'Two days before the Academy Awards are set to be handed out, New Zealand preempted the movie industry on Friday by holding an Oscar celebration party at a Beverly Hills hotel for its dozen contenders, including Russell Crowe. But many of New Zealand's other Oscar nominees, all connected with the hit fantasy movie "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" did wait around for a dinner of New Zealand venison and wine, a rousing speech by British actor Sir Ian McKellen.' [More]

Thanks to Brad for the link.