The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has just won the Best Sound Editing Oscar. Congratulations to Ethan Van der Ryn and Michael Hopkins, the award recipients for this category!

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has just lost the Best Sound Oscar to Chicago.

Brendan Fraser introduced a clip from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers as the first of tonight's five Best Picture nominees. The clip shown was the famous "Gollum's internal debate" scene.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has just lost the Best Art Direction Oscar to Chicago.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has just won the Best Visual Effects Oscar. Congratulations to Jim Rygiel, Joe Letteri, Randall William Cook, and Alex Funke, the award recipients for this category!

Hamish writes, "I did a video capture of last night's interview with Peter Jackson on the TV1 show 'SUNDAY' at 7pm. Its about 13mb, and in Real Player format. its pretty good quality. The file is located here Thanks Hamish!

The Official Fan Club in LA held a Pub Moot and other fun activities as a warm-up to the Oscars - many of them will be at TheOneParty by now too. Irascian has a record of the fun so far. [More] In case you're feeling left out [like I am!!!] and the closest you can get to other Ringers and TORNadoes is our chatroom Barlimans, remember we're having a special Oscars room there if you want to hang out and share the Oscarswatch experience with others. It's #awardsparty to enter.

TORN regulars who are at the One Party have made some feeble promises to drop into the chatroom and tell us how it's all going when they're not too busy having fun. Yeah, right!

A few weeks ago we mentioned that PJ and Fran Walsh had thrown their support behind a programme to increase public awareness of the need for organ donors in order to save lives. There's a petition for it which PJ and Fran Walsh have signed, as you can see for yourself, as has Orlando Bloom [or somebody claiming to be, at any rate.] "There is an acute shortage of organs for transplant due to the refusal of the government to address the lack of public education, ICU staff training and education, and is grossly underfunding the transplant coordination service in comparison with our neighbour country of Australia." [More]

Fingolfin writes, "An addition to yesterday's post about the upcoming UC blades: I also read on BladesbyBrown.com an interview with UC designer Kit Rae, and he also says that other possible additions to the LOTR line include Sauron's Mace and (possibly) Gil-galad's spear Aiglos."

"Other wonderful items are Aragorn's Elven Dagger, Legolas' White Knives, Sauron's Gauntlet with One Ring attached, various scale helmet replicas (I assume they'll be similar to the Sideshow/WETA replicas), and the Elven Battle Shield. (from the Last Alliance?)"

NineCompanions.net is running a great service, offering little soundclips from TTT that you can download, including favourite moments like 'Now for wrath, now for ruin, and a red dawn,' and so on. [More] Thanks to LOTR Nutcase for the link.

Sir Ian is running a diary on his life on and around the X-Men set in Vancouver, similar to the Grey Book which recorded his experiences while filming LOTR. [More]
Thanks to Wee Tanya for the link.

Ianthe writes: This morning's Boston Globe thumbnail piece in the "The Examined Life" column cites JRRT's creation of irregular word forms, and solicits feedback to David Salo, linguistics grad student and language consultant for the movies. [More]

People are asking if any LOTR people will be in Hollywood let alone TheOneParty. Maori Hobbit wrote in to say that the Wellington newspaper, Sunday News, mentioned that Craig Parker [Haldir] was flying out to attend the Oscars, as he was firm friends with the Hobbits.

Recently I spoke to Bruce Hopkins [Gamling the Old] and he said he was going, and was looking forward to our party as well. So all is not lost.

From Aniron: Classic FM in the UK has a program in the evening called "Natalie Wheen at 11." She said that she would be talking to Christopher Lee on Monday and Ian McKellen on Thursday.

House of Telcontar has a blurb about Viggo's latest anthologized work, in something called "The Spoken Word Revolution," here (under March 21 entry). Thanks to Wee Tanya for the link.

A possible hint that we will see more backstory in the third film. [More]

Liritar had a peek inside Blade Magazine and reports, "Inside is a story about the swords that United Cutlery has made, [but also] a brief list of swords that they're either planning on making or would like to: the Elf Warrior Sword and Theoden's sword, and possibly Eomer's sword, Legolas's daggers, Eowyn's sword, Strider's Elven Knife, Faramir's sword and Orc swords.

We don't see that many articles on Miranda Otto. [Eowyn]. Here's a good one that came out in December, but we missed it in the frenzy around the TTT release. Still worth a read. . [More] Thanks to Greylin

Blue Kat sends this link to Hollywoodreporter, which talks about Andy Serkis [Gollum]'s new project. [More]

An update thanks to Ansis and others: 'Sunday' on TV1, Sunday at 7:30pm is doing a segment on the NZ film industry. By the looks of it they are examining the way we attract films to NZ, the role of LOTR, tax breaks, how Hollywood sees these runaway productions etc. PJ was shown talking about the lack of financial incentives given to the film industry by the govt., and likened trying to convince the Finance Minister to give tax concessions to trying to get a vegan to eat meat.

CBBC's Newsround had a chat session with Andy Serkis. He answers questions that Newsround viewers have sent in; he talks about other actors, his experience in NZ, where he'd live in Middle-earth and which LOTR prop he'd have, to name a few. Thanks to BJam and others for the link. [More]

The Official Fan Club messageboard has an announcement of a LOTR convention planned in Canberra, Australia in September. [More] Also, Collectormania in the UK have added Bruce Hopkins [Gamling the Old] to their guest list. [More]

Matthew wrote in with a conclusion to that little contest. We found out where the original came from too - it was on that brilliant messageboard thread, 'If LOTR Was Written By Somebody Else."
[More]

This is very cool, in a 'some people have too much time on their hands' kind of a way. Teachers saddled with teaching elementary biology to unwilling teenage girls might like to bookmark this article. With the addition of a few stills from the movie, they could turn genetic theory into a popular subject . [More] Thanks to Jenny for the link.

A women's web site called Bellaonline.com has an article up in their body art section on "The Tattoos of the Fellowship of the Ring." [More] Thanks to Dúnadeneth for the link.

Fraser sends us this link to the exhibition of LOTR props and costumes, still at the Museum in Wellington until the end of this month - this nzoom article has some pictures. [More] There's also a rumour that PJ will be interviewed on NZ TV on Sunday at 7:30. Anyone able to confirm that?

"Rohan cannot come." Gondor is under seige and cut off from its allies as the forces of Sauron swarm Minas Tirith. Can the city hold?

Return of the King - Book V, Chapter 4: Siege of Gondor

Through the eyes of Pippin, we see the dissension between Gondor's leaders , the distrust between Denethor and Gandalf, and the rift between Denethor and his son, Faramir. We witness the growing despair that sweeps the Tower of the Guard as Sauron's hordes sweep across the river and lay siege to Minas Tirith. [More]

TORN is heading to Hollywood! Bright lights...big city..all but a very few (we'll miss you Tehanu) TORN staffers are heading to southern California like one big geeky migration! Strangers from distant lands are gathering for the 75th annual Academy Awards and our 'Two Towers: One Party' event! Stay tuned for more! [Party Details]

Lady Laurelin [among others, thank you all] sent us this link to MSN Entertainment which has 5 clips from the movie TTT. You can see an interview with Elijah Wood and Peter Jackson, see the cast at The Two Towers premiere and watch a trailer for the movie. We're the fourth movie from the top (by the picture of Gandalf the White) [More]

More fanciful funnies from the fans. Thanks to Starlady for sending this, though I don't know where it originates. [More]

Animation World Magazine has a big article on how Gollum was animated [More] Thanks to Durrien for the link.

Neville writes, " TTT will be finally released in India on the 28th of March. This time around, New Line does'nt seem to be publicising it well. 'Two Weeks Notice' has larger promos in the papers!"

From USA Today: Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson is opting to stay in New Zealand, where he's filming the third Rings film, rather than risk getting delayed in returning to the production. [More]

(We will get confirmation on this ASAP -Xo)

Peej writes: I have just heard on BBC3 in the UK that Cate has pulled out of the Oscars, stating that she does not want to leave her child in the current situation.

Update: Ananova is reporting that Cate Blanchett WILL attend...so it remains to be seen what will happen. [More]

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is battling for six Oscars, and New Line Cinema had lobbied for more, including a nomination for Andy Serkis, the actor who gave voice and motion to Gollum. But Peter Calveley would have been satisfied with just seeing his name in the closing credits. The New Zealander, 32, was one of more than a dozen actors who provided the motions of the film's computer-generated elves and orcs. [More]

Laura sends along this article detailing the making of a new film 'The Lost Angel' filming in Regina, Saskatchewan. [More]

Ian Huges

It always amuses me when we get casting information for a film that was shot almost 3 years ago and will be released in a little less than 9 months from now. Kiwi actor Ian Hughes' website on aucklandactors.co.nz has his last credit to be the part of BEREGOND in ROTK. [More]

Info on Beregon: A soldier of Minas Tirith in Gondor, who befriended Peregrin Took during his time there, and was later appointed to the Guard of Faramir in Emyn Arnen. From: The Encyclopedia of Arda

The Andy Serkis chat which was to take place has been bumped to tomorrow (March 21st). Take a look at the details. [More]

Generations of readers have cherished Middle-earth, the fantasy universe sprung from the mind of storyteller J.R.R. Tolkien. His magical world has been brought to life in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, the second of which, The Two Towers, is nominated for the Best Picture Oscar at this Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. [More]

Tim writes: On Friday 21st March there is an outdoor screening of The Two Towers at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Australia. Starting at dusk, tickets go on sale at 7:30pm. [More]

Prarie11 & Erendira sends in these reports from their time with Billy Boyd up here in the Great White North. Take a look! [More]

Bit of Earth.net is putting out a final call for people in Oregon who would like to volunteer [with Sean Astin] on their project which supports literacy and makes a 'bit of earth' at the same time by building a children's reading garden. [More]

Sala Baker (the man behind the mask of the Dark Lord Sauron) is slated as a Guest of Honor at Origins 2003, according to their preregistration booklet. Information on the gaming convention, which runs June 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio, can be found at their website Thanks to Elrabin for the news.

Academy Award-nominated actress Cate Blanchett will be a presenter at the 75th Anniversary Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producer Gil Cates announced today. It will be Blanchett's second appearance as an Oscar presenter.

UPDATE: Cate has now stated that she is undecided for the Oscar event. [More]

Wow! Worldwide, TTT has surpassed even FOTR and is now #5 Top Grossing Movie of All Time. Thanks to J. for the news.

Uk's Radio 1's Breakfast Show with Sara Cox (0700-0930 GMT) is running a competition all next week to win a trip to the ROTK pick-up sets in New Zealand. A pretty plum prize for any UK fans!
Thanks to Elstar for the news!

Rosamunde Brownlocks sends along this great report from Billy Boyd's appearance at Trent University in Ontario, take a look! [More]

Andy Serkis (Gollum) will be answering your questions on BBC tomorrow (Thursday, March 20th). Take a look! [More]

For all those worried about our own Oscars party this Sunday, have no fear, it is still set to go on as scheduled. Yahoo! is reporting about that slightly bigger event happening up the street from our own; The 75th Annual Academy Awards. Seems the show will go on, but the glitzy red carpet arrivals have been dumped in favour of a more somber arrival. [More]

Comingsoon.net reports that the theatrical version of TTT is due to hit bookshelves on August 26th, 2003. [More]

Maxim Movies is a new movie themed Maxim publications, so naturally it already has an award to give away for best and worst film. Take a look: Load up on hot dogs! Grab another tub of popcorn!...the magazine will allow you, the ever-important everyday moviegoer, to have your own say in the 2003 Maxim Movie Awards. [More]

There are a limited number of tickets available to 'Two Towers - One Party.' I have a feeling these will go fast, so if you missed your chance before, don't miss out now! [More]

So you have your reservations and you ready to attend the largest fan-run Lord of the Rings celebration ever. Besides the live entertainment and various activities taking place throughout the night, you might ask, "What else can I expect?" How about the opportunity to bid on some of the most sought after collectibles available! [More]

Many fans have e-mailed us concerned about how current events regarding Iraq might affect our 'Two Towers - One Party.' The show will go on! With the news that the Academy Award ceremony will be broadcast as scheduled, we can firmly state that our 'Two Towers - One Party' will also take place as planned.

From the beginning we have worked to make the event as secure as possible, so party guests can expect to be wanded and searched when they enter the party. [About the Party]

entertainmentearth.com has made a bunch of ROTK action figures available online for pre-order! There are no pictures available yet, but some of the names can give you chills to think about! [More] [Shop]

From BBCOnline: Scottish actor Billy Boyd, who plays Pippin the hobbit, will answer your questions on Friday, just two days before the Oscar ceremony. [More]

The 'Two Towers - One Party' is a mere 5 days away! We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our major sponsors of this event. Without the support of all of our sponsors, TheOneRing.net could not put on the largest LOTR party EVER! Please support our sponsors by following there links and even, if you are so inclined, sending them an email of thanks. [Click Here]

Anna writes: Sir Ian McKellen is due to appear in the "London Concert for Peace" at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Sunday 23rd March, along with Judi Dench and a host of other artists. [More]

Plan 9, a musical groupthat worked on FOTR and TTT are now talking about the TTT: Extended Edition work they will have to do. And they bring up 2 interesting bits of news. An 'Eowyn's Lament' with VOCALS by our very own Miranda Otto (Eowyn) and a new CD featuring music from the trilogy, including the haunting 'Elvish Lament' aka 'A Elbereth Gilthoniel', the music heard during the Passing of the Elves scene! Take a look! [More]

Today, March 18th is Brad Dourif's birthday! Brad was born on March 1950 in Huntington, West Virginia. That makes him 53 today! Happy birthday Brad!

Paul writes: In the most recent issue of the LOTR Fan Club Official Movie Magazine (Issue #7, Feb-March, 2003), there is an interview with Peter Jackson. He reveals an interested tidbit on the possible ending for ROTK! !!Possible Spoilers!! [More]

Dimoreion and anine both send in these photos from their visit with Billy Boyd in Edmonton. Take a look! [More]

Well..more like a little advertising sent to a few cinemas around North America...consider it an extremely advanced ROTK promotion! [More]

Take a look at a new poster from the loonies at 'Old School', the new Will Farrel comedy. Looks vaguely familiar.... [More]

Games-Workshop.com just put up this small gallery of some very sought after additions to the Lord of the Rings Tabletop Game. Among these is the jaw droppingly beautiful Radagast the Brown, as well as Tomb Bombadil! Check it out! [More] [Gaming Havens]

Karen writes: They're doing another LOTR strip, with Legolas trying to drag Dean off to Helm's Deep! [More]

National short film finalists to be screened Thursday In its second year, the Wichita-based competition attracts some surprising entries. Competing against adult entries is a charming documentary from 12-year-old Scotty Barlow about her crush on actor Elijah Wood. "For me, it was the biggest surprise of all this year's entries," Euker said. [More]

From BBC: You can win some Lord of the Rings goodies. To win them, simply answer this - how many minutes does 'The Two Towers' last for? Fill in the form below and you could win some of those Lord of the Rings goodies! [More]

(And NO...we won't tell you the answer -Xo)

From The John Howe website: "Just returned from London where I had the immense treat of seeing the Two Towers in the lo-o-ong DVD version. Naturally, it was an unfinished cut, and while I can't tell you what's in it, it'll certainly be worth waiting those extra months. Of course you must run to the shop in August and refresh your memories with the theatrical release on DVD or video, but you MOST definitely will want the extended version in November. Trust me. Time to stop before I get carried away and say too much." [More]

iamahobbit writes: For Comic Relief, French and Saunders did a comic spoof of it. There was one Lord of Rings bit where Snape is arguing with Dobby thet he (Dobby) was not in LOTR, it was fairly amusing to hear Dobby as Gollum! It is the third one from the bottom. [More]

gruffy the elf writes: In the most recent issue of the LOTR Fan Club Official Movie Magazine (Issue #7, Feb-March, 2003), there is an interview with Daniel Reeve, a calligrapher for the movies. !!!Possible Spoilers!!! [More]

Today, March 17th marks exactly NINE months until Return of the King! This is the very special time where we'll experience morning sickness...yay!

Lord of the Rings trilogy star Sean Astin is in talks to star opposite Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in Columbia Pictures' comedy 50 First Kisses for director Peter Segal. Production is slated to begin in the spring. Astin will play Barrymore's brother, who speaks with a lisp. [More]

Afra writes: Miranda Otto's movie 'Julie Walking Home' is playing at Famous Players Eaton Centre in Montreal, Canada. The showings are at 1:30, 4:10, 7:00 and 9:20 everyday. [Showtimes] Official Site]

Know of any other places this small film is being shown? Send them along!

Recently Ain't-it-cool-news ran a story quoting PJ as stating that there MAY be a POSSIBLE ROTK trailer out in the month of May. Missy sends this along to add a little more fuel to the fire. [more]

The results are in for the AOL Moviegoers Awards and TTT snatched up awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Viggo Mortensen), Best Supporting Actor (Orlando Bloom), Best Director, and Most Unforgettable Scene (Gollum argues himself) [More]