Kathryn Bigelow becomes first woman to win best director at Oscars

Kathryn Bigelow made history last night after becoming the first woman to win an Academy Award for best director.

The 58-year-old trounced her ex-husband James Cameron’s three awards for Avatar by collecting the six gongs for Hurt Locker, an Iraq war drama.

Avatar – the highest grossing film ever having already taken $2 billion worldwide at the box office – won three lower grade awards for art direction, cinematography and visual effects.

As she opened the envelope Barbra Streisand declared: ‘It’s about time’, and then read Kathryn Bigelow’s name for best director.

The Hurt Locker’s six Oscars was an extraordinary accomplishment particularly as it beat the mighty Avatar, which costs a staggering $300 million to make.

The Hurt Locker had a film budget of just $11 million and won best screenplay and best editing earlier on in the night.

Bigelow, who was married to Cameron between 1989 and 1991 and was his third wife, was asked what her win meant to her with regards to her ex.

She said: ‘It was a humbling experience’ to be in the same category as Cameron and the other directors – but she remained dignified and wouldn’t be drawn into directly commenting on Cameron.

Posted by Daily Mail Reporter on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 2:50 pm.

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