Wellington, Dec 31 (ANI): Film director Peter Jackson has revealed that he finds being awarded a knighthood better than winning an Oscar.

Jackson, 48, who is a winner of more than a dozen Academy Awards, was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours.

“This is an incredible moment in my life. I didn’t think anything would surpass the 2004 Academy Awards, but I was wrong,” the New Zealand Herald quoted him as saying.

“The feeling of gratitude and pride I have in accepting this honour from my home country is profound,” he stated.

Sir Peter was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002, and has “continued to excel in and significantly contribute to the New Zealand film industry”, the citation for his knighthood read.

“I feel very lucky to be able to make movies in New Zealand and I will always be grateful for the support I have received from so many New Zealanders,” Jackson said.

He sees the knighthood as “recognition of the collective achievement of our terrific crews and our film pioneers … who trail blazed a path towards the creation of a modern Kiwi film industry”. (ANI)