'Hurt Locker' producer barred from Oscars

LOS ANGELES – A producer of the war story "The Hurt Locker" will not be allowed to attend the Academy Awards because of e-mails he sent urging academy members to vote for his movie. But he will receive an Oscar if his film wins best picture.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the action Tuesday against producer Nicolas Chartier, who violated Oscar rules that prohibit mailings promoting a film by disparaging another.

Chartier sent e-mails seeking support for "The Hurt Locker," "not a "$500 million film" — an obvious reference to best-picture contender "Avatar." Chartier apologized in a subsequent e-mail.

While Chartier cannot attend Sunday's ceremony, he would receive his Oscar later if "The Hurt Locker" wins.