Originally published in the April/May 2004 Currents

Congratulations to Hammond Peek from New Zealand who, together with his colleagues Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick and Michael Hedges, was awarded the Oscar (Academy Award) February 29 in Los Angeles, in the category of Best Sound for his work on The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Hammond, a colleague of April/May 2004 Currents guest editor Osanna V, has delighted us in the past with tales from the making of these movies — most recently in the November 2004 issue of Currents (click here for the story).

The third installment of Peter Jackson’s film version of J.R.R.Tolkien’s epic received a total of eleven Oscars including Best Film and Best Director, which put it at the top of the list together with Ben Hur and Titanic. It is the first time a movie has received the award for every category it was nominated for.

Hammond’s reception words: “Thank you to the production crew. Thank you to my wife and kids, and lastly, thank you to the people of New Zealand, stand up, take a bow, you make us proud.”

Hammond Peek is a colleague of club member Osanna V's who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.