3-D is helping brighten the picture for Imax

Science-fiction epic "Avatar" and gritty Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" will battle for supremacy at the Oscars after topping the nominations with nine nods each here Tuesday.James Cameron's "Avatar" -- the most expensive movie ever made and the highest grossing film of all time -- picked up a slew of nominations including best picture and best director.The nine nominations for the low budget "The Hurt Locker" included a nod for director Kathryn Bigelow -- Cameron's ex-wife -- as well as best picture, best actor and best original screenplay.

Some people say that 3D is simply a fad that will run its course. That it's an easy cash grab or gimmick by studios.  

Science-fiction epic "Avatar" was poised to sink "Titanic" as the highest-grossing movie of all time after topping the North American box office for a sixth consecutive week, figures showed Monday.Director James Cameron's groundbreaking 3-D film harvested another 34.9 million dollars at the weekend, raising its overall North American gross to 551.7 million and pushing its international earnings to almost 1.838 billion, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations said.Cameron's 1997 Oscar-winning "Titanic" remains the highest-grossing film of all time with 1.843 billion dollars.

Partnering with China's largest cinema operator, Imax plans to add 75 new theaters in that nation by 2014.Furthering Hollywood's push into China, Imax Corp., the Canadian-based big screen theater chain, is expanding its footprint in that country in hopes of cashing in on its rapidly growing film industry.

Science-fiction epic "Avatar" topped the North American box office for the seventh week running, taking in 30 million dollars one week after it broke the all time ticket sales record set by "Titanic," weekend estimates showed Sunday.Director James Cameron's groundbreaking 3-D spectacular raised its North American takings to 594.5 million. Its international ticket sales on Tuesday broke the 1.841 billion set by "Titanic," also made by Cameron.

Science-fiction epic "Avatar" topped the North American box office for the sixth week running and was two million dollars shy of the all-time ticket sales record set by his earlier film "Titanic," estimates showed Sunday.Director James Cameron's groundbreaking 3-D spectacular raked in 36 million dollars this weekend, raising its North American takings to 552.8 million and international ticket sales to 1.841 billion, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations said.Cameron's 1997 Oscar-winning "Titanic," is still the highest-grossing film of all time with 1.843 billion dollars.

James Cameron's sci-fi epic "Avatar" received eight nominations including best film as the contenders for this year's BAFTA awards were announced on Thursday."An Education" and "The Hurt Locker" also got eight nominations. Stars including George Clooney and Andy Serkis will fight it out for the leading actor award, while Meryl Streep and Audrey Tautou are up for leading actress.Big names in contention for best director include Cameron for "Avatar", Quentin Tarantino for "Inglourious Basterds" and Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker".