Academy Awards Acceptance Speech Database

PETER JACKSON:
This is just unbelievable. I'm so honored, touched and relieved that the Academy and the members of the Academy that have supported us have seen past the trolls and the wizards and the hobbits and are recognizing fantasy this year. Fantasy is an F-word that hopefully the five second delay won't do anything with. I just want to say a very few quick words especially to the people of New Zealand and the government of New Zealand and the city councils and everybody who supported us the length and breadth of the country--Billy Crystal is welcome to come and make a film in New Zealand any time he wants. A special thanks to Peter Nelson and Ken Kamins, who were with me right from the days of "Bad Taste" and "Meet the Feebles," which were wisely overlooked by the Academy at that time. And I especially want to pay tribute to our wonderful producer Barrie Osborne. And I'd please like him to say a few words.

BARRIE M. OSBORNE:
It's a great honor to be here. I started out in the business thirty-five years ago getting people coffee. And I wonder if the fact that I dated Billy Crystal's cousin so many years ago has anything to do with this. But it is really a great pleasure to be in such great company--uh-oh, I'm in trouble now--to be nominated with these four other great films, and after these many years to receive this award is really a thrill for all of us and we all thank the Academy. It's really a tribute to the talents of all the people, both in front of the camera and behind the camera, that we win this award. I want to thank in particular my partner Carol, my beautiful daughter Danielle, and my eighty-seven-year-old dad who's out there in the back somewhere here to celebrate this with us. I want to thank also J.R.R. Tolkien, and also the fans that supported us on this journey. And of course Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, whose courageous venture allowed us to make this film and their support throughout the journey. And Mark Ordesky, who worked alongside of us throughout and became a great friend. And of course to Peter Jackson, who was never satisfied with 100 percent, but by his example of pushing for 110 percent, he inspired all of us to do our utmost to make these films and bring them to the screen. And finally, to Weta, who is in Chicago [Sports Café] in Wellington, New Zealand, and to the production team, who are in the Port Nicholson Yacht Club--it's time to celebrate.