In the penultimate award of this year’s ceremony, Kathryn Bigelow secured the Best Director Oscar, winning out over her ex-husband and director of Avatar. Bigelow had picked up late momentum following Cameron’s win at the Golden Globes. Cameron was gracious in defeat, standing up to applaud the director who becomes the first female in history to win this particular Oscar.

Barbara Streisand presented her with the award which she described as “the moment of a lifetime. She paid particular tribute to The Hurt Locker’s screenwriter Mark Boal who also won a gong on the night. She dedicated the award to the servicemen in war-zones around the world, wishing that they come home safe.