Quentin Tarantino, Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron, Lee Daniels, and Jason Reitman at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon held earlier today at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. This year's five Oscar-nominated directors are in the running for the following movies: Inglourious Basterds (Tarantino), The Hurt Locker (Bigelow), Avatar (Cameron), Precious (Daniels), and Up in the Air (Reitman). Tarantino, Cameron, and Reitman are second-time nominees; Daniels is a newcomer in that category.
Thus far, Kathryn Bigelow has been the US critics' choice for best director of the year for the Iraq War drama written by Mark Boal. Additionally, Bigelow has taken home the Directors Guild of America's top motion picture prize — the first woman to do so. Last night, The Hurt Locker won the American Cinema Editors' Eddie Award (drama) and a few weeks ago the film was the Producers Guild's choice for top movie of 2009.
The Hurt Locker and Avatar lead the Oscar 2010 race with nine nominations apiece, including Best Picture. The 2010 Oscar winners will be announced on Sunday, March 7.
Photo: Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S.
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Go Kathryn Bigelow!
Go Avatar, go!