MUMBAI: Hobbits and orcs have running riot across the box office and the results are telling. New Line Cinema has announced that the third and final installment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy The Return of the King has grosed $985.9 million globally as of 17 February. This makes it the second biggest money spinner of all time behind Fox's Titanic.

In the US the film made $358 million while internationally, the film grossed an estimated $627.9 million in 60 territories. It opened in Japan a couple of weeks ago and earned $14.6 million. In ths manner it managed to outgross its two predecessors The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers by 70 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively.

The accomplishment is all the more remarkable when you consider the fact that the film had fewer shows in the different countries on account of its three hour 20 minute running length. Earlier this morning the film won a Screen Actors Guild award in the ensemble category beating out Mystic River. For those who missed the event the Sag awards will have a repeat telecast on Zee English at 8 pm tonight. Just a day earlier the film dominated the Bafta's in Britain taking home five trophies including the best picture prize.

Al this means that at the Oscar Awards LOTR is a virtual shoo in for both picture and director. Anything else would be a major shock. In India viewers can catch the likely crowning of the king on Star Movies early in the morning on 1 March.