Peter Jackson wins directors award for LOTR

LONDON - Director Peter Jackson's progress to the Oscars ceremony next weekend has been sweetened by an award from British directors who named his third and final "Lord of the Rings" movie as best international film.

The accolade for Jackson's fantasy epic was made by the Directors Guild of Great Britain at an inaugural awards ceremony.

The Guild says it represents directors in Britain of all media from film to theatre and radio.

Director Michael Winterbottom won the prize for best British film with refugee drama "In This World".

German director Wolfgang Becker's post-cold war comedy "Goodbye Lenin!" was named best foreign film.

Richard Curtis, director of romantic comedy "Love Actually", accepted an award for Outstanding Contribution to British Film and Television.

Last weekend "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" won four awards at the BAFTAs, London's equivalent of the Oscars.

- REUTERS

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings