Kathryn Bigelow wins best director, “Hurt Locker” best film at British awards

‘Hurt Locker’ wins best picture at UK awards

LONDON — Iraq war drama “The Hurt Locker” has won six prizes, including best picture, at the British Academy Film Awards.

Kathryn Bigelow took the best director prize for the film, beating nominees that included her former husband, “Avatar” director James Cameron.

“The Hurt Locker” also won prizes for original screenplay, cinematography, editing and sound. “Avatar” picked up awards for production design and visual effects.

“Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker” both went into Sunday’s awards with nominations in eight categories, including best picture.

The awards, known as BAFTAs, are considered an important indicator of likely Oscar success.