A DIVERSION!

Indeed that's what I mean. The Hurt Locker told everything that it showed.

As opposed to Avatar?

Oh heck no, but you have to admit that's a pretty low bar. I should say that I haven't seen Avatar, but in my defense, I have seen Dances With Wolves.

As opposed to Avatar?

Avatar isn't up for a screenplay award, though. The BP nom there is strictly on a Cinema! As! Spectacle! level, which I think is a valid lens through which to judge a film.

a Cinema! As! Spectacle! level, which I think is a valid lens through which to judge a film.

Isn't that what Cinematography is for? Visual Effects to a lesser degree?

No, I think there's more to it than that. It's a combination of factors that all have to fall into place, and I think old-fashioned escapist epics have their place and can be recognized (and rewarded) for what they are. It's rare that the best picture also has the best individual elements in every category, even if that's how the awards are handed out - it's about how those elements add up to the total experience.

(I actually get pretty cranky when Cinematography = Whatever Was Shot In IMAX and Editing = Whatever Had The Most Shots. Each of those is also an art with many varied ways of being "the best" - when spectacle is all that's rewarded, the categories become meaningless.)

(Yeah, I'm still a little bitter about Gosford Park not winning more technical categories.)

I actually get pretty cranky when Cinematography = Whatever Was Shot In IMAX and Editing = Whatever Had The Most Shots.

Or Make-up = lots of crazy monsters and aliens.

A screenwriter friend just sent me this comment on the best picture noms:

In my District, 9, oh sorry, 10! nominees is still five too many. If you got any Education, this is an Inglourious list, you Basterds. The film that got Blind Sided this year is The Messenger – I’m Serious, Man – it’s a Precious, excellent, understated movie. My prediction: Kathryn Bigelow will win best director, but she’ll get Hurt by her ex, so Locker away. Sad to say, Avatar will end Up Up In The Air.

Michael Phillips, the Tribune's movie critic, has a breakdown of the Oscar noms and potential wins here. I like what he said about Carey Mulligan:

Who should win best actress? -- Carey Mulligan for "An Education." She has everything it takes to rival Kate Winslet or Helen Mirren in a decade or two.

I hope Avatar doesn't win Best Picture. Had a great time at it, and it was pretty, but so not "best." I also don't really like the comparisons (I hear around work) about it to Titanic, both big BO hits, but Titanic got some solid Oscar nominated performances while Avatar has none. I didn't think Titanic was all that either.

Maybe I'm just being cranky because OTT coworker is "OMG so sure that is going to win."

I don't think it has a shot, but of all the nominations, An Education is what I would pick if I were voting.