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An Oscar for Avatar? You can't be serious!

James Cameron’s Avatar is the biggest financial success in the history of cinema. Six weeks after it was first released, the sci-fi epic has taken almost $1.9bn in box-office revenue worldwide, more than any other film.

But although no one can argue with the money Avatar has made, a surprising range of critics – from film buffs and anti-smoking advocates to social and political conservatives, the Vatican and China – have all condemned the decisions by award bodies to laud the film. Avatar has already won two Golden Globes, for Best Motion Picture and Best Director. Now, with nine Oscar nominations, including best picture and best director, Avatar is also widely tipped to clean up at the Academy Awards. Should it?