Rings Racks 'Em Up

"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," which went into Sunday night with a leading 11 nominations, has scored nine Oscars so far, with trophies for adapted screenplay, original score, film editing, art direction, costume design, visual effects, makeup, sound mixing and original song ("Into the West," performed by Annie Lennox).

"It's now official," claimed host Billy Crystal. "There's no one in New Zealand left to thank." (Check out an updated list of winners.)

"Rings'" chief rival in these technical categories was perceived to be "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," which, although director Peter Weir's seafaring adventure went into the evening with 10 nominations, has so far collected only two Oscars, for sound editing and cinematography.

In terms of the show itself, a respectful Jim Carrey introduced the tribute to Blake Edwards, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award and whose slapstick genius in "The Pink Panther" series was so beloved by Carrey. Edwards's other notable films during a 40-year-plus career included "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "The Days of Wine and Roses" and "Victor/Victoria," starring his wife, Julie Andrews.

Edwards, who recently injured his foot, made his entrance on the Kodak Theatre stage in a motorized wheelchair that (in a well-rehearsed stunt) sped past Carry and broke into the side of the set.

Quickly retrieving Edwards, Carrey brought the veteran director into the hall, where he received a standing ovation. "That was good," Edwards said as he clutched his Oscar, going on to say: "I've been allowed 90 seconds -- my choice -- to thank everyone who made it possible for me to receive this honor."

Edwards said, "When I started to give it some serious thought, everyone, I mean everyone, got me here tonight. First person who came to mind ? was a little guy who worked on 'The Party,' a film I did. He used to come out with a shovel to scoop up the elephant poop and hum 'There's No Business Like Show Business.'"

In another evening highlight, Tom Hanks introduced a sentimental tribute to Bob Hope, who died at age 100 last July 27. Doing a slight imitation of the comic's rapid-fire delivery and some of his trademark lines ("Well, I wanna tell ya ..."), Hanks noted that from 1939 to 1987, Hope hosted the Oscars a record 18 times.

Julia Roberts led the touching tribute to the late Katharine Hepburn, "a classic, an original, never to be replaced, always to be remembered." Roberts also recalled Hepburn once being asked if she ever wore anything but pants, and Kate replied that she did indeed own a dress -- one -- and then added: "I'll wear it to your funeral."

Gregory Peck, the other giant of the industry to die last year, also will be saluted Sunday night.

All in all, however, the evening was played for a lot of laughs. Host Billy Crystal introduced presenter Robin Williams by saying, "Ladies and gentleman, the reason for a five-second delay."

Then, as Crystal and Williams stood shoulder to shoulder in their tuxes onstage, Williams quipped: "Look at us, a San Francisco wedding cake!" He then presented the Best Animated Feature Film Oscar, which went to "Finding Nemo."