James Cameron, the renowned filmmaker behind the epic romance "Titanic," recently opened up about a heated encounter with producer Harvey Weinstein at the 70th Academy Awards.
The incident occurred in 1998 when "Titanic" received a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards, and tensions ran high on the star-studded night.
Cameron recalled that during a commercial break, Weinstein approached him, attempting to boast about how artists thrived under his company, Miramax. However, the director wasn't having it and decided to share the less favorable experience of his friend Guillermo del Toro, who had previously worked with Weinstein for the movie "Mimic."
As the verbal exchange escalated, those around them urged them to hold back until the cameras resumed broadcasting. Cameron humorously recounted that he almost resorted to a physical altercation, even jokingly mentioning hitting Weinstein with his Oscar trophy.
Del Toro had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with working under Weinstein and Miramax, stating that the experience almost ruined his Hollywood aspirations. The director had a tough time during the production of "Mimic" and compared it to a traumatic event in his personal life – his father's kidnapping.
Weinstein has faced numerous allegations of harassment, assault, and rape from over 80 women, including prominent actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie. The allegations sparked a major scandal and led to Weinstein's dismissal from The Weinstein Company.
Despite the intense encounter between James Cameron and Harvey Weinstein, the director remains focused on his film projects. He is currently working on the highly-anticipated "Avatar" sequels and collaborating with "Deadpool" director Tim Miller on a new "Terminator" movie. Additionally, in honor of the 20th anniversary of "Titanic," the beloved film is set to return to theaters, reminding audiences of its timeless impact on cinema.
As the film industry grapples with issues of abuse and harassment, Cameron's revelation serves as a reminder that change is essential, and artists must come together to foster a safe and respectful working environment for all. The courage of those who have spoken out against misconduct has brought about a transformative shift, encouraging accountability and paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate film industry.
