If you’ve been following me, or are a fan of sci-fi, you’ll know that 2009 was a big year for the genre.  There were a slew of good movies released, many were box office bombs, but the majority were artistically successful.  Yet the biggest surprise to come out of last year, didn’t actually happen till a few weeks ago.  Unfortunately this news was overshadowed by the sensation that surrounded it.  This event was the Academy announcing the nominations for best picture, which include Avatar and District 9.  These two movies stand out, especially when we take into consideration the last science fiction to be up for best picture was E.T. back in 1982 and films from this genre have been quite absent from said category.

I was very proud when I found D9 was on the list and quite astonished that James Camerons flick got there.  Yet these movies being nominated was tainted by the Academy upping the number of films from five to ten.  Ignoring the raging conflict among film lovers over this travesty, we still need to look at the fact that these two sci-fi movies made it.  Let’s break down possible reasons why.

Opposite ends of the spectrum... in so many ways.

Avatar.  Well, I actually find little cause for why this movie could be considered the best film from 2009.  I haven’t even seen Up In the Air, The Blind Side, The Hurt Locker or that Coen brothers movie, and I know they are far better films.  It seems the Academy is attempting to appeal to the masses, and what better movie to do this with than the highest grossing movie of all time.  That is the only conclusion I can come up with as to why it received a nomination.  Yes it was a huge production, but it was almost completely technical.  So when it sweeps those awards, no one should be surprised.  But in no way was Avatar even close to being ‘decent’ in any non-technical role.

District 9.  There are quite a few credible possibilities for why the Academy chose D9.  First off, it was a “smaller” movie created by almost strictly newcomers (Peter Jackson had very little to do with it).  Despite that fact, it was hugely popular. It’s editing, sound design, visual effects and writing all exceeded expectations.  It even tackled social issues that are quite prevalent in the real world, most especially where it was filmed.  This was, in fact, a very well put together movie.  Do I whole heartedly agree with it being up for best picture though?  Even I can’t endorse that decision.  It just doesn’t have that ‘quality’ one expects from potentially the best movie of the year.

Although I kind of disagree with their nominations, I find it amazing, and even historical, that science fiction has such a great showing at the Oscars this year.  They tend to have a heavy presence in editing, sound, visual effects and the like, but hardly any in other categories (District 9 is also up for Best Adapted Screenplay).  Something that might truly be amazing would be to see actors in these sorts of movies nominated for their talent.  That is definitely something to hope for.

One issue needs to be pointed out though, there is one science fiction movie from last year that did a much better job at being a good film and that was Moon.  If any sci-fi was going to be nominated for best picture, I would have guessed that one above all others.  Moon is a movie that will sadly go unrecognized for absolutely no good reason.

There have only been five (counting the current) sci-fi movies to be nominated for best picture.  The previous three never made it.  If this year were to be the year, I’d wish Avatar wouldn’t be the one, but seeing as they are low on the actual contending list, history probably wont be made this March.  I may be a realist , but you can bet I’ll be clinging to my vain hope that District 9 wins.  Who knows, maybe on the 8th I’ll be writing a bit about how a movie full of fake blue aliens surprised me once again.  I do like that movie, but in context of best picture, I just can’t see it!