‘Avatar’, ‘The Hurt Locker’ lead Oscar race

LOS ANGELES: Acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi epic “Avatar” and Kathryn Bigelow’s war thriller “The Hurt Locker” have bagged maximum nominations for the upcoming 82nd annual Academy Awards. Both films have been named in nine categories.

“Aavatar” has received nominations under the best picture, art direction, cinematography, director, film editing, music (original score), sound editing, sound mixing and visual effects category.

While “The Hurt Locker” has been selected in the best picture, actor in lead role, cinematography, director, film editing, music (original score), sound editing, sound mixing and writing (original screenplay).

Leading the best actor category are Jeff Bridges (“Crazy Heart”), George Clooney (“Up in the Air”), Colin Firth (“A Single Man”), Morgan Freeman (“Invictus”) and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”).

In the best actresses category, the nominees are for Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”), Helen Mirren (“The Last Station”), Carey Mulligan (“An Education”), Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire”) and Meryl streep (“Julie & Julia”).

On the best director’s list are James Cameron (“Avatar”), Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”), Quentin Tarantino (“Inglourious Basterds”), Lee Daniels (“Precious:Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire”) and Jason Reitman (“Up in the Air”).

Paris Hilton accused of sexual assaults

LONDON: Socialite heiress Paris Hilton is in trouble again after a man reportedly filed for a restraining order against her, accusing her of “numerous sexual assaults.”

In the hand scribbled legal papers obtained by Hollywood’s TMZ website, Ramiro Benitez alleges Hilton has threatened him both sexually, physically and financially, reports metro.co.uk. Benitez wants protection for his 14-year-old son and his seven-year-old niece and is demanding the court to order Hilton to keep 100 yards away from him at all times, including his home, workplace, son’s school and his car.

Among other accusations from Benitez is a reported claim that Hilton has paid people, including his family members, to play ‘games’ on him and stop him from getting a job.

His request for a temporary restraining order was filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court last week but a judge has denied the request.

— Compiled from agencies