The Weta Digital team are “tempering expectations” ahead of today’s Academy Awards – but an Oscar win would be a golden ticket to the hottest after-parties in town. Three Weta-produced films are up for visual effects Oscars: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Marvel’s The Avengers and Prometheus.

It is the first time since 1991 that a film company has received three simultaneous nominations.

Animation supervisor Dave Clayton, who worked on The Hobbit, said winning would be a bonus. “How can we not be excited – it’s pretty amazing to not only be able to attend, but to be one of the nominees.

“I’m proud as well, because I’ve always wanted to work on The Hobbit, so not only have I got to work on it for three years and counting, I’m also able to represent a good team at Weta Digital and a great film.

If The Hobbit wins, Clayton plans to go up on stage, but Weta Digital boss Joe Letteri – their “fearless leader” – would do the talking.

The team will head to a party hosted by Tolkien fansite TheOneRing.net (ed: that’s our party!) after the awards show and, if they have a golden statue, they should be able to get into just about any after-party they wish.

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