James Cameron, the acclaimed director known for his work on blockbuster films such as Titanic and Avatar, has publicly criticized comedian Amy Poehler for a joke she made during the 2013 Golden Globes. The comment referenced his ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow, who was nominated for her film Zero Dark Thirty that year. Cameron described Poehler’s remark as “ignorant” and expressed his disappointment in the context of a ceremony meant to celebrate filmmakers.
Context of the Joke
During the Golden Globes ceremony on January 13, 2013, Poehler, alongside co-host Tina Fey, made a quip about Bigelow’s marriage to Cameron, which lasted from 1989 to 1991. As they presented the award for Best Director, Poehler remarked, “When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron.” This joke, which drew laughter from the audience, touched on Bigelow’s film that included sensitive themes such as interrogation tactics.
Thirteen years later, Cameron has addressed the joke in a recent interview with the New York Times. He stated, “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.” Cameron emphasized that, while he is generally able to take a joke, he felt that this particular comment crossed a line.
Cameron’s Reaction and Friendship with Bigelow
Cameron further elaborated, “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.” Despite his disapproval of the joke, he confirmed that he and Bigelow remain friends and continue to support each other’s careers.
Notably, just a few years before the Golden Globes joke, Cameron and Bigelow were rivals at the 2010 Academy Awards. Both were nominated for Best Director, with Cameron recognized for Avatar and Bigelow for The Hurt Locker. Ultimately, Bigelow won the Oscar, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to achieve this accolade. Cameron expressed his admiration for her success, saying he was “the first one on my feet applauding.” He also voiced disappointment that the Academy did not award Avatar with Best Picture, which went to The Hurt Locker.
As the entertainment industry continues to engage in discussions about humor and sensitivity, Cameron’s remarks highlight the complexities of personal history and public perception in Hollywood.
This exchange serves not only to reflect on past events but also to explore the broader implications of jokes made in public forums, especially those that touch on personal relationships.
