Film-maker James Cameron has said he was “a little bit in tears” following a speech by British actress Kate Winslet, who outlined the “mind-blowing” impact the director has had during his esteemed career.
Winslet, who starred in Cameron’s 1997 hit Titanic before reuniting on sci-fi epic Avatar: The Way Of Water in 2022, described the Canadian as “passionate and extraordinary” as he was awarded Legends status by Disney during a D23 ceremony in California.
“Dearest Jim, you continue to aspire to greater heights, but I’m not sure if anyone else but you will ever reach,” Winslet said in a video message played to the audience.
“The power of your imagination continues to inspire us all. What you cannot create, you simply manifest.
“You revolutionised the film-making process too many times to count, by developing cutting-edge technology and giving audiences an immersive and elevated experience that is realistic and phenomenal to behold.
“And you do it all with such collaboration and good grace.”
Winslet said Cameron had created “some of the most critically-acclaimed, culturally-loved films” of her lifetime.
“It’s mind-blowing to think of how many other movie-lovers’ lifetimes you have impacted and entertained,” she said.
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I love you to pieces.”
Appearing on stage, Cameron described receiving the award as “pretty daunting and overwhelming”.
“Kate, of course, she had me a little bit in tears – manly tears,” he joked.
Cameron used his speech to praise his “producing partner of 30 years”, Jon Landau, who worked on both Titanic and the Avatar films.
“He left our world four weeks ago. All of us in the Avatar family miss him dearly,” Cameron said.
Avatar star Zoe Saldana also surprised Disney fans during the ceremony to honour Cameron whose “passion, dedication and eye for detail are truly unmatched”.
“I thank you for giving me the best gift a director can give an actor – job security,” she joked.
“I’m going to be collecting my pension by the time the last Avatar movie hits theatres.”
