James Cameron recalls a moment from the 2013 Golden Globes that, more than a decade later, still doesn’t sit well with him.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker has publicly criticized an Amy Poehler joke made during the ceremony, calling it an “ignorant inquiry” that crossed the line of what was supposed to be a celebration of cinema.
Speaking in a recent interview with The New York TimesCameron addressed the joke, which Poehler delivered during her opening monologue while co-hosting the awards with Tina Fey.
At the time, Poehler referenced the controversy surrounding zero thirty dark and her description of torture, joking: “When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron.”
The comment sparked an audible reaction from the audience, and cameras captured Jessica Chastain’s surprised response.
Cameron, who was previously married to zero thirty dark Principal Kathryn Bigelow said the comment went too far.
“Amy Poehler’s comment was an ignorant dig at an event that’s supposed to be a celebration of film and filmmakers, not a barbecue,” he said.
While noting that he can usually take a joke, Cameron added: “I’m pretty insensitive and happy to be the butt of a good-natured joke, but that went too far. The fact that people find it funny shows exactly what they think of me, even though they have no idea who I am or how I work.”
The filmmaker also reflected on how Hollywood framed his relationship with Bigelow during the 2009-2010 awards season, when his Avatar competed directly with his film The wounded locker.
Bigelow ultimately won the Oscar for best director and his film took home the award for best picture. Cameron emphasized that there was no hard feelings on his part.
“I was the first one to stand up and applaud,” he said, explaining that both he and Bigelow found the media narrative surrounding them amusing at first, but ultimately frustrating.
“It started to turn into a conversation that wasn’t about his movie and that bothered both of us.”
Cameron and Bigelow were married from 1989 to 1991 and shared a close professional history, including collaborations on Break point and strange days.
Cameron has recently made headlines again for claiming that he was denied proper screenwriting credit on Break pointa claim which the film’s credited writer later responded to by praising Cameron’s contributions.
Looking back, Cameron’s comments suggest that the Golden Globes prank wasn’t just a matter of humor, but of respect for the filmmakers, their work, and the moments meant to honor them.
