James Cameron Slams Golden Globes Joke About Ex-Wife

Back in 2013, James Cameron found himself unexpectedly in the spotlight at the Golden Globes, but not for his work. Instead, he became the punchline of a sharp gag delivered by Amy Poehler, who was co-hosting the event with Tina Fey. The joke came after Kathryn Bigelow, Cameron’s former partner, was nominated for best director for her work on Zero Dark Thirty. Poehler quipped,

When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron.

The crowd’s reaction was a mix of laughter and surprise, but Cameron didn’t see the funny side, recently describing the comment as an “ignorant dig.”

While the joke was meant to riff on the controversy surrounding Bigelow’s film and its depiction of torture, Cameron felt it crossed a line. He’s known for being able to take a bit of ribbing, but this one, he reckons, went too far. In a recent interview, he reflected on the moment, saying,

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. I’m pretty thick-skinned, and happy to be the butt of a good-natured joke, but that went too far. 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.

Impact on Bigelow and the Industry

Cameron’s main concern wasn’t just about himself. He worried the joke would overshadow Bigelow’s achievements and shift the focus from her work to their past relationship. He explained that both he and Bigelow were uneasy about how the narrative was turning away from her film and towards their personal history.

I was the first one on my feet applauding. Kathryn and I thought the whole meta-narrative around us was pretty funny. I was a little concerned that it would just take away from her credibility as a filmmaker. It started to turn into a conversation that wasn’t about her film, and that bothered both of us.

In an industry where women directors are still a rarity, Cameron felt the joke risked undermining Bigelow’s standing as a serious filmmaker.

Professional Ties and Recognition Snubs

Despite their split, Cameron and Bigelow have kept things professional. He was genuinely pleased for her when she took home the Oscar for The Hurt Locker, even though it meant beating his own film, Avatar. Their working relationship dates back to the early ‘90s, when Cameron helped develop and produce Point Break, the cult action flick Bigelow directed. The film, starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, has become a classic, but Cameron’s involvement behind the scenes wasn’t fully recognised.

He’s been open about his frustration over not receiving full screenwriting credit for Point Break, blaming the Writers Guild for the snub. In his words,

I flat-out got stiffed by the Writers Guild on that. It was bullsh*t.

Even W. Peter Iliff, the credited writer, has acknowledged Cameron’s significant input, saying there was “enough glory for everybody.” While the official credits might not tell the whole story, Cameron’s influence on the film is still widely acknowledged in the industry.

Legacy and Public Perception

As Cameron continues to make waves with his latest blockbuster, Avatar: Fire and Ash, the old Golden Globes moment still lingers in the public memory. For Cameron, it’s less about personal offence and more about how such jokes can shape perceptions, both of himself and of his colleagues. He remains keen to see filmmakers celebrated for their work, not reduced to the subject of cheap shots or gossip about their private lives.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently screening in cinemas across the globe.