Peter Owen: "Wonderful to get the big one"

Mr Owen, speaking to the BBC from Los Angeles, said: "It's something you don't ever dream of really, you don't think it's ever going to be possible and then they read your name out.

"I just went on to automatic pilot and got up and gave a little speech.

"It's rather wonderful to get the gong, the big one.

"But I think it's because this is a very visible film."

When Mr Owen was nominated for the award he said one of the biggest challenges was making the wigs for the film.

Award 'shared'

Every character in the film needed a hairpiece with the various characters of Gandalf, the elves and the hobbits needing different types of wigs.

He said the award would not change the company's work.

Gandalf needed lots of hair

"I want to share it with everyone who worked with me, all awards I consider to be communal.

"Everyone in the business knows what we do already."

Mr Owen returned to his hotel room following the presentation and said his celebrations would be muted.

"I'm not really a party animal - I must be the only person in the world who doesn't go to the Vanity Fair party or the Elton John party.

"I've got invitations to them and I want to go to sleep and no one will miss me."