I hope this guy is right!

The Lord Of The Rings is a true Academy contender, making a movie out of a book once thought to be unfilmable and bringing genuine big-screen storytelling to the multiplexes. If the next two instalments of the planned Rings trilogy are as good as this one, director Jackson will rival Star Wars’ George Lucas for the crown of fantasy-film king.

I totally agree with this! I may have to change my prediction… he’s convinced me that miracles do happen!

And as for Peter Jackson:

Given the chance, I’d vote for Jackson. He showed immense skill and savvy in bringing the Tolkien classic to the screen, guiding not only a huge ensemble cast but also the many Hollywood naysayers who said it couldn’t be done. He deserves to win more than Howard, who directed according to standard Oscar formula.

EXACTLY! Hopefully the Academy members will wake up and smell the coffee! When someone achieves the impossible, they should be recognized for it!