Kiwi talent to the fore

Peter Jackson. Photo / Mark Mitchell

There will be a strong New Zealand presence at the Oscars today.

Wellington-based Weta Workshops' digital team, who worked on this year's biggest film - Avatar - are up for best visual effects.

Made up of Richard Baneham, Andrew Jones, Joe Letteri and Stephen Rosenbaum, the team are also nominated for their work in South African-set movie District 9.

Avatar has nine nominations including best picture, film editing and visual effects and directing.

Sir Peter Jackson is nominated for his work as co-producer in District 9, which is also up for several awards, including best picture.

Jackson's The Lovely Bones - partly shot in New Zealand and which includes young New Zealand actress Rose McIver - also features, with Stanley Tucci up for best supporting actor.