Cameron presented with “Lucky Brand Modern Master Award” by Arnold

Tonight the governor of California presented James Cameron with “The Lucky Brand™ Modern Master Award” at the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Schwarzenegger is a longtime friend of Cameron and starred in three of his films: The Terminator, True Lies, and Terminator 2. The Governator ended his short and sweet speech by giving Cameron the award, saying in his trademark Austrian accent, “Now you really are king.” This was in reference to the famous ad-libbed line in Titanic, “I’m the king of the world!”

Cameron mentioned that he used to walk into USC film school, even though he wasn’t enrolled, and photocopy student theses and technical manuals. When he came across something about theoretical or practical that he didn’t know, he would study it until he understood it. He credits his long hours of independent study to his big break directing the b-movie, Piranha 2.

As Cameron slowly made his way down the red carpet, he took time to chat with throngs of fans in front of Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater (decorated as an outdoor street on the inside).
He mentioned (jokingly?) to some blue-faced young fans that Avatar’s moons play a role in the sequel.  See clip:

James Cameron Talks Sequel from John Rhodes on Vimeo.

Photos (more coming):

James Cameron and his great schnauz shadow chats in Navi with Avatar fans.

Cameron receives award from the Governor at the 25th Santa Barbara Film Festival