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[Regarding LoTR:]....New Zealand's center-left government stepped in by lending its small armed forces to work as extras, while a cabinet minister was given the additional portfolio of minister of Lord of the Rings to help boost the country's profile. It also underwrote Friday's party at the plush Beverly Hills Hotel.DIRECTOR PERFORMS IN CIRCUS
Peter Jackson, the Oscar-nominated director, producer and screenwriter of "The Lord of the Rings," attended the event, as did several of his actors, including Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom and McKellen. Also on hand were Andrew Adamson, the New Zealand-born co-director of the hit animated film "Shrek," and Australian singer Kate Ceberano.
With Hollywood in fever-pitch preparation for its biggest night of the year on Sunday, the low-key Jackson told reporters he was somewhat dismayed by all the buzz.
"It's a bit of a circus, let's face it, and we're all the performers in the circus," he said. "So you just have to go along and enjoy the ride, I guess. I am trying to look on it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I may never be here again. And so I'll just soak it all in and take from it what I can."
He downplayed his Oscar chances, forecasting he would lose the adapted screenplay and director races. The film's best hope, among the major categories, is best picture, he said.
Richard Taylor, a triple-nominee for visual effects, makeup and costume design, told Reuters he also had mixed emotions.
"People keep saying, 'Are you excited?' It's not at all that we're cocky about it, we just don't understand the hype of what this is about. It makes it very, very unusual being here. It's very special, though. We do appreciate that we've been recognized at this level."