By PAULA OLIVER
In the city where the polish was put on The Lord of the Rings, it seemed yesterday that everyone knew Peter Jackson.
About 800 nervous people gathered at Wellington's Embassy Theatre to see if their hometown boy could bring home a gold statue.
The guests, clad in evening wear, drank Champagne and screamed themselves hoarse every time their film appeared on the big screen.
When the Rings picked up its first Oscar for make-up, the appearance of local man Richard Taylor on the stage almost lifted the roof of the ageing theatre.
The ferociously parochial crowd kept a running total of how many times New Zealand was mentioned, and found it within themselves to politely clap whenever their team was beaten.
If a pin had dropped when the director's award was presented, they would have heard it.
"I thought the job Peter Jackson had to do was a lot harder that Ron Howard's, but hey, what an achievement anyway," said Steve Jones.
Down the road at a city bar, Taylor's colleagues at Weta Workshop and Wingnut Films took their places at a private party.
They emerged slightly disappointed that the film had not won the big awards, but proud of their efforts.
Roger Kupelian, who worked on the visual effects of the film, told the Herald that there was one Oscar the team had not expected.
"We were surprised with the visual effects one; that doesn't often go to this type of film," he said.
"We're just so happy. This is so good for the Kiwi film industry. When they said thanks to everyone at Weta, it made it all worthwhile."
Jamie Selkirk, co-producer of The Lord of the Rings, was ecstatic.
"To actually get four Oscars is just amazing, and for them to be effects and make-up is huge for Weta," he said.
Taylor's partner said she had one thing planned for him when he got home from Los Angeles with his two Oscars - antenatal classes.
Tania Rodger, who is also a driving force of Weta, is expecting a baby in three weeks.
Oscar nominees and winners (full list)
nzherald.co.nz/oscars