The final part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is being tipped for Oscars after it was the surprise choice of New York critics for film of the year.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has been voted best film of 2003 by the influential New York Film Critics' Circle.

The group, made up by writers from New York's major newspapers and magazines, usually votes for independent, art-house films, reports Channel4.com.

Chairman Andrew Johnstone said: "It's just beautifully made, it's pure cinema, it does everything.

"It's got amazing, epic scope to the drama, to the battle scenes, a lot of strong emotional stuff, really complex, well-rendered characters and effective comic relief where it needs it."

Movie Awards author Tom O'Neill commented: "This pushes Lord of the Rings to the Oscar forefront. The critics usually go for little indie movies."

Source: Press Release