Academy Awards

[Pilgrim]

I noticed the absence of Bombadil, who was a delightful character - but I admit he wasn't central to the progress of the movie.  If you recall, Beorn the shape-changer didn't appear either, and the role of the Ents was greatly reduced.  However, those books were massive and I thought the omissions were well-judged.

[Highlander]

I'd forgotten Beorn... long time since I've read the books... the Ents' recovered a bit in the final release DVDs, mind you, as did Saruman...

As you said, far too big a work and Jackson did a fine job of finally bringing it to the screen... Hobbit next...