Avatar + James Camerons Mouth/Ego = Oscar FAIL

Avatar didn't win best picture. Is that a real surprise?
It's not for the jaded or cynical reasons people are lofting about. Such as Sci-Fi movies never have a chance or that people feel computer characters lack the depth of human presence or lack real emotion.

Avatar failed more because of James Cameron's mouth + ego than anything else. In most every interview leading to the release of the movie, Cameron felt obligated to unnerve and upstage film making standards. Not only to say the future was digital but that actors and even animators themselves should be looking over their shoulders. Cameron built a case study, his testimonial for the future of film making. His vision is the benchmark by which all productions should be judged. A technical benchmark of digital genius.

It's clear that Hollywood movies and more importantly Hollywood Directors are aware of the benefits of digital effects work. Having seen Shutter Island this past weekend, Martin Scorsese made ample use of the digital medium to great effect. I'll note that the effects were not the movie, but in support of the movie. Unfortunately that is precisely where Mr. Cameron's testimonials falls flat with so many people and obviously the Academy vote. Effects should not be the base virtue of any movie. Story above all else should matter and I think by that virtue the Academy members voted how they did.

I don't know what the politics of Hollywood really are, but the Hurt Locker won soundly. If ever there was a David vs. Goliath pairing it was the Hurt Locker vs. Avatar. Even an ex husband and wife competing for Best Director to boot. When the cards were called, it just seemed that the juggernaut that was Avatar was justly and rightly slain by a movie that hadn't broke any records of any kind. Throw in the 1st woman director to win and top it off with humble ex wife and it was most definitely a memorable Oscar evening. A true Hollywood story that almost couldn't have been scripted any better.

Maybe it will take James Cameron  another twelve years to produce his next epic. However long it takes, maybe he'll take the time to write an inspired story first.