avatar“Avatar” is on top of the world at the Oscars.Photo: Official Avatar Movie’s photostreamThe carpet will still be red at the Oscars this Sunday, but there will be a little more green among the nominees.

Leading the way is this year’s blockbuster “Avatar,” James Cameron’s self-proclaimed most successful environmental film of all time. Tied with “The Hurt Locker” for most nominations, including Best Picture, “Avatar” is the most popular green-themed film, but don’t let the Nav’i distract you from other eco-ly legit films.

Reader support makes our work possible. Donate today to keep our site free. All donations TRIPLED!

For starters, Tom Philpott’s cinematic sweetheart, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” garnered two nominations — Animated Feature Film and Music (Original Score) — although Philpott still claims it was snubbed.

Two films bypassed allegory and dug into unsustainable — and shocking — food practices to gain their nominations for Documentary (Feature). “Food, Inc.” takes on the industrial food system in the U.S.

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

And “The Cove” focuses on a brutal for-profit dolphin-killing operation in Japan.

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Nominations alone are good publicity for these green messages, but a couple golden statues wouldn’t hurt. Green … for the win!