In an Oscar year defined by inclusion, fewer movie folks than normal spent nominations morning feeling snubbed.
With the field of best picture nominees doubling from five to 10, there were more celebrations Tuesday and still some surprises:
“DISTRICT 9” INVADES: Yes, the relatively low-budget South African science-fiction hit was in the Oscar buzz. But no film benefited more from the expansion of best picture nominees, and it’s still surprising to hear it announced alongside movies such as “Up in the Air” and “The Hurt Locker.” Science-fiction is among the rarest of genres to cross that threshold, with only “Star Wars” and “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” (and now “Avatar”) previously getting best picture noms. “District 9” earned four nominations in all, including editing, visual effects and best adapted screenplay.
