'Two Towers' up for six Oscars

Peter Jackson's virtual creature of Gollum is the "tour de force" that should be recognised in Academy Awards, the Film Commission says.

Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has received six nominations for the Oscars, including best motion picture, art direction, sound, sound editing, film editing and visual effects.

The nominations for the 75th annual Oscar nominations were announced in Beverly Hills, California, and has pitted The Two Towers against musical Chicago, Gangs of New York, The Hours, and The Pianist for the coveted best picture title.

Jackson missed out on the best director nod after being in the running last year, when the first in the film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, received a leading 13 nominations.

It eventually won four Oscars for make-up, visual effects, cinematography and musical score.

New Zealand Film Commission chief executive Ruth Harley said the creature of Gollum should assure at least one golden statuette this year.

"I think it's fantastic. There aren't any performances nominated this time, so I suppose that's different, but best picture should do it," she said.

"I don't think [Jackson] will be unhappy with best picture. Best visual effects, that's good because Gollum needs his own nomination, he was staggeringly good.

"You can't help but be captivated by Gollum, he is an absolute tour de force."

Dr Harley thought those working on the trilogy would be pleased with the six-nomination bag, despite being down on last year.

She was confident New Zealand's landscape would help in the bid for the best visual effects and art direction categories.

"The art direction and visual direction is absolutely breathtaking. I'll be amazed if they don't get awards for those. The landscaping is absolutely incredible," Dr Harley said.

- NZPA

Complete list of Oscar nominees

Herald Feature: The Oscars

Herald feature: Lord of the Rings