Los Angeles ? Sony Pictures emerged as the biggest winner of Oscar nominations this year, reaping 18, the most it has scored in many years, if not ever.

Sony’s nods include “District 9” and “An Education” for best picture.

News Corp.’s 20th Century Fox was close behind with 14, including nine for “Avatar” and three for “Crazy Heart,” while The Weinstein Co. collected 13 for movies such as “Inglourious Basterds” and “Nine.”

Academy Awards recognition can lead to a big bump in business. Sony was the only studio to have two best picture candidates out of 10.

Studios with movies still in theaters are trying to get them on more screens this weekend in the hope that awards buzz will bring in new moviegoers. The nominations are also a relief for an industry hurting from a drop in DVD sales.