'A Beautiful Mind' takes top Oscars, 'Lord of the Rings' gets four

5.35pm

Bookie favourite Ron Howard has pipped Peter Jackson for the best director Oscar at this afternoon's Academy Awards.

And Howard's film A Beautiful Mind, the story of genius mathematician John Nash and his struggle with schizophrenia, was also named best picture.

Actress Jennifer Connelly earlier won the best supporting actress Oscar for her performance as Nash's wife.

The Academy Awards are the US film industry's top honours and are given out each year by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in a ceremony televised live around the globe.

Although it missed out on the biggest awards, The Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring won four Oscars at the 74th Academy Awards.

Andrew Lesnie was honoured for best cinematography.

New Zealander Richard Taylor and English wig maker Peter Owen picked up Oscars for best makeup.

Canadian composer Howard Shore's original music score was judged best.

Jim Rygiel, Randall William Cook, Richard Taylor and Mark Stetson were honoured for best visual effects.

- REUTERS and HERALD STAFF

Oscar nominees and winners (full list)

nzherald.co.nz/oscars