Filmmaker Peter Jackson's monumental success at the Oscars will be marked by a low-key "informal" public celebration in Wellington next Thursday.
Jackson and his team won all 11 categories for which they were nominated at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles last week, for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
A 45-minute celebration is to be held in Civic Square from 12.45pm.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said that at this stage Jackson, who won Oscars for best director, best film and best adapted screenplay, and special effects head Richard Taylor, who won best makeup and costume design, were due to speak at the celebration. Other Oscar winners may also attend.
"The celebration is of huge importance to Wellington. It is a chance for all Wellingtonians and visitors to celebrate Peter Jackson and his team's Oscar triumph," Ms Prendergast said.
Wellington City Council events manager John Dawson said Civic Square could hold up to 5000 people. A stage would be set up for speeches and there would be a question and answer session co-ordinated by The Dominion Post cartoonist Tom Scott.
While there had been speculation of a parade through the city, Mr Dawson said Jackson, who is busy preparing to film King Kong in Wellington in September, had requested a low-key way to celebrate the Oscars.
"The idea is to keep it informal . . . Just for a chance for people to hear them say a few things about their experiences at the Oscars - and hopefully they'll all bring their Oscars along."
If wet, the celebration will be held at the Events Centre at Queens Wharf.
- NZPA
Wellington celebration planned to mark Rings' Oscar success
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