US (2001): Fantasy/Adventure
As the triumphant start of a trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring leaves you begging for more. By necessity, Peter Jackson's ambitious epic compresses J.R.R. Tolkien's classic The Lord of the Rings, but this robust adaptation maintains reverent allegiance to Tolkien's creation, instantly qualifying as one of the greatest fantasy films ever made. At 178 minutes, it's long enough to establish the myriad inhabitants of Middle-earth, the legendary Rings of Power, and the fellowship of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and humans -- led by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the brave hobbit Frodo (Elijah Wood) -- who must battle terrifying forces of evil on their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring in the land of Mordor. Superbly paced, the film is both epic and intimate, offering astonishing special effects and production design while emphasizing the emotional intensity of Frodo's adventure. Ending on a perfect note of heroic loyalty and rich anticipation, this wondrous fantasy continues in The Two Towers (2002). (Amazon.com)
12 nominations, 4 Awards
· Best Achievement in Cinematography 2001: Andrew Lesnie
· Best Achievement in Film Makeup 2001: Peter Owen and Richard Taylor
· Best Achievement in Achievement in Best Achievement in Music in Connection with Motion Pictures (Original Score) 2001: Howard Shore
· Best Achievement in Visual Effects 2001: Jim Rygiel, Randall William Cook, Richard Taylor and Mark Stetson
· Best Motion Picture of the Year 2001: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh & Barrie M. Osborne, Producers.
· Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role 2001: Ian McKellen
· Achievement in Directing 2001: Peter Jackson
· Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published 2001: Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
· Achievement in Art Direction 2001: Art Direction: Grant Major; Set Decoration: Dan Hennah
· Achievement in Costume Design 2001: Ngila Dickson and Richard Taylor
· Achievement in Music in Connection with Motion Pictures (Original Song) 2001: "May It Be" Music and Lyric by Enya, Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan
· Achievement in Sound 2001: Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Gethin Creagh and Hammond Peek