London, Jan 16 - Acclaimed director James Cameron's much-anticipated 3D sci-fi epic 'Avatar' became critics' favourite by bagging six honours at the 2010 Critics Choice Movie Awards.

'Avatar' claimed six honours all technical awards, including best action movie, best visual effects, best sound, best editing, best art direction and best cinematography, reports contactmusic.com.

'Inglourious Basterds' came a close second by picking up three awards and 'The Hurt Locker' recieved two of the event's biggest awards for best directing (Kathryn Bigelow) and best picture.

Rob Marshall's 'Nine' became the night's big flop. Despite scoring 10 nominations for the awards last month, the musical-romantic film was completely shut out.