Reuters: Why Oscar chose "Hurt Locker" over "Avatar"

There also is the parallel question of whether "Avatar" and distributor Fox contributed to their own demise in the best-picture race. The sci-fi epic had been critically acclaimed, far more widely seen and was widely heralded for its breakthrough technology. And it boasted the deep-pocket backing of a major Hollywood studio. Could it be explained as the ultimate example of the split personality in Hollywood, where movie choices are mostly driven by the need to make large amounts of money but where the people behind the camera still want to be seen as making art? And was it hurt by attacks from the political right on the movie's plot, which was seen as a dig on America's Iraq incursion?
I watched Hurt Locker and to me it seems an average episode of a war TV show.
It was only about a man would stood close to bombs, and thrill was achieved by the presence of a bomb, not by any serious acting. You could see just a series of dangerous situations and the portrayal of characters was weak.

My bet is that ideological warmongerism is behind this awards' choice.