Avatar Oscar

[TrevorW]

It's not surprising when you consider no sci-fi movie has ever won best picture at the Oscars.

Star Wars didnt win best picture however it did win a couple of other awards. And in recent time some sci-fi have won various awards but never best picture.

Even after being the biggest grossing movie of all time.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Alas most-popular and biggest grossing don't always equate to "Best".
I have not seen all of 'Avatar'- mostly 'tube' clips, but it would have to have some REAL depth to compare to Hurt Locker or Up In The Air, both of which I have seen. From what I have seen (SFX aside) its just a tad too 'right-on' and Eco-Correct.
Avatar & Star Wars are both good examples of where Sci-fi falls down.
While most films rely on cliches and cultural morres but try to work around them, a good deal of post Star Wars sci-fi tends to positively embrace them and comes across as rather lame.

Where films like TDTESS, Failsafe, Them, and Star Trek OS (betraying my age here) trod 'new' ground in terms of exposing a mainstream audience, albeit metaphorically, to non-mainstream social commentary and ideas, SWs and Avatar both seem to parrot their contemporary zeitgeist & convention.

Thats not to say I'm not going to rent a massive projector and watch 'Avatar' against the shed wall- it looks breathtaking!!!! Just not thought-provoking.

[koputai (Jason)]

Much more elloquent than me Peter, I would have just said it was a very well polished turd.

Cheers,
Jason.

[multiweb (Marc)]

I think there were a lot of politics at the oscars (voting against Cameron for his previous "king of the world" stunt). Maybe not best director, I don't know how they assess that, but certainly best picture by a long shot. It's ground breaking technology, good story, fantastic visuals and overall good value family movie. I saw the hurt locker. Was OK. Nothing to jump around though.

[Liz]

Didnt think Avatar would win Best Oscar, and was surprised it was nominated. I absolutely loved it, but not Oscar material, as not 'deep' enough, and doesnt challenge your mind or ideas. It is a whole heap of fun
I wont worry about The Hurt Locker (not into war films), but did see Up In the Air and enjoyed that - very funny in parts , but also very sad.

[Jeffkop (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by koputai

Much more elloquent than me Peter, I would have just said it was a very well polished turd.

Cheers,
Jason.

This forum never stops providing (among other things) entertainment.

There are many facets to a best movie I guess .. and in Avatars case

1. storyline - Tepid at best
2. acting - hard to win an award if storyline is tepid.
3. visuals - easily the best I've seen in my life.
4. box office - think Avatar wins here.

So its a visual best seller.
I think your dealing with a reasonably traditional adjudication in these matters, so my tip is ... NO for best movie, but if it doesnt win a collection of other awards then I would suggest that multiweb's views on politics are right on the money.