'Avatar' tipped for Oscar nod

Blockbuster sci-fi spectacle 'Avatar' is tipped for big Oscar nominations success today in a list which could see director James Cameron pitted against his ex-wife.

Last month, 'Avatar' scooped a double victory including best film drama at the Golden Globes, which are seen as an indicator of who is likely to receive Oscar nods.

'Avatar' recently surpassed Cameron’s multiple Oscar-winning 'Titanic' – and saw the director beat his own record when the film became the highest grossing movie ever.

Cameron’s former partner Kathryn Bigelow is also tipped for success for her Iraq war drama 'The Hurt Locker'.

Made for a fraction of the budget of 'Avatar', the tense movie about an elite bomb disposal team has won widespread critical acclaim and triumphed at the Directors Guild of America awards.

Cameron and Bigelow were both shortlisted for best director in the Golden Globes, with Cameron taking the prize.

Other movies which have already featured strongly on major film nominations lists and received critical praise include globe-trotting drama 'Up In The Air', child abuse tale 'Precious', Nelson Mandela biopic 'Invictus', war movie 'Inglourious Basterds', and British coming-of-age movie 'An Education'

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Last year’s Oscars were dominated by rags-to-riches tale 'Slumdog Millionaire', with Kate Winslet also triumphing as best actress.