Despite being the highest grossing film of all time, James Cameron’s Avatar was beaten at the Oscars by his ex-wife’s low budget war drama The Hurt Locker.

James Cameron beaten at Oscars by his ex-wife

The highly acclaimed film Avatar, which thrilled audiences worldwide with its 3D effects, only managed to claim three of the gold statues at last night’s Oscars ceremony.

Best Director surprisingly went to Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron’s ex-wife, for her drama The Hurt Locker about a US bomb disposal unit in Iraq.

On hearing the announcement, James Cameron patted his ex on the back, as he was sitting directly behind her in the auditorium. He also pretended to strangle her before giving her a big hug.

On winning the award, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman in history to win an Academy Award for Best Director.

The Hurt Locker scooped six Oscars last night, including Best Picture, while Avatar won only three gongs in minor categories.

Avatar, having already taken $2billion worldwide is the highest grossing film ever at the box office, only won awards for art direction, cinematography and visual effects – failing to match Cameron’s other epic masterpiece Titanic which scooped 11 Oscars.

Other winners were Best Actress Sandra Bullock – for her role in American football drama The Blind Side, and Best Actor Jeff Bridges – for his Crazy Heart role.

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