The Hurt Locker to win Oscars

Bookmakers are seeing a plunge for The Hurt Locker leading into the Academy Awards, and with good reason.

As good as Avatar might have been - and it will go down in history alongside the likes of Star Wars - it's not the type of film usually adopted by the Academy suits. They seem to like it real, and that's what punters are banking on.

But while the last round of awards saw The Hurt Locker take ascendency, don't forget the Golden Globes as a key indicator, where Avatar was the winner.

Here at Aussiepunt, we're tipping Avatar to walk away with three gongs.

Meanwhile, here's Sportingbet's take:

PUNTERS DESERT AVATAR

Sportingbet Australia punters have shunned box office smash Avatar ahead of Monday morning’s (Australian Time) Academy Awards ceremony.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the James Cameron blockbuster had drifted from $1.66 to $2.25 over the past two weeks.

“Avatar had all the momentum two weeks ago with us taking several four figure bets at the $1.66,” said Sullivan.

“But with The Hurt Locker picking up the last couple of lead in awards the betting has been turned on its head.”

Sullivan said The Hurt Locker had firmed from $2.25 to $1.75 in the same period with some big bets being written.

“It’s been all The Hurt Locker recently with bets including one of $3000 at $1.75,” Sullivan said.”

“Despite enjoying only moderate success at the box office this film has all the momentum in the race for Best Picture.”

Sportingbet Australia is also offering betting on how many Oscars Avatar picks up with five the favourite at $3.00.

2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – BEST PICTURE
Sportingbet Australia Market
The Hurt Locker 1.75
Avatar 2.25
Inglorious Basterds 15.00
Up In The Air 41.00
Up 41.00
Precious 67.00
The Blind Side 101.00
An Education 151.00
District 9 151.00
A Serious Man 201.00

2010 ACADEMY AWARDS – HOW MANY OSCARS FOR AVATAR?
Sportingbet Australia Market
Five 3.00
Six 4.25
Four 4.50
Three 5.50
Seven 6.50
Eight 9.00
Two 12.00
Nine 26.00
One 51.00
None 101.00