Cameron's Oscar Battle Against Ex-Wife Kathryn Bigelow
The legendary director's five marriages and that unforgettable 2010 Academy Awards showdown where his Avatar lost to his former spouse's The Hurt Locker.
The 2010 Academy Awards delivered one of Hollywood's most unusual moments when James Cameron found himself competing directly against his ex-wife, acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow. While his blockbuster Avatar dominated the box office, it was Bigelow's The Hurt Locker that ultimately claimed the top prizes that evening, creating an awkward yet respectful rivalry between the former spouses.
This Oscar face-off represented just one chapter in Cameron's complex romantic history, which has unfolded publicly throughout his rise to becoming one of cinema's most successful filmmakers. The Titanic director has walked down the aisle five times, searching for lasting love while building the highest-grossing movie franchise in history.
Cameron's Journey Through Five Marriages
Cameron's first marriage to Sharon Williams lasted from 1978 to 1984, during his early career before he became a household name. This relationship stayed largely out of the spotlight and dissolved as his professional success began taking off.
His second wife, Gale Anne Hurd, brought both personal and professional partnership from 1985 to 1989. As a producer, Hurd collaborated with Cameron on major projects including The Terminator and Aliens, making them one of Hollywood's notable power couples before their eventual split.
The marriage that would later create Oscar drama began in 1989 when Cameron wed Kathryn Bigelow. Their union lasted until 1991 and represented a meeting of two visionary filmmakers. Despite their divorce, both maintained professional respect for each other's work, which made their 2010 awards competition particularly fascinating to watch.
Hollywood's Most Expensive Divorce
Following Titanic's massive success, Cameron married his leading lady Linda Hamilton in 1997. However, this relationship proved short-lived, ending in 1999 in what became one of Hollywood's costliest divorce settlements at the time.
Cameron finally found lasting happiness with actress Suzy Amis, whom he met during Titanic's production. They married in 2000 and have remained together ever since, building a family while sharing commitments to environmental and social causes.
Looking Forward: New Projects and Passions
Today, Cameron continues expanding his Avatar universe with upcoming installments that promise deeper emotional storytelling and stronger environmental messages. His next film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, represents his ongoing commitment to meaningful cinema.
Beyond moviemaking, the director pursues ocean exploration and climate activism, interests that increasingly influence his storytelling choices. While he's hinted at eventually reducing his physical involvement in filmmaking, Cameron shows no signs of stepping back creatively, focusing on projects that blend cutting-edge technology with purposeful narratives.