Director James Cameron has publicly criticized comedian Amy Poehler for a joke she made during the 2013 Golden Globes, which referenced his ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow. The comment, made while presenting the award for Best Director, has resurfaced, prompting Cameron to describe it as “ignorant.”
During the 2013 ceremony, Poehler quipped, “When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron,” referring to Bigelow’s nomination for her film Zero Dark Thirty. At the time, Cameron and Bigelow had been divorced for over two decades, having been married from 1989 to 1991. Bigelow’s film explored the controversial topic of torture in the context of the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
Cameron Responds to Poehler’s Quip
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Cameron reflected on Poehler’s remark, stating, “Amy Poehler’s remark was an ignorant dig, at an event which is supposed to be a celebration of cinema and filmmakers, not a roast.” He emphasized that while he can handle good-natured banter, he felt this particular joke crossed the line.
Despite his displeasure with the joke, Cameron assured that he and Bigelow maintain a solid friendship and continue to support each other’s artistic endeavors. He remarked, “The fact that people found it funny shows exactly what they think of me, even though they have no idea who I am or how I work.”
A Competitive History
The backdrop to this exchange includes a competitive history between Cameron and Bigelow. At the 2010 Academy Awards, both directors were nominated for Best Director, with Cameron for Avatar and Bigelow for The Hurt Locker. Bigelow ultimately won the Oscar, making history as the first woman to receive the award in that category. Cameron expressed his admiration for Bigelow, stating, “I was the first one on my feet applauding.”
Reflecting on the awards, Cameron expressed a desire for the Academy to have recognized Avatar with the Best Picture award, which ultimately went to The Hurt Locker. “I wished they would have shared the love,” he added, acknowledging the significance of both films in cinema history.
As this conversation continues to generate interest, Cameron’s comments highlight the evolving nature of humor in Hollywood and the implications of past remarks within the context of personal relationships.
