SBIFF - James Cameron, Modern Master

The 2010 Lucky Brand Modern Master Award was presented this year to James Cameron.  The undisputed box office "king of the world" was on hand to accept the award from his friend and our Governor, Arnold Swarzennegger.

The evening began on a somewhat comical note when the evening's moderator, Leonard Maltin, introduced Mr. Cameron and instead of walking over to the chairs to begin his interview, he went right to the podium and began his acceptance speech.  Maltin stood patiently by the chairs but after 10 minutes he beckoned Cameron to come on over and said  "hey, save some of these questions for me."
Maltin took the the Arlington audience on Cameron's incredible film making journey beginning with his early days working for Roger Corman right through to his 9 Academy Award nominated film, Avatar.  Film clips were shown from Aliens, The Abyss, Titanic, and of course, Avatar (3D and all).

On hand to present the award was Arnold Swarzennegger.  Normally stoic and always politically professional, Swarzenneger didn't show up as the governor, he showed up as James Cameron's friend.  The two embraced often and one could feel this endearing friendship that has developed and lasted for almost 30 years now.  Swarzenneger joked and laughed with Cameron and planted the seed with all of us about his returning to the big screen by finishing his appearance with his trademark, "I'll Be Back."

Cameron encouraged all film makers to just do something.  Whether it is writing, making a 3 minute film, researching a story or idea, Cameron told the audience to just got out there and do it. . .whether you feel qualified or not.  This fake it till you make it approach has resulted in 18 personally written movies, 18 stints as Executive Producer, and 15 directed films as well.

This was truly a great night for the city of Santa Barbara and James Cameron was the perfect choice to receive this most prestigious honor.