Santa Monica Civic Center

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - When Summit Entertainment sent out the DVD of "The Hurt Locker" to awards voters, it did so in early December, even though the critically acclaimed war drama had been released theatrically in late June. This was one of numerous decisions that will now impact the movie's Oscar chances.

Actor/director SEAN PENN's new film INTO THE WILD is leading the pack at the 13th annual Critics' Choice Awards, after picking up seven nominations.