LOTR wins award for best adapted screenplay

Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and director Peter Jackson have won the Best Adapted S creenplay prize at the Academy Awards.

The trio's work in adapting English writer J R R Tolkien's fantasy classic to the screen was awarded ahead of City Of God, Mystic River, Seabiscuit and American Splendour.

"We grew up loving these books. We had no idea that we were going to go grey trying to make them all into movies," Boyens said, accepting the award.

"We have so many people we need to thank but the first person we absolutely must thank is Professor J R R Tolkien. Without him we wouldn't be standing here."

Among others, Jackson thanked he and Walsh's children, Billie and Katie.

"They've put up with so much, with mum and dad working on these films all their lives. They're only seven and eight years old.

"I also want to thank our wonderful cast who got their tongues around this rather awkward text and made it come to life with such emotion, passion and heart."

- NZPA