A system and method for selecting distant actions on a user interface using cursor gestures includes calculating a trajectory path of a cursor digitally represented on the display screen, using a direction of the cursor, in response to receiving cursor motion towards distant action as first input from the input mechanism. At least a portion of an action object that intersects the trajectory path of the cursor is detected as a result of a second input of the input mechanism. The user interface is augmented by presenting an action menu proximate the cursor as a function of the detecting, the action menu including one or more actions associated with the action object.