Newly minted Oscar winner Sandra Bullock {thanks, AP}

Lots of love for “The Hurt Locker.” A first-time female director win for Kathryn Bigelow. The dude abides. Sandra Bullock eked out the win. And “Precious” had a big night with hometown girl Mo’Nique picking up a lil’ gold man. Here’s the highs and lows of Sunday’s Oscar ceremony.

MOST UNEXPECTED COMEBACK: Good to know that Waldorf and Statler of the Muppets have been reincarnated in the form of host Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin doing their snarky show intro.

HOST DUTY: Split decision. Martin had a comfortable, worn-in feeling with his one-liners. Baldwin? Awkward and slightly wooden.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH LINE WE PROMISE NOT TO USE ON DATES: “I love you more than rainbows” — Ryan Bingham, songwriter from “Crazy Heart”

WE’LL BE NICE: We’re still upset about Sandra Bullock winning compared to her competition, but clearly she’s a lovely, kind woman.

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Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez {thanks, AP}

1. ACC Tournament
(Thursday-Sunday on RAYCOM and ESPN): If you’re not hardcore enough to travel to Greensboro, N.C., to see if Gary Williams’ Terps can win their first ACC tourney since 2004, I guess you’ll have to tune in on TV. The downside: Duke players won’t be able to hear your boos. MATT VENSEL, B

2. ARTBus Tour
Six hours on a bus is rough, no matter your destination. But we make an exception for the annual Evergreen Museum and Library’s ARTBus, with artist/indie curator Jason Hughes leading an insidery look at the rising stars of Baltimore’s arts scene. Stops include AREA 405 and the H&H Arts Building, and feature artist and gallery owner meet-and-greets and chances to buy artwork. Originates Saturday from Evergreen (4545 N. Charles St., Charles Village) at 9:30 a.m., returns at 4 p.m. $80 (also includes box lunch, snacks and receptions). museums.jhu.edu or 410.516.0341. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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Will “Avatar” win Best Picture Sunday night at the Oscars? {thanks, 20TH CENTURY FOX}

So, who really votes for the Oscars? Members of the Academy — actors, directors, writers, cinematographers. Even PR people. We’re none of those, but it doesn’t mean we can’t pretend. For b’s second Oscar Panel of Greatness (trademark pending), we enlisted the help of four local movie buffs to pick who’d they vote for in six major categories if they had an official ballot in their movie-loving hands. Love was spread around, even for people who weren’t nominated — though there was one consensus pick. As we get ready for Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, here’s a look at our Oscar faves this year.

(But first, meet our panel.)

Michelle Early (29, Bowie). Occupation: writer/editor, U.S. Department of Transportation. Favorite film of 2009: “Not Easily Broken”

Kevin Walling (24, Mount Vernon). Occupation: director of development and communications, Equality Maryland. Favorite film of 2009: “Creation”

Kristen Anchor (36, Waverly). Occupation: director, Creative Alliance MovieMakers (CAmm). Favorite film of 2009: “Stingray Sam”

Carlin Cook (28, Abingdon). Occupation: research analyst by day, filmmaker by night. Favorite film of 2009: “Trick ‘r Treat”

Jordan Bartel (28, Mount Vernon). Occupation: assistant editor, b. Favorite film of 2009: “Inglourious Basterds”

Best Picture:

MICHELLE: “Inglourious Basterds.” The movie was a great combination of funny and somber, fiction and fact. It was a really great cast — Brad Pitt was absolutely hilarious — and I was amazed at how quickly the 2 ½ hours went by.
CARLIN: “The Hurt Locker.” One of the most original stories for a 2009 film, it successfully tread through serious new territory while keeping the viewer fully engaged. Numerous scenes take the viewer for a nail-biting ride while making important cinematic points.
KEVIN: “Avatar.” Again, what Cameron has done has changed filmmaking forever. Obviously the plot needed a lot of work and it was fairly campy at moments, but in the end, “Avatar” is nearly impossible to beat.
KRISTEN: “Precious.” The underdog for sure, but I loved this film. As a professional champion for local, indie films, I would love to see an indie win best picture again.
JORDAN: I’d be happy if “The Hurt Locker” won, but my vote has got to be for “Inglourious Basterds.” It was innovative, awesomely violent, turn-the-war-film-on-its-head magic. Who says history can’t be rewritten?
YOUR PICK FROM BTHESITE.COM POLL: “Avatar” — 38%

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Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin host the Academy Awards this Sunday {thanks, ABC}

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thanks, Warner Bros.

What other childhood fave movie should get the Tim Burton treatment?

“Alice in Wonderland” {thanks, Disney}

1. ‘Alice in Wonderland’
It’s pretty clear this is going to be one hell of a trip down the rabbit hole with Tim Burton’s refreshingly modern take on the childhood classic. My only complaint is that Johnny Depp bares a disgustingly close resemblance to Elijah Wood when decked out in all his Mad Hatter glory (shrug). Follow the white rabbit to a theater near you Friday. TIM WONG, B

2. The Oscars
It’s “Avatar” vs. “The Hurt Locker,” Sandra vs. Meryl, Mo’Nique vs. … well, no one because she’ll definitely win. As always, there are some shoo-ins at this year’s Academy Awards, but we’re still excited to see how hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin handle the 10-best-picture-nominees madness. And, quick plug: Check out b’s Oscar preview on Friday. 8 p.m. Sunday, WMAR-12 ABC. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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The Black Eyed Peas boom boom pow into the future {thanks, Dimitri Danloff}

1. Black Eyed Peas at Verizon Center
They got that boom boom pow, them chickens jackin’ their style. Oh, sorry. The song is just so catchy! Hear it live — and all those other great Black Eyed Peas songs you love! — at the Verizon Center Tuesday night at 7:30. Tickets start at $49.50. AUBREY FORNWALT, B

2. Olympic men’s ice hockey gold medal game
We won’t know who’s playing in this game until later in the week, but there’s a reason that it’s the final gold medal event of the 2010 Winter Olympics: This is the Games’ premier event. Don’t miss it. 3:15 p.m. Sunday, WBAL-21 NBC. MATT VENSEL, B

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