Science fiction film Avatar and war movie The Hurt Locker lead the way at this year's Oscar Academy Award with nine nominations each. The battle will see Avatar's James Cameron go head-to-head with his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, who made The Hurt Locker, in the best director category.<br/><br/>Other films featured in the best film category include Up in the Air, The Blind Side, Precious and District 9. For the first time since 1944, the Oscars feature 10 best-picture contenders instead of the usual five. The list also included animated movie Up, A Serious Man, Inglourious Basterds and An Education. The 82rd Oscar award ceremony will take place on March 7.