Lord of the Rings’ director Peter Jackson knighted
January 2nd, 2010 - 1:22 am ICT by IANS ( Leave a comment )London, Jan 1 (IANS) Peter Jackson, the New Zealand director whose “Lord of the Rings” trilogy won 17 Oscars, will now be known as ‘Sir Peter’.
He was knighted for what the annual list honouring the country’s worthy citizens simply calls “services to film”, reports telegraph .co.uk.
New Zealand knights and dames, among the nation’s highest honours, are sanctioned by the Queen, New Zealand’s head of state.
The “Lord of the Rings” trio showcased New Zealand’s unique natural scenery as writer J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy land, filled with sword-swinging warriors, elves, wizards and hairy-footed hobbits. The project broke box office records around the world, won Jackson international accolades, and prompted a spike in tourism to New Zealand.
“I didn’t think anything would surpass the 2004 Academy Awards, but I was wrong,” Jackson said in a statement, adding that receiving the honour was an “incredible moment”.
Jackson is currently working on the prequel “The Hobbit”, also based on a Tolkien book, with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. Filming is due to begin in New Zealand in early 2010, with the company announcing Wednesday it was seeking extras.
Main actors have yet to be announced but some, like Sir Ian McKellen - the wizard Gandalf in the trilogy - are expected to reprise their roles.
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- The International Federation of Actors Calls For An International Boycott Of "The Hobbit" - Sep 27, 2010
- Ian McKellen to reprise his role as wizard Gandalf in new Hobbit films - Jan 11, 2011
- 'The Hobbit' is on track: Sir Ian Mckellen - Jun 15, 2010
- Despite Delays, Sir Ian McKellen To Return as Gandalf in Hobbit Films - Sep 14, 2010
- Sir Ian McKellen to star in The Hobbit - Mar 17, 2010
- Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit postponed until 2012 - Dec 19, 2008
- Diminutive Actors For 'Hobbit' Sought - Sep 27, 2010
- Del Toro Is No Longer The Director Of The Hobbit - Jun 02, 2010
- Will Sir Ian Mckellen be seen in 'The Hobbit'? - Nov 29, 2010
- Sir Ian McKellen may bid adieu to his role in 'The Hobbit' - Jul 08, 2010
- McKellen considered quitting 'The Hobbit' - Jan 14, 2011
- It's official: Elijah Wood is starring in 'The Hobbit' - Jan 10, 2011
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