From the New York Times: Even as "The Return of the King," the third and last of the movies made by Peter Jackson, works its way through theaters, New Zealand and its film industry are already scrambling to prepare for the post-"Rings" future. [More] (NOTE: Site requires free registration)

Luvalaurea writes: While listening to my favorite country station, KZLA 93.9, here in Los Angeles, there was a surprise call from Sean Astin. He said his wife told him to call to say they were all big fans and listen to the station all the time. It was cute. Sean will be on the morning show Monday, Feb 9th.

ROTK Songstress Annie Lennox will be on the Ellen Degeneres show this Wednesday February 11th. No idea if she will sing 'Into the West' just yet.

PJ with his DGA Award

Asfaloth writes: HERE'S A SCOOP! Last night PJ said that he'd just finished editing the Extended Edition of "The Return of the King" and the running time was 4 hours and 10 minutes. He said there are 50 minutes of new scenes in the cut. Woo hoo!!! Can't wait! [More]

Composer Howard Shore has won a Grammy for his work on the second film of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy The Lord of the Rings. Shore won the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for his work on The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers. [More]

Ringer Spy Roheryn writes: The Fabruary 2004 issue of Entertainment Weekly (#751) mail section, headlined as "Tolkien Gestures," features some interesting reader responses to EW's recent "Entertainers of the Year" issue, which had ranked LOTR as Number One, along with a cover story. [More]

Aelfwine writes: In tomorrow's Arts & Leisure of The New York Times, there will be a black and white one page ad of ROTK that shows Frodo embracing Sam. I think this is the Grey Havens scene. Also, the ad mentions three TV alerts, rather early, I must add, for tomorrow. Watch "A Filmmaker's Journey: Making 'The Return of the King'" TODAY at 7:00 AM WNYW Channel 5. Watch 'History Center Lord of the Rings' Today at 9:00 AM on the History Channel and 'Making of the Lord of the Rings' Today at 11:00 AM on Bravo.

PennyQ writes: Here are some early pics from the set of Orlando Bloom’s next film “The Calcium Kid”. [More]

Irascian sends along his report and photos from Wednesday nights Empire Movie awards. [More]

He also sends the Q&A transcript and more photos from the same event here. [More]

Marigold writes: Viggo Mortensen is scheduled to be on John Fisher and Mike West's morning show Wednesday Feb. 11, radio station KMTT 103.7 FM, according to their web site. I don't know whether he will be there or will be on the phone. Heard the announcement while driving the 100 miles back to my house from seeing Return of the King again at the Seattle Cinerama.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - New Zealand-born film-maker Peter Jackson won a key pre-Oscar award on Saturday as the Directors Guild of America named him best director for 2003 for "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," the final part of the fantasy trilogy that set cash registers ringing around the world. [More]

LOS ANGELES — With so much riding on an Oscar win, studios spend millions trying to convince Academy Awards voters that their films are the best. But the big-money business of Oscar campaigning has Academy officials concerned, so this year they've cut the time between nominations and the awards ceremony in half — a move some filmmakers greeted with relief. [More]

LOS ANGELES — Academy Awards voters could be kicked out under new rules intended to tone down aggressive Oscar campaigning. The new penalty -- expulsion or suspension from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences -- is aimed mainly at studio executives and staff who oversee efforts to position their films for Oscar contention. But it also could apply to nominees themselves, including actors, directors and writers. [More]

Dominic Monaghan has been scheduled to be a guest on the radio talk show Lovelines this Wednesday. [More]

Asfaloth writes: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – In December of 2000 Peter Jackson witnessed “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” premiere at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California. On February 6, 2004 he returned to a sold out crowd and a warm reception as the American Cinematheque screened “Fellowship.” Fans started lining up at around 4pm for the 7:30pm screening which was followed by a Q & A with PJ hosted by Christopher Connelly. [More]

Greylin writes: Congratulations to Ian Holm who has recently remarried! From an article from yesterday's UK Daily Telegraph: Sir Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins) met artist Sophie de Stempel early last year, when she asked to paint his portrait. After a whirlwind romance, they tied the knot in a low-key ceremony late last year. [telegraph.co.uk]

The 46th Grammy Awards will be on CBS tonight starting at 8PM. Be sure to see is Howard Shore will win the 'Best score soundtrack album for a motion picture, television or other visual media' award. Howard is up against John Williams (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN & HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS), Philip Glass (THE HOURS) & Randy Newman (SEABISCUIT).

Also be sure to catch Sean Astin as he is set to be a presenter some time during the show.

LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Oscar fans and movie-goers, behold the one "Ring." And take a good, long look while you can because this may be the weekend it starts to lose some of its award-winning luster. Film fantasy "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" has raked in box office cash ($925 million worldwide) and raced ahead in Hollywood's awards season but Friday, ahead of two key weekend industry awards, some film experts were starting to wonder if the Oscar shoo-in is really just that. [More]

Greetings -- Quickbeam here. Tonight at the 56th Annual DGA Awards the greatest film and TV directors gathered to honor their very best. The 2003 Award for Outstanding Directorial Acheivement for a Feature Film was given to Peter Jackson for ROTK. With great warmth and humility, PJ accepted the award by thanking J.R.R. Tolkien, saying "the book honors the ideas of courage, friendship, and faith." Pictures are available in our Gallery here. Pay attention Academy voters -- this award is the industry's strongest barometer of who will win the Oscar!

From The Globe and Mail: Middle-Earth's kingly Aragorn is a painter, photographer, poet and singer, and a limelight-shunning cowboy. [More]

DiamondTook writes: As a lot of people seemed to have missed this show, I wrote it out word for word for y'all. Enjoy! [More]

TORn Staffer MrCere sent us a link about preparations currently underway for the Oscars. [More]

There are some enigmas in 'The Lord of the Rings' that we are never really given the answers to. Have you, for example, considered Gandalfs description of how the Balrog changes appearance after the fall from Durins bridge? It does make you think about the Watcher in the water in some ways. Could the Watcher in fact be the Balrog?[More]

TORn Green Books Staffer Ostadan writes: The long-awaited new issue of Parma Eldalamberon #14 is now available. [More]

From Ringer Spy Lynne: Thanks to the Santa Barbara Film Festival's decision to honor Peter Jackson with their Modern Masters award in a two-hour ceremony/interview/presentation at the Arlington Theater last weekend, I had the opportunity to meet a few folks we all know and love. [More]

From Galadhremmin: The Northwest Classics Society in Seattle is offering a class entitled "J.R.R. Tolkien, the Writer: The Genius of the Rings," meeting six Thursday evenings starting 2/15/04. It will focus on Tolkien's narrative techniques and writing process, and is being taught by David Farrar, a local novelist. The class costs $48. [More]

Media Watch! Ringer Spy CorinneWriter says: "In today's (2/6) New York Times' WEEKEND: Movie and Performing Arts section, there is a full two-page spread featuring headshots of all 20 major characters ... from the entire trilogy, including creepy old ROTK Bilbo ... and Boromir. The one of Faramir is 'particularly fine' (apologies to Pippin), as it shows a detail on his hauberk obscured by his cloak in most of his scenes: an inset leather diamond incised with the seventh star of Gondor." Do you have scans of this article? [Send them in!]

TV Watch: Many of you sent in the news that Peter Jackson will be interviewed on tonight's Charlie Rose. Find your local station and showtimes here. [More]

Ringer Spy Donna mentioned that this previously linked IMDB article about Mortensen's financial situation actually comes from an earlier, more in-depth article focusing upon his choice of roles. [More]

Ringer Spy DiamondTook writes: "I found this article on www.boundless.org, which is a christian webzine for college students. I thought you may want it, because it is written by one who attended the roundtable interviews, and so has many new quotes in it." The article assesses Peter Jackson's vision vs. Tolkien's vision from a Christian perspective. [More]

What exactly is it like to be an Oscar voter? Ringer Spy Holly Davis points us to this Washington Post article. [More]

From TORn Staffer Asfaloth: Sean Astin and Elijah Wood will be presenters at the 56th Annual DGA Awards Dinner in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Peter Jackson is nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film. TORn staffers Asfaloth and Quickbeam will be in the pressroom covering the event. Look for the results and pictures on TORn late in the evening (Pacific Standard Time) tomorrow!

Rohavorn writes: I just returned from a special Regal Cinemas screening of Viggo Mortensen's new movie Hidalgo. I'm going to do my best to keep this report spoiler-free and still give an outline of the film. [More]

Cooperfan writes: David Garland, host of "Spinning on Air" on WNYC radio, New York City, announced on the radio today that he will be interviewing Howard Shore on his show. Show airs on Friday evenings, at 9 p.m. on 93.9 fm and on the web at wnyc.org.

Paul writes: The voting period for "The Golden Schmoes" is now open from February 5-12, 2004. Return of the King has 11 nominations. [More]

Suzanne writes: There is a free lecture at UVIC tonight (Feb 5th) at 7:30 pm at the Fraser Building, the lecture is titled "Problems Tolkien Set for Jackson", by Tom Shippey.

The folks from kweevak.com write: On Thursday night we will be interviewing Paul Turk from the band Hobbit. He will be on the air live with me at 10 PM EST discussing his band's concept album based on the Tolkien trilogy. Hobbit has been described as a cross between Yes, Styx, and Tull. Please tune in and spread the word. [More]

1070 AM KNX Los Angeles will be speaking with Peter Jackson today on 'The Business Hour.' (1pm PST) PJ is expected to talk about the success of LOTR and his future projects. Unfortunately we do not see a live stream feed for those of you outside Los Angeles, but if someone finds one, please send us the link! [knx1070.com]

Expect to hear a lot about Peter Jackson -- if you haven't already. The short, scraggly producer and director of "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is at times reminiscent of the hobbit characters he has brought to the big screen. [More]

Dor-Lomin writes: I am a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, a small Catholic university (approx 2000 students) in Steubenville, Ohio. This semester our school is offering a 3-credit night class on the Lord of the Rings, which recieved an enthusiastic response. [More]

Irascian writes: 'Lord of the Rings' won three prizes at tonight’s Empire Awards at The Dorchester Hotel in London. Best Scene went to “Ride of the Rohirrim” and was collected by Bernard Hill. Best British Actor went to Andy Serkis for his portrayal of Gollum. Best film went, for the third consecutive year, to Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson sent an acceptance speech he filmed of himself as he went around a rollercoaster, and Billy Boyd, Andy Serkis and Bernard Hill accepted the award on his behalf. [More]

cola greenleaf writes: The Lord of the Rings won the following Empire Awards tonight! Billy Boyd, Bernard Hill and Andy Serkis attented on behalf of the cast!

Sony Ericsson Scene of the Year: The Ride of the Rohirrim, accepted by Bernard Hill
Best British Actor: Andy Serkis!
Best Film: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King!

Harmony writes that KTLA 5 (which will be airing Angel's 100th episode tonight) will have Peter Jackson on their morning show Thursday morning. [ktla.com]

Diana writes: On Feb 10, Sir Ian McKellen will be on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. On Monday Feb 16, Sean Astin will be on The Ellen Degeneres Show along with Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and Rob Schneider, obviously to promote "Fifty First Dates."

Brandon from boxofficemojo.com writes: With the latest overseas grosses from its Extended Edition release factored, 'The Two Towers' has edged out 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace' to become the #3 movie of all time worldwide. 'TTT' climbed to $925.9 million, compared to 'Phantom Menace's $925.6 million. 'TTT's stay at #3 will be short-lived though. 'ROTK' soared to $918.1 million and in a matter of days will surpass both 'TTT' and 'Phantom Menace.' [More]

Raul Burriel writes: I'm the director of the Internet Movie Awards and I wanted to let you know that open voting has begun for this year's awards at. ROTK has received several nominations, including "Favorite Picture", "Favorite Supporting Actor" for Andy Serkis and Sean Astin, and "Favorite Supporting Actress" for Miranda Otto. I thought your readers may like to know. Voting lasts until February 29th. [internetmovieawards.com]

Grace Lee writes: I hope you'll let TORN members know by posting on your home page that the BAFTA awards will be broadcast live on BBC America on Sunday, Feb. 15th at 4:00 PM EST/1:00 PT. ROTK is up for: Best Film, Director, The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction, Screenplay (Adapted), The Anthony Asquith Award for Achievenment in Film Music, Cinematography, Editing Production Design, Costume Design, Sound, Special Visual Effects, Makeup & Hair, Orange Film of the Year.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "The Last Samurai" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" led the overseas market over the weekend, but opportunities arose -- though not on as grand a scale as that enjoyed by the titans -- for several titles to snatch the No. 1 positions in scattered countries. [More]

Media Watch: Wedding Dresses Talks Fantasy Weddings

The folks from Wedding Dresses Magazine writes: Here are some exclusive extracts from the upcoming issue of Wedding Dresses. This issue won't be on the newsstands until mid february but poeple can pre-order copies here. [More] [weddingdresses.com]

Arwen writes: Quite appropriately in those times which many have been referred to as “The Year of the King”, the Santa Barbara Film Festival elected to honor Peter Jackson with their 2004 Modern Master Award. The sold-out event took place on Saturday January 31st at the beautiful Arlington Theater in downtown Santa Barbara. People started to line up early in the afternoon, and by 6pm the line of dedicated fans was going around the block, braving the chilly wind. [More]

Peiyu writes: The February 2004 issue of Singapore's FiRST magazine has the results of the FiRST Awards 2003. There is also a report on the LOTR Motion Picture Trilogy Exhibition to be held in Singapore, along with an Animation Workshop. [More]

True-Hearted Easterling writes: I thought this might be of interest to TORn readers. Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is home to the original manuscripts and multiple working drafts of The Hobbit, Farmer Giles of Ham, and The Lord of the Rings, is hosting weekly presentations on Wednesdays at 7 pm about the J.R.R. Tolkien Collection. [More]

Bloody-Disgusting is hearing that Brad Dourif, who played Grima Wormtongue in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, may not be back as the voice of Chucky in Focus Features' planned Seed of Chucky. However, writer/director Don Mancini has debunked the above rumor to Creature-Corner "Ridiculous rumor. Brad is signed, sealed, and thrilled to death. I had lunch with him on Saturday."

Harrysfannyc writes: Sala Baker will be at the following mall in March with others. The signings will take place in California on March 13-14 and Salt Lake City on March 20. The California location is Westfield Shoppingtown MainPlace, 2800 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA, 92705

Wendy from Dreamish.com writes: A couple of months ago, I happened to visit the website of artist, Ted Nasmith. I browsed through his online art gallery and simply love his work! Then I noticed that one of the soft cover books I have, The Hobbit, has his beautiful Tolkien artwork on the cover. I wrote him to see if he would like to do an interview and share his story. He was so sweet and even during his busy time, has agreed to. [More]

Ellen sends along this information regarding what looks like a great weekend coming up soon! [More]

Panic at Morton's! Flop sweats at The Ivy! This Oscar season, squeezed at both ends, is making the movie biz nervous and may have changed the game forever. It's the movie industry's Super Bowl and America's favorite excuse for show-biz gambling. Oscar night, Feb. 29, is less than four weeks away, and inquiring sportsmen want to know. [More]

Sean Astin is set to appear on The David Letterman Show tonight (CBS 11:30pm EST) to promote the upcoming film "50 First Dates."

Ringer Spies Samwise and Little Frodo send in this clip from the Dallas Morning News about an all-night read-a-thon of "The Hobbit" at the Dallas Museum of Art. [More]

Ringer Spy Lisa writes in: "I wanted to let you know that I heard this morning on the Mark & Brian radio show that Peter Jackson will be in their studio and on the air this Thursday morning. The Mark & Brian show is a nationwide syndicated morning show broadcast from KLOS in LA." Check here to see if the M&B show is on a station in your area.

Peter Jackson is set to appear this Sunday at 8pm EST on AMC's original program "Shootout," where hosts Peter Bart and Peter Guber take their bet shots at the industry, the movies AND each other. [More] Check AMC's site for local programming info.

Ringer Spy Lee (and many others) sends in this interview with Viggo Mortensen from the Toronto Star in which Viggo discusses the LOTR cast's lack of Oscar nominations. [More]

Thanks everyone for the link!

Ringer Spy Irascian finally got around to transcribing second press panel held in Wellington priot to the worldpremière of The Return of the King: There's nothing really new here except perhaps the news that Liv Tyler’s song is likely to be on the extended DVD. But at least some of the pictures are nice. I particularly like the one of Viggo near the bottom of the page where with only a microphone to aid him he does a very good impression of Mickey Mouse... [More]

Thanks to Sammy, JP, Starmaid, John, Paul F. & Greenleaf's Cat for thier great reports and images from the Santa Barbara Film Fest, and the Modern Master Award Ceremony with Peter Jackson, Sean Astin and a Python with a dead Kiwi! (well, it wasn't dead when he bought it) [More]

Ringer Spy Roheryn writes: The February 2004 issue of the trade publication "Film & Video" had two LOTR-related articles. The cover story focused on five of the leading special effects gurus, including LOTR's Jim Rygiel. The cover art even includes a caricature of Jim, lower right. The second article is a very revealing survey of the magazine's readers who all work in the film and video industry. [More]

Roheryn writes: This small item jammed with familiar names appeared in the January 16 issue of Entertainment Weekly. Interesting to note that if Bruce Spence had made it into the final cut of the theatrical release of ROTK as the Mouth of Sauron, he would have topped Hugo Weaving in this tally! [More]

Jerry of the Shire writes: Just wanted to pass along the flier for a three-day series of LotR-related events put on by the English Department of Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA. On Feb 5th, they will view Fotr, on Feb 12th TTT, and on Feb 19th will be a roundtable discussion about RotK. [More]

The failure of the final part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, to receive a single acting Academy Award nomination is a travesty. At least four of the male actors - Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen and Bernard Hill - fully deserve Oscars. [More]

cyndi sends along these photos from a photo exhibit opened by Viggo Mortensen in Santa Monica in California. Taken in January of 2004. [More]

Frodo's Girl writes: Though I have yet to figure out what a life-sized Gandalf sculpture that is sculpted with margarine has to do with the anniversary of the Queen's first visit to NZ. It was never-the-less weta's contribution to te papas 4 day long celebration. [More]

Ataahua writes: The latest edition of Local Government Magazine, New Zealand, has a detailed article on the renovation of The Embassy Theatre – site of the New Zealand premier of The Return of the King. [More]

NewsweekFeb. 9 issue - Oscar Round Table 2004: On Jan. 24, we gathered five great directors to talk about inspirational movies, exasperating studios, childhood dreams and piracy nightmares. Early on in the conversation that follows between five of this year's most formidable filmmakers, "Cold Mountain's" writer-director Anthony Minghella points out the absurdity of talking about "Return of the King" and "Lost in Translation" in the same sentence. [More]

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — E.T. could not do it. Neither could Luke Skywalker or Dorothy Gale. Yet Frodo Baggins and his hobbit, elf and wizard pals are on the verge of claiming Academy Awards respectability for the land of make-believe. Fantastical tales have a long and dismal Oscar history, but "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of The King" looks ready to change that, taking front-runner status for best picture with a leading 11 Oscar nominations. [More]

circi writes: The Greek Tolkien Society is happy to invite all its memebers, as well as all other friends of Professor Tolkien's work, to a "Lord of the Rings"- Costume Party, on Friday the 13th of February at the club "Pulsar" (24, Romvis St., Athens). The costumes should be either based on the "Lord of the Rings", Fantasy in general or medieval. The door opens at 21.30hrs and the fun should last till the early morning hours. Admission costs 10 euros and it includes the first drink. [More]

Dominic Monaghan Joins Man U?

Cheshire Cat writes: The latest edition of the official Manchester United football team's monthly magazine has a nice little article in it about Dominic Monaghan. It talks about his football passion and his allegiance to the United team and also about his attempt to spread his enthusiasm through the Lord of the Rings cast. There are some lovely pictures of him at Old Trafford football ground wearing his Manchester United Hobbit 1 shirt! [More]

Pabar writes: Thomas Shippey will be giving a lecture on The Lord of the Rings at the Unversity of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada this week. The lecture is part of the Lansdowne Lecture series and is free and open to the public: [More]

Ostadan writes: People interested in Tengwar fonts will be interested in this announcement. It is now possible to mimic the writing style seen on the One Ring, which many have wanted. It is compatible with the widely-used Dan Smith fonts. This font was created by Johan Winge writes: [More]

Peter Jackson is going to need a very large suitcase after adding another award to his already large haul. Jackson picked up the Modern Master Award - along with a stuffed kiwi - at the Santa Barbara Film Festival over the weekend. [More]

Colin writes: I work at Blockbuster and I was looking in the computer today. According to our computers, The Return of the King is set for release on May 25th. I don't know how accurate that is or if it will change or not, but they're usually pretty good about not putting it in the computer unless they know for sure. Also, there will be another rental card offer for it.

Sandicomm writes: I just wanted to let the TORN staff know that Heart of the City is going geek... again. A new storyline has started where Heart drops her mom's engagement ring down the sink, and Dean and Heart need to find it in the sewer. Once there, they meet a good old friend of ours. The plot starts at this strip but Gollum makes his appearance in the next strip.

Krissy writes: In the February 9, 2004 edition of Entertainment Weekly: Oscar Edition there is a small article on LOTR:ROTK with a very popular picture of Galdalf inside. Also a small article on Peter Jackson and his nomination for Best Director, full page picture of PJ as well. [More]

Ringer Spy Lady Constantine writes: This ad features Sam carrying Frodo up Mount Doom. The tag phrase is none other than: “Come on, master Frodo. I can’t carry the Ring, but I can carry you”. [More]

Hollis writes: Local Santa Barbara newspaper The Independent has an article about PJ and some of his slasher films. [More]

orcwillow writes: Peter Jackson will appear on AMC's Shootout next Sunday, Feb 8 at 11:00am. This is a pretty good show if you haven't seen it before. [More]

The February 2004 edition of The LA Times has this article featuring Carlene Cordova called "'Rings' films: chick flicks?". [More]

British actor Orlando Bloom is set to propose to American girlfriend Kate Bosworth at next week's Empire Film Awards in London. The Lord Of The Rings star, 27, will reportedly being getting down on one knee to ask for the 21-year-old Blue Crush actress's hand in marriage at the glitzy ceremony. [More]

T.K. writes: More guests have been announced for Collectormania 5 on 30th April - 3rd May. These are Craig Parker (Haldir), Jed Brophy (Sharku/Warg rider/Snaga), Lawrence Makoare (Lurtz/Witchking)'. For the First ever London Film and Comic Con on the 6th and 7th of March. Bruce Hopkins (Gamling), John Noble (Denethor) and Billy Boyd. [londoncomicon.com]

Dominic Monaghan will be on 'The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn' tonight at 12:35AM, quite late late if you ask ask me! [CBS.com]

Two bits of news that are related have come from Robert of Caltanet. First is news of the Tolkien Fifty Years conference being organised by the Italian Tolkien Society and others, to be held in Brussels in March. The second bit of news concerns the publication of some unpublished letters of Tolkiens - read to the bottom of the press release for more on that. [More]