Cate Blanchett at The Hobbit World Premiere in New Zealand

Thousands of fans came out in New Zealand today to celebrate the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Cate Blanchett was one of the stars that hit the red carpet, signing autographs and posing for photos on her way into the screening. Elijah Wood, Martin Freeman, Evangeline Lilly, and director Peter Jackson, who brought his daughter, also showed their support for the big event. Evangeline debuted a dramatic new look on the arm of costar James Nesbitt while Elijah waved to the overwhelming crowds as he emerged from the Hobbit house that was constructed at the front of the Embassy Theatre. It's just the beginning of press for the movie, which hits theaters on Dec. 14.