Martin Freeman, compact and affable, is a snug fit in the difficult role of Bilbo.

NEWYORKER: Ring Cycle

The movie itself is a flashback, from the point of view of a younger Bilbo (Martin Freeman).

FORBES: Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected, But Very Welcome, Journey

The first of the trilogy, which stars British actors Martin Freeman and Sir Ian McKellen, is subtitled An Unexpected Journey.

BBC: Hobbit premiere to take place in 'Middle Earth'

The Hobbit's cast stars Sherlock's Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.

BBC: First instalment of The Hobbit to get Royal premiere

They are also offering odds on Sherlock star Martin Freeman, on Skyfall's Ben Whishaw and on former assistant Billie Piper returning to the series as the Doctor's new incarnation.

BBC: Matt Smith exit prompts Doctor Who speculation

BBC's Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman also missed out in their categories of outstanding lead actor, and outstanding supporting actor in a mini-series or a movie, respectively.

BBC: Lewis and Dame Maggie win Emmys

Curtis said the film squeezed nine movies into one, allowing him to bring in some of Britain's brightest TV talents including Teachers' Andrew Lincoln and Martin Freeman from The Office.

BBC: Martine McCutcheon found fame in EastEnders

Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman seemed to grow a little more slowly into his character, but only because we are used to seeing Ian Holm for so long in the The Lord of the Rings film credits.

FORBES: Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Mooreeffoc Effect

As Martin Kramer, Steven Rosen and other Jewish writers have noted in their reporting on Freeman in recent weeks, Freeman's positions on Israel closely mirror the Saudi Foreign Ministry's positions.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Intelligence and the anti-Israel lobby