New Zealand in ‘Rings’ rapture

New Zealand, the South Pacific nation that Peter Jackson transformed into Middle-earth for his “Lord of the Rings” films, was in rapture Monday as the trilogy’s final installment swept a record-tying 11 Oscars, including best picture.

“It’s an incredibly proud day to be a New Zealander, to see ‘Lord of the Rings’ sweep the field.... It was simply amazing,” gushed normally austere Prime Minister Helen Clark. “It is just blowing everyone away.”

About 750 movie buffs, some dressed as hobbits, others as the fearsome ring wraiths, packed into a movie theater in Wellington, Jackson’s hometown, to watch the 76th Academy Awards ceremony on the big screen. They stamped, shouted, cheered and wept as the awards kept rolling in.

“I’m absolutely stunned,” said Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast. “I’ve had to wipe a few tears away with every Oscar. It’s wonderful for our ... country, not just for creativity and innovation but also the genius of the people involved.”