Its haul included the top award - best picture - as well as best director for Peter Jackson. In taking 11 gongs, it equalled the record for Oscar wins.

ROTK also took best score, song, film editing, make-up and costume design.

What's more, it scooped best adapted screenplay, art direction, visual effects and sound mixing.

"You're giving us an incredibly overwhelming night and I appreciate it very much," said Jackson when he picked up the best director gong.

ROTK was the final film in the LOTR trilogy.

The previous two movies had limited Oscars success - picking up six prizes from 19 nominations between them.

But this was the year when Hollywood decided to properly honour Jackson and his cast.

It was also a good night for Finding Nemo, which picked up best animated feature.

Charlize Theron and Sean Penn picked up the best actress and best actor gongs.

The winners are chosen by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.