Here are the nominees for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. The announcement of winners will be on March 7, 2010.

Best Picture
“Avatar”
“The Blind Side”
“District 9″
“An Education”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
“A Serious Man”
“Up”
“Up in the Air”

Most of the nominees here were pretty much predicted by almost everyone so there’s not much surprise here. I’m simply happy that Pixar finally gets the Best Picture nod for one of their films, and for something like “Up” nonetheless. I’m also thrilled that “District 9″ found its way into the Best Picture race. It’s extremely rare that science fiction films get the nod. In this race, however, 2 sci-fi films out of 10 nominees is not bad at all. Many people were saying that giving 10 slots for Best Picture nominees was a bad idea; but in my opinion, it’s simply a chance to get more works noticed and honored. Although it’s mostly a race between “Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker,” these nominations still get people talking about all the films selected.

So far, I’ve watched 8 out of 10 of these films (which I’m pretty happy about). This means I’ve only got “An Education” and “A Serious Man” on my must-watch list before awards night.

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”
George Clooney, “Up in the Air”
Colin Firth, “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”

I’m really rooting for Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker.” His performance is so memorable. However, it seems that based on the awards that have been given to Jeff Bridges for “Crazy Heart,” voters are more inclined to recognize the veteran actor who hasn’t been given his due over the newcomer/dark horse.

Best Actress
Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”
Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan, “An Education”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”

This has been Sandra Bullock’s year so far; so I wouldn’t be surprised if she won this. Anyway, her performance in “The Blind Side” has been entertaining and overall amazing. I’m also thrilled for Gaby Sidibe. What she did on “Precious” is pretty outstanding.

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon, “Invictus”
Woody Harrelson, “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer, “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci, “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”

Hans Landa better win this… that’s all I’m gonna say.

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, “Nine”
Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air”
Maggie Gyllenhaal, “Crazy Heart”
Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”
Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

This is going to Mo’Nique, no doubt about it. Still, I’m thrilled for Anna Kendrick, who is awesome in “Up in the Air.”

Best Director
James Cameron, “Avatar”
Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
Lee Daniels, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Quentin Tarantino, “Inglourious Basterds”
Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”

I really really really hope Kathryn Bigelow wins this. I loved “Avatar,” but “The Hurt Locker” is simply an amazing movie, mostly due to its director and how she got those performances out of her actors. Everyone’s talking about this race. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Best Animated Feature
“Coraline”
“Fantastic Mr Fox”
“The Princess and the Frog”
“The Secret of Kells”
“Up”

“Up” is the sure winner here because of its inclusion in the Best Picture race. I would’ve wanted to see “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” nominated, though.

For the complete list of nominations, go here.