…so we’ll have another 6 weeks of Avatar.

The science-fiction sensation “Avatar” and the war-on-terror thriller “The Hurt Locker” lead the Academy Awards with nine nominations each, including best picture and director for James Cameron and ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow.

For the first time since 1943 the Oscars feature 10 best-picture contenders instead of the usual five.

I understand they expanded the field to make sure the less popular films also had a shot at Best Picture glory, although The Hurt Locker probably would have made it regardless.

Side note: The Hurt Locker probably set the record for lowest grossing film ever to score a Best Picture nomination. I’d love to see it win just so that Cameron gets spanked — by his ex-wife.