'Avatar,' 'Hurt Locker,' nominated in key Oscars indicator

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Science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" was named among the nominees for the Producers Guild of America Awards' top honor Tuesday, regarded as a key indicator of likely Oscars contenders.

James Cameron's groundbreaking 3-D spectacular, which has become the fourth highest grossing film in history since it's release last month, was among 10 films nominated for the January 24 awards show.

The PGA awards "Producer of the Year" honor is regarded as a gauge of which films may ultimately challenge for the coveted best picture prize at the Oscars, which are held on March 7 this year.

Last year's PGA award winner, "Slumdog Millionaire," eventually went on to win the Oscars' coveted best picture award, as did the 2008 victor "No Country for Old Men."

Joining "Avatar" on the nominees list this year were the producers of Iraq War drama "The Hurt Locker," as well as the producers of science-fiction hits "District 9" and "Star Trek."

Other nominees included British drama "An Education," Disney-Pixar's animated hit "Up" and Jason Reitman's recession-era dramedy "Up In the Air," starring George Clooney.

The field was completed by Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds," Clint Eastwood's "Invictus" and "Precious."