lost cause. They help so much, thankyou guys. Thankyou! Since everyone in New Zealand's been thanks, I just want to shout out to all you creatures back in Mordor- holla!"

I need to calm down. Whooo... must... see.... ROTK.... again.... ack.

[Mister Underhill]

Forget the slice – give me the whole pie! And I’m happy to eat it, too. I’m very happy to see the fantasy barrier that has stumped so many great movies at Oscar time finally broken. Hats off to Jackson & Co.

P.S. – “We Won” has been merged into this thread.

[Iarhen]

Just to congratulate the incredible triumph of ROTK in the Oscar night...


A well deserved triump for such a great movie and an incredible trilogy...

Post your thoughts!

[Sleeping Beauty]

Wow...this was a great night. I was so proud of PJ getting the award for best director. After that I thought I was going to settle in for the night until I heard Steven Spielberg say 'A Clean Sweep' Then I ran around the couch for about 10 minutes. Congrats to the film team and the actors. And Mister Underhill sir, need anything to go with your humble pie? :D

Did anybody else think Will Farrell and Jack Black's singing was the coolest thing ever?

[Evisse the Blue]

Whoa! My God! I certainly did not see this coming! I was counting the Oscars: 5, 7, 8, and the pessimistic side of me kicked in: 'These must be consolation prizes...'; but then the last bit came in: 'A clean sweep!' - folks 'll be quoting Steven Spielberg for quite a while. :D I had the time of my life. Excuse my incoherence, it's 8.am where I live and i've been up most of the night.
Did anybody else think Will Farrell and Jack Black's singing was the coolest thing ever? That was the funniest bit of the night! That and the woman who won best foregin picture saying that it's a good thing ROTK wasn't nominated for that!:D
Oh, and did you catch the hobbit hug at the end? Awww! And those ribbons in Fran's hair were very cute. Ok - very hyper me, going into chitchat mode.

[Cibbwin]

Most Oscars ever, tied with Ben-Hur and Titanic with 11! *cheers*

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nah, let's dump the humble pie. We all deserve a victory toast! I honestly don't think too many folk -- fans or critics -- were predicting a clean sweep.

I started reading fantasy back in the dark ages when there was one shelf buried in the back of the bookstore, and people gave you sideways glances when you walked up to it. I am honestly delighted to see this kind of recognition given after so many years of waiting. If you had told me five years ago that the movies would make this impact, I simply wouldn't have believed it.

[Imladris]

I think it was worth the wait having LotR win the Oscars. I don't think it would have been so special if FotR and TTT had won just a few awards...It was just so awesome having them win eleven oscars out of eleven!

[Everdawn]

That is fantastic, just what they all rightly deserve, am I right?!

[HerenIstarion]

Could anyone be so kind to list nominations which were won? For us ppl in the Hills of Faraway who haven't watched the show live?

Thanks

[Evisse the Blue]

Gladly, H-I. From TORN:

"RETURN OF THE KING: BEST PICTURE!

Peter Jackson - Best Director

Grant Major and Dan Hennah - for Best Art Direction.

Ngila Dickson and Richard Taylor - Best Costume.

Jim Rygiel, Joe Letteri, Randall William Cook and Alex Funke - Best Visual Effects.

Richard Taylor and Peter King - Best Makeup.

Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges and Hammond Peek - Best Sound Mixing.

Howard Shore - Best Original Score.

James Selkirk - Best Film Editing.

Annie Lennox, Fran Walsh and Howard Shore - Best Music (Song).

Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens -Best Adapted Screenplay. "

EDIT: and this, ladies, and gents, is my 1000 post. Memorable one. :)

[Lush]

The cast and crew deserve their accolades.

And I'm personally glad that Peter Jackson had his hair combed for the ceremony...Oh, wait...

[HerenIstarion]

Thanks a lot, m'lady

And congrats on 1000th post :D

[Gorwingel]

Oh my Gosh! This was so exciting! I can't believe that they got all of them! I was hoping for something in the area of 7 to 9, but all 11! Very Surprising.

Additionally I was also happy that more of the cast and crew made it this year. And Alan Lee winning! One of the greatest Tolkien illustrators winning, how cool is that!

I went to a party and we were all so excited. We clapped and hollered after every award! It was great :cool:

Congradulations to all of the LOTR cast and crew! These awards were very well deserved.

Now if only Johnny Depp had won... Oh well :rolleyes:

[Neferchoirwen]

I'm so happy that Pete and the gang swept all their nominations! It was a well ended journey for the lot, and I can't help but imagine that they have spent 6 years with each other, which is a long to have a friendship grow. Not to mention having such friends to be potential godfathers of their future children.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of the trilogy of The Lord of The Rings!

[TheBladeThatWasBroken]

OMG!!
WE WINSSSS
WE WINS ALL ELEVEN PRECIOUSESSS!!

Damn, this is so cool because PJ and the cast and the crew totally deserves it! Living in Asia, I had to sneak outta class to read the news in computer lab, and when I saw it, I just shouted right there in the lab.

WooT!!

Must.
See.
It.
Again...

May the Road go ever on and on and continue to impress future generations

[Essex]

I was getting EMBARRASSED sitting and watching ROTK win oscar after oscar, and then I thought. Why Not!!!!!!It was brilliant.

2 of my favourite bits of the night were seeing Sean Astin in tears of joy when they won best picture, and I've just seen Sir Ian be interviewed by the BBC and he is completely off his trolley (i.e. drunk!) going on about how we won 27 oscars tonight, and not just 11. I can imagine him walking about all the group counting up the statuettes and getting drunker and drunker. Marvellous!

[Kidd2323]

I just want to post my congrats to PJ and the rest of the cast and crew for making one of our favorite little books into the most Oscar-decorated (who cares if it's actually a tie) movie of all time.
I personally shared Phillippa's sentiments when she talked about receiving the books from her parents at the age of 8 and absolutely falling in love with them (although mine were given to me in the form of The Hobbit by my uncle.)
For over twenty years now I've been returning to my favorite vacation destination--the books--but now, because of the movies, I feel I've been granted access to a whole new area I'd never seen before although I'd been going there for over two-thirds of my life. It's almost undiscovered territory--the movies--like when I first discovered the HoME series.
Wow! Who would have thunk it?!?!

P.S. One minor disappointment...when PJ and everyone else involved thanked JRRT, no one really seemed to care or applaud. Kudos to PJ and others for naming the Professor.

P.S.S. Do you get the feeling that the Hollywood crowd were getting sick of the LotR winning and fanfare? It reminded me of when Titanic won and how sick I was by the end of the show. You could tell the crowd was behind Lost in Translation, no doubt due in part to the fact it was an American movie.

[Firefoot]

WOW!!! 11 out of 11! I didn't get to see all of it and I am in shock! Yay!! They deserve it. It totally makes up for not winning as many in FotR and TTT. Congrats to PJ and co.!!

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I guess I won't have to eat my hat. :D

Congratulations are in order to everyone involved with the project. I think they already knew that they were appreciated by people like us, but having a bunch of Oscars seems to make it more.....official? Like, "Yes, people really do like you!"

[Hanna_Gamgee]

WE WON WE WON

Congratulations ROTK for winning 11 Oscars! :D
I didn't think the academy had it in them to vote for a fantasy film.
The chat room had a big turn out.

[Neferchoirwen]

Oh yeah, Sir Ian seemed to be out of his trolley.

About the "journey" coming to a close, I agree with what Elijah and Pete said at the interview: "It's celebratory" ---rather than it being something that ought to be sad about.

I was sort of surprised that Viggo wasn't there. I take him to be hermit of sorts :rolleyes:

Also, the victory of Jackson ought to be such that the fandom shares. It's OUR victory as well. Taking it from Pete's dedication as a fan himself, I don't see why it's not ours.

Besides, it's a milestone movie. It's so low budget that it's so innovative.

[mollecon]

I was sort of surprised that Viggo wasn't there. I take him to be hermit of sorts
Viggo Mortensen was actually away promoting another movie he's in - & since the promoting is part of the job, one can't really blame him.

But OK - he probably is the most withdrawn of the actors! :)

[Lathriel]

YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched the ocscars last night and I loved it watching LOTR:ROTK win every oscar it deserved.
I loved the comments "By now eveyone in New Zealand has been thanked."
And a few oscars later. "People are moving to New Zealand to be thanked."
I thought it was great the hobbits were all there, too bad Viggo wasn't there. Oh well...
ALL IN ALL I think these oscars also honoured the trilogy as a whole!
I'm so Happy! :D :D

[Jjudvven]

oh wow! That was so amazing! I was predicting that RotK would get at least 9 Oscars, but I wasn't expecting that it would be such a clean sweep! Of course, I was hoping that they would get them all, but Jackson Be Praised, they did it! :)

I woke up half my family last night when I screamed after they won Best Picture! :cool:

SOOOO GOOD!

[Finwe]

Return of the King winning the Oscar for Best Picture was one of the greatest moments of my life!!!! :D I honestly felt like I was a part of something bigger. Did anyone else feel that? I somehow felt suddenly connected to all the Tolkien fans around the world, when Peter started thanking the fans. It was the greatest feeling in the world! I was left nearly in tears because of it!



I was sitting there, hanging onto the edge of my seat, while Return of the King was winning all of those Oscars. True, it really deserved Best Editing, Best Score, Best Costume, etc., but the real clinchers were Best Directing and Best Picture. I'm so incredibly proud of Peter, Fran, Philippa, the cast, and all of the crew. They were absolutely amazing people!


Return of the King did not win this Oscar for itself. It won it for all the other fantasy films that the Academy ignored in the past, like the Star Wars trilogy. This Oscar was for them too.

This victory is our Battle of the Pelennor Fields, a beacon of hope, to shine forevermore.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

So very, very glad to see that Alan Lee got the recognition he so well deserves! :)

[The Saucepan Man]

Congratulations to Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and the entire cast and crew of RotK and, indeed, the entire film trilogy! This is a pretty amazing achievement, particularly for a fantasy film.

Some facts and figures (courtesy of bbc.co.uk):

Films with the Most Oscar Wins

LotR: RotK (2004): 11 Awards (11 Nominations)
Ben Hur (1960): 11 (14)
Titanic (1988): 11 (12)
West Side Story (1962): 10 (11)
Gigi (1959): 9 (9)
The Last Emperor (1988): 9 (9)
The English Patient (1997): 9 (12)

The LotR Trilogy Oscars Record

FotR: 13 Nominations; 4 Wins
TTT: 6 Nominations; 2 Wins
RotK: 11 Nominations; 11 Wins

RotK is the joint top scorer (with Ben Hur and Titanic) for number of Oscars won, and one of only three films ever to have won every Award they were nominated for. And since the other two (Gigi and the Last Emperor) won 9 Oscars, RotK has the record for the highest ever clean sweep.

And with 30 Nominations and 17 Wins, it must surely be the best performaing trilogy at the Oscars.

Once again, congratulations to all involved. It is most richly deserved. :)

I am looking forward to watching the highlights tonight.

Btw:

So very, very glad to see that Alan Lee got the recognition he so well deserves! Was Alan Lee named as a recipient of one of RotK's Oscars? If so, which one? I hope that John Howe was similarly honoured?

[Enorëiel]

YAY!! I can't believe we got 'em all! You think everyone was getting sick of hearing "Into the West?" They had to hear it over 12 times (I'm including the performance). I was so happy! I was looking forward to the announcement of best picture but then again I wasn't. I was thinking "just watch, we'll win everything else except the best picture" But we won!!!!:D :D

It was a bit sad that Viggo (or heaven forbid :rolleyes: ) Orlando wasn't there but - oh well it was still great.


CONGRATS EVERYONE! YOU FINALY DID IT!!!

[Essex]

Saucepan,

Alan Lee got an oscar for art direction. john howe didn't get one though.

ps look out for Alistair mcgowan on the repeat tongiht squirming in his chair every time rotk won another oscar (he hated the film!) Mr ross took the mick every time!

[Ashton]

I kind of knew we would win. I mean, if PJ spent so much time and money making the movies and he didn't get something for it, I think that a lot of people would be REALLY mad.

My favorite line was, "And he is wearing shoes." About PJ

I think that describes PJ so well. I actually wouldn't have been surprised if he wasn't wearing any shoes. PJ is practically Hobbit-like in his dislike for shoes.
Of course I noticed that while he got himself into a tux and shoes, he didn't seem to have bothered to make his hair look halfway decent.

[Essex]

Mr Jackson was asked by the BBC who did his hair for the oscars and he said "I did"!!!!!

come one, he wore a tux didn't he? the academy should be honoured.

what about that presenter before the show with the 2.5 million dollar dress? wow!

[Mister Underhill]

And with 30 Nominations and 17 Wins, it must surely be the best performaing trilogy at the Oscars.
Indeed, the nearest competitor I can think of is The Godfather films, which I make as having 29 nominations and only 9 wins (though two of those wins are for Best Pic).

[galadriel'smaiden]

11 nominations, 11 Oscars won....Need we say more????

[galadriel'smaiden]

I forgot to ask- Why werent Viggo and Orlando there? They were major character actors. Doesnt matter though, I suppose.

[BethoHOG]

After every Oscar The Return of the King won, I'd scream "5 OUT OF 5!!!" "6 OUT OF 6!!!" "10 OUT OF 10!!!" etc...

Yesterday night was something very exciting. :D

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

'RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

[Sapphire_Flame]

http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/jump.gifhttp://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/jump.gif

RETURN OF THE KING IS THE CHAMPION!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO PJ AND **EVERYONE**!!!!!

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Theron Bugtussle]

Originally posted by Lush
And I'm personally glad that Peter Jackson had his hair combed for the ceremony...Oh, wait... I can't wait! You have to tell me, was he wearing those shorts? And shoes?

[SneakyHobbit]

I was really glad RotK won in all their nomination categories. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but is that a first at the Oscars? Anyway, I think it really deserved it and was happy for everyone who was there. I was surprised they didn't get nominated for cinematography, because they probably would've won. I also think Sean Astin deserved a nomination for best supporting actor, but I guess you can't have everything... But having tied for most Oscars with Titanic and Ben-hur, RotK will probably be remembered for a long time in movie history. Once again, PJ and everyone really deserved it. Three cheers for all the LotR movies!!!:D

[Carlas]

Well I've been waiting for this moment for three years now, and boy, does it feel good! I really think they deserved everything they won after so many years of work and dedication. I was glad to see all of the hobbits were there too! :D

[Imladris]

No, Jackson showed up in his tuxedo best, or whatever kind of suit he was wearing.

It was really cool that they had Annie Lennox sing "Into the West" but too bad she was having trouble and the mike wasn't working.

I think that even if LotR/RotK hadn't won so many oscars and tied with those other movies it would have been remembered in movie history because it was the first film that ever filmed three movies at once. Very impressive.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Haven't roamed into this realm of the BDs in a looooong time...

It made my morning and day to hear that Lord of the Rings won every Oscar it was nominated for. I didn't have a great day today but that cheered me up a bit.

My father said that he almost thought some of those Oscars were "Pity Oscars". He said that the movies were great the other two years and they didn't win much, and then this year they win everything and he almost thinks they gave them because they (the Academy) felt bad for witholding them for so long...:rolleyes: :D

I really did enjoy "Into the West" though. Beautiful song...

-Aylwen

[Vuelve]

Yay we won!Cool beans!!I have an opinion though.Please promise not to hit me:( I don't think "Into the West" is that great of a song and Alison Krauss should have won best song award.WAIT!! before you hit me!!! I'm Over the moon about a clean sweep but I'm an Alison Krauss fan and I can't stand Annie Lennox's into the west I think they should have got Enya to do the song.Annie doesn't sound very Middle Earthish.But thats just my opinion.Please don't hit me.I kept telling my parents "We have to win best picture.We've been nominated for it before But we just have to win!".I was so against Lost in Translation, You have no idea.

Now if only Johnny Depp had won... Oh well

I was depressed about that too;) ;)

Please don't flog me,
Vuelve

[Kransha]

We won...what more have I to say?

LotR:RotK won 11 out of 11 Oscars. Making it technically one of the 'best' movies of ALL TIME! Even if it wasn't entirely true to Tolkein, we can still bow down before a truly epic piece of cinema that will live on through the ages as a classic, studied forever in film schools and by the Oscar winning directors and actors of the future. Simply amazing. Watching the Oscars, I honestly didn't care if it won anything. I was happy enough seeing Billy Crystal doing the "Return of the Host" film skit. I felt like it was Hollywood perverse homage to the master, in a bizarre, twisted way. HUZZAH! FORTH EORLINGAS! LET'S ALL GET LITTLE GOLDEN NAKED MEN AND SLAY AND DRINK AND....and....sleeeeeep....so late.....need bed....hobbit bed...must wake up in time for breakfast....and second breakfast

[Bekah]

Yay!!! We won!!!

"People are moving to New Zealand to be thanked." (Billy Crystal) That was weird....:)

I stayed up until midnight recording the Awards and editing out the ads....so tired. :o


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now if only Johnny Depp had won... Oh well
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I was depressed about that too.

And so was I. POTC was in for two categories without ROTK and didn't win either of them. *scowl* I though Johnny would get best actor for sure....Billy's thing at the start was fun, though, in a weird kind of way: "You'd best start believing in award shows Mr. Crystal...you're hosting one!" and Billy as Legolas in the elephant episode...LOL...

LOTR just won one Oscar after another...and another...and another...."Okay, it's official, there's nobody left in NZ to thank.":D

Hallelujah!

Cheers,

~ Elentari II

[Imladris]

I loved that PJ was so gracious...that is just so cool... so humble. That is the best part, I think. It's too bad the rest of the cast couldn't be there.

Johnny Depp should have won. But enough of that...

LOTR ROCKS!

[Calenamarthiel]

HURRAY!!! Finally, LOTR has been awarded with the recognition it deserves. It totally made my day when they won Best Picture and PJ won Best Director, not to mention making a clean sweep of everything. :D It's high time the Academy recognized that a movie's being in the fantasy genre doesn't automatically disqualify it from being in the running for the really big awards. Kudos to PJ and all the people who did their best to bring Middle Earth alive for all of us. :)

I do share the sentiments of those who were disappointed about Johnny Depp not winning for POTC, though. :(

[TheBladeThatWasBroken]

I think that the Oscars should be held before the rest of the awards, because by now, after the Golden Globes, the British Film Academy, the SAG, etc. etc. It's pretty much for sure that TRotK was going to win and there wasn't much surprises.

Somehow I felt that PJ was sitting there just waiting to be called, and it really screw it up that the winners weren't showing any real, extreme emotions because, well, they've done so in all those previous awards....

Meh.

Still...,

IT WON!!

Can anyone remember what Billy Crystal sang at the beginning of the show? The thing about TRotK which he sang to the tune of that song from Sounds of Music?

Damn.. cant wait till the DVD

[Lalaith]

Here's some quotes from PJ and the hobbits at the post-Oscars party. http://www.iansmith.co.uk/lotr/weblogs/Feb29th2004.htm

Inter alia, PJ says he's finished editing RotK EE and it will be out in November.

[Evisse the Blue]

P.S. One minor disappointment...when PJ and everyone else involved thanked JRRT, no one really seemed to care or applaud.
Dom did! He started to nod and clap enthusiastically but no one else followed his example so he quieted down. it was quite funny:) it was during Philippa's speech actually

I agree that all the crowd seemed sick and tired, even a little contemptuous of LOTR winning and such. Eh - like I couldn't care less. This just shows how shallow and snobbish (sp?) they are.

[Essex]

Sorry, my first rant on the attitudes towards ROTK at the Oscars.

Notice how they stuck all of the LOTR crew on the right hand side of the auditorium?

Now I'm wondering, if this had been a big American movie, where would they have been sitting?

Hmmmmmm............

Also, the auditorium had the decency to join in when some actors on the left hand side of the auditorium stood up (funnily enough, one of the first was Naomi Watts) when Sean Penn won his award. He then got a standing ovation.

Hey, what happened when a lot of the people on the LOTR side of the auditorium stood up to applaud ROTK as Best Film? What did the rest of the auditrioum do? Absolutley NOTHING. They sat on their rich, fat behinds and sulked like school kids!

Anyway, well done to ROTK, but how come it did so well if the breadth of feelings from inside the auditorium is any way to go? Weren't most of the people on the ground floor members of the Academy and therefore voters?????

I noticed how Jackson made an aside comment to Billy Crystal who hillariously (NOT!) kept mentioning the amount of thanks to New Zealand throughout the show (talk about flogging a dead horse!) But Jackson slapped him down at the end and told him to go over to New Zealand to make a film if he was worried! I think Peter was a little bit peeved at the continuous snide remarks from Mr Crystal.

Rant over.

It was nice to see Mr Speilberg and Mr Cruise give the 2 main awards to Peter Jackson. You could see at least THEY were happy for ROTK to have won. Respect to Steven and Tom.

[*Varda*]

I stayed up all night just to watch the Oscars, and it was so worth it! I knew it would win the technical awards, but I was holding my breath and closing my eyes for Best Director and Best Picture, just in case the Academy had done a total turnaround and gone for something like Lost in Translation instead. But they DIDN'T!

I think every award they got was well deserved - it would have been nice if they'd had more of the cast than just the hobbits, Ian, and Liv, but oh well. I do wish I'd seen Ian off his trolley, but I didn't watch it last night...this is what comes of staying up to the wee hours to watch it the night before.

I don't know, I think it might have been quite cool (although strange) if PJ had accepted the award in his ordinary shorts and bare feet :p Oh well, I suppose it would have been unacceptable to show up for the Oscars like that. :rolleyes:

[Finwe]

Do we honestly need to bother what those pathetic snobs think? They probably had the greatest surprise of their lives! I think people are finally starting to realize that there is more to a movie than brainless blondes running around in skimpy clothes, claiming to fall in love, and then having to "keep her man" from a rival. They sulked because, for once, their hypocritical values were exposed for what they were, hypocritical and shallow.

Kudos to the Academy!!!!

[Essex]

I don't know, I think it might have been quite cool (although strange) if PJ had accepted the award in his ordinary shorts and bare feet Oh well, I suppose it would have been unacceptable to show up for the Oscars like that.

Did you see what Ben 'Starsky' Stiller was wearing? I think Peter could have got away with a pair of shorts and no shoes.............

But then we wouldn't have had the HILARIOUS 'joke' Billy Crystal said re Mr Jackson "At least he's wearing some shoes"

I would have laughed, but my head would have fallen off.

[The Only Real Estel]

I don't know, I think it might have been quite cool (although strange) if PJ had accepted the award in his ordinary shorts and bare feet Oh well, I suppose it would have been unacceptable to show up for the Oscars like that.

Hey, from all the abuse I hear the cast & crew got at the O-Show PJ should've shown up as he normally does :D.

p.s. Does anyone have any links they can post to pics of the lotr group at the awards?

[Bekah]

He turned up in a tux and shoes. But the dressing people kept asking PJ to do up the top button of his shirt, and he kept going : "No. I don't want to." In the end he cut the top button off in front of them...

Btw, I've met Peter Jackson. In NZ. It just wasn't the right Peter Jackson...it was another one....

[Bekah]

Can anyone remember what Billy Crystal sang at the beginning of the show? The thing about TRotK which he sang to the tune of that song from Sounds of Music?

I'm just going to watch it now; I'll see if I can get the words. The tune is 'Favourite Things', btw.

Hobbits with feet big and hairy and smelly.
More epic battles than Gest and Minelli
Ian and Viggo are queen and a king
This is the gang in the Lord of the Rings.

Frodo and Sam on a mystical planet,
Then Smeagol pops out the right boob of Janet,
Britney and J-Lo were both of their flings*
They thought it was called the Return of the Rings!

[Various drugs, I can't get their names and I don't care]
Moonshine [etc.]
J.R.R. Tolkien was taking these things
When he conceived of the Lord of the Rings!

Peter Jackson!
Made this trio!
He sure got it right.
I loved every frame of the Lord of the Rings
So I downloaded it...last niiiiight
All night, it took all night, it's so damn long!

*Really no idea. This is my attempt at deciphering the song. If anyone knows better please say so.

And there you have it.

Cheers,

~ Elentari II

[Lalaith]

Fantastic, Bekah...did you catch all of that by watching it just the one time?

Looking at the lyrics, I think I can fill in some gaps: "Gest and Minelli" - reference to messy divorce of Liza M and David G...
"a queen and a king"...a reference to Sir Ian's homosexuality.
"like the right boob"

The Britney thing, no idea, but judging by the look on Billy's face it was something a bit saucy.

[Bekah]

Parts of it, yes. Enough to write it down here, no. I recorded the Awards, see, so I listened to Billy's LOTR song this morning, kept pausing and writing, then rewinding slightly and playing to get the next part of the song....

I'll edit my song post then...thanks.

Cheers,

~ Elentari II

[Imladris]

Oh, I'm sincerely disappointed with Billy Crystal. He's making fun of LotR!!!!

It seems as if a lot of people don't get LotR and that is so sad...

[Mister Underhill]

You guys need to chill out. The whole point of having Billy Crystal as a host is to poke fun, in a good-natured kind of way, at the whole event, LotR included. He's making jokes. I watched the show and I didn't see any general resentment or sullenness. There was no "bad treatment" of LotR or its cast and crew -- they were laughing at the jabs along with everyone else. A few nominees might have been disappointed that they lost, but as someone pointed out, most of the audience are the very Academy members who heaped all the laurels on LotR. Why would they be resentful?

Crystal's "Britney and J-Lo" reference was a poke at the recently aborted nuptials of the two divas. "Return of the Rings" -- get it?

This is turning into a chatty exchange. Let's try to keep that in hand.

[Lush]

Underhill has got a point; The whole point of having someone like Billy Crystal up there during the show is to keep the celebrity guests from falling asleep and drooling all over their couture, as well as to keep us mere mortals from switching the channel.

"The Return of the King" was slated to be this year's big winner, and poking fun at it was not only justified, it was necessary. I couldn't stand three hours of repeated adulation and bum-kissing, and I doubt Peter Jackson could've either.

[Elentári_O_Most_Mighty_1]

I didn't watch it. My dad recorded it, but I haven't got round to seeing it yet...

Don't know why Viggo wasn't there, but Orlando is filming in Spain...

Congrats to ROTK! Shame there seems to be so many people against it though...

[TheBladeThatWasBroken]

[Various drugs, I can't get their names and I don't care]
Moonshine [etc.]
J.R.R. Tolkien was taking these things
When he conceived of the Lord of the Rings!

Yeah... I got really angry and felt insulted when he sang that part..., but I guess he still did a good job... *shrugs*

[Essex]

Mister Underhill,

Yes, Billy Crystal was there to have a laugh and take the mick, but someone needs to explain to him that repeating the same joke over and over again gets very tiring.

Great start by Mr Crystal but he descended into total sarcasm at the end when he made a point of going over to Barry Osbourne to ask whether they were related so he could make a derisory comment to win a laugh.

Again, I'm lucky I didn't laugh at this as my head would have fallen off.

[Evisse the Blue]

Hey - I don't mind a good parody, when it's done right! I don't mind randomness, absurdity, gay jokes, etc when they are funny. But Billy's songs and jokes were really not funny. It's not that I can't stand my fave movie being mocked - some parodies, captions, filks, poking fun at ROTK are downright hilarious! Oscar jokes are as a rule dumb however. the only really funny part was Jack Black and ... Ben Stiller (?) I forget who the other one was singing that "You're booring' song. lol.

And Essex - I agree about your rant. But like Finwe said, we shouldn't let such a minor thing rain on our parade.

[Mister Underhill]

Whether you think he's funny or not is another matter. I don't reckon it's easy to try to take an essentially boring show -- hours of mostly random people getting awards and then reading off lists of names that most people don't care about -- and make it entertaining.

But let's be fair -- it's silly to make out like LotR and/or New Zealand were somehow getting attacked or unfairly snubbed.

And c'mon -- Barry Osborne is the one who started that whole bit!

Goodness! No need to be so sensitive.

[Meneltarmacil]

The only thing I didn't really approve of was Liv Tyler's hairstyle. I mean, that and the weird glasses were just...:eek:

[Bekah]

the only really funny part was Jack Black and ... Ben Stiller (?) I forget who the other one was singing that "You're booring' song. lol.

I believe it was Will Farrell. "You could have rushed up to the stage but you were lolly-gagging..."

I enjoyed it, and though Billy's jokes did get a bit stale he made a tremendous effort to keep it entertaining.

And Liv's hairstyle was kind of weird. She looks much better with long hair when she wears it all to one side (i.e. the ROTK NZ premiere). I don't think she actually needed to wear those glasses....

Cheers,

~ Elentari II

[Finwe]

Yeah... I didn't get that whole glasses thing either... Why'd she keep putting them on?

[Mister Underhill]

Presumably so that she could read her lines off the teleprompter.

[Gorwingel]

Oh, yes... The glasses... They were most definitely not a fashion statement; it was most likely just a simple case of nearsightedness.

Did you see what Ben 'Starsky' Stiller was wearing? I think Peter could have got away with a pair of shorts and no shoes.............
Well Ben Stiller was wearing a suit the rest of the academy awards. The whole 70's clothing thing was just a shameless publicity stunt, that didn't really come off as being funny at all (well in my opinion).

But I do agree... I have to give credit to Jack Black and Will Ferrell for rasing the class of their comedy for the Academy Awards; the "You're Boring" song was brilliant.

Oh, and Billy Crystal meant no harm at all. He is a comedian, and we all expect him to lampoon the movies every year he hosts. He is my absolute favorite all time Oscar host so I was so glad that he hosted the year that LOTR swept the awards. I think that may have been one reason that he did host was because LOTR provides so much comic material (admit it guys... It is very easy to lampoon this series). The whole Legolas thing, and Michael Moore being stepped on by the Oliphant while talking about how it was a "fictional war" was brilliant. And then how they brought in Jack Nickelson to be the White Wizard, and how they placed the Kodak theater on top of Minas Tirith, and then how they rode into the courtyard that was decorated with Oscars. Heck it even got kind of sentimental at the end with Billy asking for advice (which with him being the White Wizard you would of course ask him for advice). I thought it was one of the best intros ever.

But I am a die hard Oscar lover, so oh well... :cool:
Any year where you have Billy Crystal, Julia Roberts, Jack, and Robin Williams is a good year.

[Evisse the Blue]

Whatever. Maybe my sense of humour is a bit warped, but it sure as hell isn't non existent. Again - whatever.
But far from being too sensitive I got some weird vibes from the audience, like the New Zealenders were the outsiders there and everyone were being generously but slightly contemptuously kind to them. In that case, the idea of 'pity Oscars' does seem to apply. It was like ROTK wasn't awarded for the great movie that it was, (even as a standalone it still would have deserved an oscar) but to provide a 'happy ending' to these LOTR years. Do you get my point?

[Imladris]

Billy Crystal was hilarious -- his jokes about LotR were excellent (except for the part in the song about the drugs and stuff -- that was the only part I did not like).

But far from being too sensitive I got some weird vibes from the audience, like the New Zealenders were the outsiders there and everyone were being generously but slightly contemptuously kind to them. In that case, the idea of 'pity Oscars' does seem to apply. It was like ROTK wasn't awarded for the great movie that it was, (even as a standalone it still would have deserved an oscar) but to provide a 'happy ending' to these LOTR years. Do you get my point?

I didn't get that feeling at all. They didn't deserve "pity" Oscars anyway. The technology was cutting edge, everything was brilliant in the film -- and the thing is, everybody knew that. In fact, the only major thing that I heard critics say they didn't like was the length of the film and I don't think that has any bearing whatsoever on the Oscars.

Hollywood may be screwy, but LotR deserved the Best Picture and they knew that. Anyone who would devote seven years of his life to make one movie, anyone who would spend time to hand craft every glass, barrel, etc, anyone who take the time to make each race unique, deserves the Best Picture Award. They may not have liked the film in and of itself, but I doubt it was a pity Oscar.

[Essex]

In that case, the idea of 'pity Oscars' does seem to apply. It was like ROTK wasn't awarded for the great movie that it was, (even as a standalone it still would have deserved an oscar) but to provide a 'happy ending' to these LOTR years. Do you get my point? Good point Evisse. But I'm not sure it is exactly this. People voted for their 'best' in each section. For most of them, why shouldn't it win? What else was there on offer that could compare, especially when you see probably 99% of all reviews were good that ROTK got?

It all boils down to the fact that ROTK was not a Hollywood made movie. It was made in New Zealand. But another fact was that it was American MONEY that made it possible, and therefore made a lot of Americans Profit.

Did Titanic get this amount of derision we're seing (also in some of the English press as well I've noted) when it won 11 Oscars? The only thinig I remember from that year was Cameron's "I'm King of the World" quote that got some negative feedback, but other than that, as it was an American movie, wasn't it well received?

And c'mon -- Barry Osborne is the one who started that whole bit! Yes I know. NEVER try to upstage a comedian. But Barry's parting shot was meant in good faith, whereas Billly Crystal's retort was unpleasent.

Look, I'm not having a go at the oscar show itslef. I thought it was pretty good. the introduction was well done (but then it should have been for $250k!) and the jokes, especially the Bush ones, were funny, but (and I'm repeating myself I know), my feelings are that Mr Crystal went over the top the amount of times he took the mick (the same way again and again).

You should have seen the baftas. even with Steven Fry, they were SOOOOOOO boring compared to the Oscars.

Rant over (for now!)

[Lush]

Did Titanic get this amount of derision we're seing (also in some of the English press as well I've noted) when it won 11 Oscars?

Yes.

[Essex]

Lush re yes. Can you elucidate?

[Lalaith]

Essex, there was a real Titanic backlash, certainly in the UK, and in general the film had quite sneery reviews, much more so than RotK. Even the clever newspapers here, who tend to be a bit snooty about fantasy, agree that RotK's clean sweep was deserved, as the trilogy was such an incredible undertaking.

I agree with Mister Underhill and Lush, some of us need to chill out about this. I personally thought Billy Crystal was very funny. The bit about drugs was a JOKE. He was not implying that the professor was actually a junkie.
And when one film just keeps winning EVERYTHING, you need to crack some jokes, if just to keep smiles on the faces of those who aren't winning anything at all as a result...

[Essex]

OK, last post as I'm repeating myself all the time.

I was not talking about REVIEWS, I was talking about the actual Oscar night. I neither care this way or that for Titanic, I've seen it (like most movie goers on the planet) and it was OK.

What it boils down to is that if rotk was an American movie it would have been better recevied on the night (and the cast and crew would have been seated in the middle!)

But hey, the oscars are in America, the academy is mostly american, so there you go.

[Mister Underhill]

I don't know what show you were watching -- what derision are you talking about?

I don't know where you get this stuff about American vs. New Zealand and so on. First of all, RotK is an American movie -- made with American money, marketed and released by American studios. Second of all, producers are like pirates. They'll go anywhere they think they can save a buck, hence the large amount of "runaway" production that has moved to places like Canada, Prague, Italy, and Mexico in recent years. They don't care if a movie was shot in New Zealand or Timbuktu. The same American Academy that nominated RotK and then voted it a sweep in the Oscars is then going to deride it on awards night... why?

Barry Osborne made some confusing joke about having dated Billy Crystal's cousin (I think). Crystal may have heard it as maybe Osborne was his cousin -- hence his question, "Are we related?" How are you reading this as some kind of sarcastic attack?

[Essex]

Mr Underhill,

I've already stated above my confusion towards rotk not being seen as an American film, as it was American money and profits. I've also stated my confusion about the people in the auditorium being members of the academy. I would be interested the find out now how many of them actually are members.

To conlude and really, my final post so don't bother to answer, I am confused as to why

1/ ROTK crew stuck on the side of the auditorium even though they had the most nominations as an american supported film?
2/ Why a lukewarm reception for best picture as an american supported film?
3/ Why constant (funny to start off with) mocking of another country for an american supported film?

when we had

4/ a standing ovation for Sean Penn for an american supported film?
5/ massive cheering for Miss Coppola for an american supported film?

Spot the difference?

Having looked again at the tape of the bit with Barry Osbourne at the end, I now concede I was over the top regarding Billy Crystal at this juncture. It probably boiled down to me getting more annoyed as the ceremony went on.

But what makes me even more angry now looking at this bit is when the guys go up on stage to get the best picture, you can see the audience from a camera shot from the stage. You can see a lot of the right (rotk) side of the auditorium standing, and a smattering of people throught the auditorium standing up, but the vast majority IGNORING THIS. They stood up for Sean Penn, why not for the best movie they will ever see?

I say it again, that's it for me. It boils down to me being annoyed at the audience's attitude towards Jackson and Co, and also at the derision (yes, derision) it has received in some articles in the (British) press over the last couple of days, even though these same journalists along with the 99% of the press already gave gushing reviews and know what a great film it is. It could be something to do with English mentality of knocking something down when it has reached the pinnacle. We seem to like losers in England and knock winners. ROTK is without doubt a Winner.

Farewell and thanks for the discussion.

[*Varda*]

I have to say, I didn't really notice any derision. True, Billy Crystal's jokes got old really fast, but I don't think that was necessarily RotK related. And yes, the LotR lot, in my personal opinion, should have been seated more in the middle, but there could be any number of reasons why this isn't the case. And derision in the press afterwards? None that I've noticed. Or maybe Scotland just loves LotR. :)

I feel the need to use a Squatter smiley, just once. :smokin:

[Imladris]

I can hardly say that it was bad that the cast of LotR wasn't seated in the middle. That doesn't mean they're good, bad, or a nice shade of grey. Can you imagine the fights and quarrels that would happen if every cast in every movie that was nominated for Best Picture wanted to be seated in the aisle? It just doesn't really matter.

As for Billy Crystal's jokes getting old I have no idea why people say that. He said everybody in New Zealand has been thanked like what, three times? Let's face it: it's boring to hear people and more people getting thanked all the time. That was all he was referring to, more than likely. I think that as LotR continued to win, it became more apparent that each time they won, the audience would have to hear another long list of thank yous.

Not everybody likes LotR. Alot of people don't get they hype, whatever. LotR wasn't the only good movie I'm sure (I've never seen the others that were nominated), and I'm sure that there were people in the audience who thought other things deserved to win. And politics is very heavy in the Awards and I'm sure that LotR is not PC in some way or another...

Cheers!
Imladris

[Gorwingel]

Well they got the Oscars, and they can't be taken away. And additionally most of the people in the audience were academy members. The majority must have voted for ROTK, so the majority must have liked the result.

I remember last year though that the Best Picture did not get a standing ovation but Adrien Brody and Roman Polanski did.

I don't really remember any time where the Best Picture received a standing ovation.

And another reason why they were on the side could be that they were there before. That is where they sat when they were nominated for FOTR, and TTT.

I don't think the Academy had anything against LOTR. But it did have some vocal supporters who were against it, and of course it did have some vocal supporters who were for it.

But it did win the big award for some reason :rolleyes:

[The Saucepan Man]

Well, I only saw the highlights, but I saw nothing to make me think that the LotR films were any less regarded at the Oscar ceremony than any of the other films nominated in the various categories.

The ceremony undoubtedly had its fair share of cheese, as is to be expected. And Billy Crystal is no Stephen Fry, although I suspect that he is the best that one can expect on Oscar night. I found much of his opening sequence rather amusing myself (the Michael Moore episode in particular, even though I have a lot of sympathy for Moore's position).

I think that we Tolkien afficionados can be a bit overly-paranoid sometimes. But there is no smoke without fire. And it is certainly the case that there is a vocal section of the media and journalistic (and indeed academic) community that "looks down" on Tolkien's works (and the films derived from them) and is not backward in making its position quite clear. Witness the derision with which LotR's success in the BBC's "Big Read" was greeted. At least the films did not meet with such an unfriendly reaction on Oscar night as the book met with on that occasion.

And I think that it is fair to say that the Oscar win has prompted a fair amount of adverse reaction in the press, certainly the UK press, over the last week. But, as I have said elsewhere, I put that down to people who dislike the films and/or the book seeking to counteract the overwhelming acclaim that both are currently receiving. For these people, the Oscar win is, I think, the "straw that broke the camel's back".

But really, so what? As I have also said elsewhere, the popularity of the book must surely be at an all-time high, it has been voted the most popular book in the UK, and the films have proved to be amongst the most successful (both critically and financially) of all time. So, let's be content with that, eh? :)

[Evisse the Blue]

but I won't say anything more on the subject, either. Time to move on...I think that we Tolkien afficionados can be a bit overly-paranoid sometimes. yes, that's me all over. maybe you do have a point.:)

EDIT: Ahem, post 1013 (ten thirteen anyone? as in 1013 Productions, I made this:D )

[Everdawn]

And Liv's hairstyle was kind of weird.... I don't think she actually needed to wear those glasses....

I totally disagree with that, and i have been at war with my tasteless friends about this all week. (Pelennor the biggest battle? No way! NOt during post-oscar week at my school). I loved her 30's inspired Givenchy gown, I loved it to death! And th glases are her normal pair guys! But I htink they gave the whole look the right smount of flair. And my fave thing was the hair, it was a individual twist on the 30's, it's very Carole Lombard.

She did a wonderful job of presenting!

Oh! seeing Angelina Jolie at the Osacars made me tink that if Gilraen would have been anywhere in teh movies, she would be ideal to play her.

[Finwe]

I think Angelina Jolie is too sensuous-looking to play Gilraen. She's a beautiful person and a beautiful actress, but I think someone like Isabella Rossellini or a younger Anjelica Huston would be better for Gilraen.

[Lalaith]

Michelle Pfeiffer.

[mollecon]

Everdawn, I actually liked Liv Tyler in that outfit & with glasses! And though she's undoubtedly a beauty, she never struck be as that sexy, but she did seem very sexy like that! ;)

PS.: I'm a guy! :)

[Essex]

mollecon,

Liv Tyler not sexy? Take a look at her dad's videos that she and Alicia Silverstone were in.. (and the film Empire Records)

I think these will help you change your mind......

[Aredhel Ar-Feiniel]

I actually liked Liv Tyler in that outfit & with glasses! And though she's undoubtedly a beauty, she never struck be as that sexy, but she did seem very sexy like that!

Id say more Galm, but yeah she did look hot, and my boyfriend took all the pictures i cut out of my magazines of her and stuck them on his walls. NOT HAPPY!

Michelle Pfieffer as Gilraen that would be cool!

[Gorwingel]

Well on the topic of Liv Tyler's outfit...
I thought that it was okay, but not the best. The dress personally for me was not the most flattering thing that she has ever worn. It seemed a little too boxy, but I didn't mind the hair. And even though the glasses were only there for utilitarian purposes... they added a nice touch to the outfit and made her look different.

I thought all the LOTR people looked very good. I personally don't like all the complaints about how Peter Jackson looked, because Peter Jackson is Peter Jackson. He is who he is, and it's not like he is an actor... he is the filmmaker, it is all about the art for him.

[Everdawn]

I thought all the LOTR people looked very good. I personally don't like all the complaints about how Peter Jackson looked, because Peter Jackson is Peter Jackson. He is who he is, and it's not like he is an actor... he is the filmmaker, it is all about the art for him.

Yeah! Thats true, i saw him and he still looked the same and im like "What a champ!", hes an individual thats what, and Fran, shes a bigger champ I reckon and she pulled her outfit off nicely.

[Saraphim]

This is a bit late, as it's already April, but o well.

I was so happy that they won 11 awards! It was so cool. Though I was surprised that PJ wasn't wearing shorts...

Kidding. I especially liked the intro with Billy Crystal, but it was really weird when they put his head onto Legolas's body. I was surprised that so few of the cast showed. Maybe they couldn't get tickets.

[Gorwingel]

Maybe they couldn't get tickets.

Yeah, exactly right. And in addition many just couldn't (Orlando) or didn't (Viggo) want to go. I think some of the actors who had smaller parts most definitely wanted to come, but yes, they were way short with tickets (I think every nominee gets something like 3, and then the studio gets some). Actually when Fellowship was nominated Ian McKellen had to take Elijah Wood as a guest! He couldn't even get his own ticket.

[Cibbwin]

I don't understand why people who were in the movies cannot even get in to see the Oscars, yet people who had nothing to do with the movies up there that year get a billion pictures of them taken on the red carpet.

But now that that's said, we really are a paranoid bunch. Why did Sean Penn get a standing ovation? Because he's a much loved actor who many people thought deserved the Oscar. Why was Sofia Coppola given a standing ovation? Because she's a female director and scriptwriter, a rarity, and her family is big in that business.

When a movie wins every award to be won (it seems) people's hands are gonna get tired from all the clapping. And as someone else said, NO best picture gets standing ovations.

[TheBladeThatWasBroken]

I don't understand why people who were in the movies cannot even get in to see the Oscars, yet people who had nothing to do with the movies up there that year get a billion pictures of them taken on the red carpet

Ditto that. I couldn't see the whole thing live and had to wait for re-runs to come up, so before that, I tried satisfying myself by looking around Yahoo and MSN's photo galleries, and all I saw were Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, ...that other actress from Moulin Rouge whose name I suddenly forgot, the actress from Kill Bill whose name I also forgot suddenly, Liv Tyler, and one or two shots of Howard Shore, PJ, and Ian McKellen. So I thought out of the entire cas, only Liv and Ian McKellen went, it wasn't until I saw the re-runs that I noticed all four Hobbits. The photographers were so sexist! XP.

As for Liv Tyler's appearance that night... I like it, it was quite unique, though I don't think it was necessary for her to take 10-something seconds to put on the glasses, adjust them, and put her arms down in front of her. =_=