Oscars Flashback '10: Bigelow Makes History

In 2010, a little film called The Hurt Locker won big at the Oscars. On a wave of critical acclaim, the Kathryn Bigelow-directed film took home six awards, including Best Picture and Best Directing, beating out the James Cameron blockbuster Avatar for the accolades.

Kathryn isn't the first extraordinary director to earn Oscar recognition for a low-budget movie. She is however the first female to do it.

When you make history like that, it tends to be a big part of the conversation. But while Kathryn was the first woman to win a directing Oscar (and the fourth to even be nominated), she prefers to be called a filmmaker rather than a "female director." And when asked on Oscar night about the significance of her victory, she made that clear.

"First of all, I'd love to be the first of many," Kathryn stated in regards to her award. "I long for the day when that modifier is no longer necessary."

The action director added that her gratitude came from inspiring any young filmmakers, "male or female, and have them believe that the impossible is possible."

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Gender wasn't the only significant part of Kathryn's big win.

James Cameron, also nominated for the statuette, is her ex-husband.

On the subject, Kathryn politely maintained that "[Cameron is] an extraordinary filmmaker," but when asked what she would say to him about the award, she remained mum on the details. "You left me speechless."

The Oscar winner's latest film, Zero Dark Thirty, opening nationwide January 11, is only further cementing her as an icon among director's today.

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The movie, which chronicles the hunt for Osama bin Laden, has already been nominated for four Golden Globes, including Best Directing. Given the noise the picture has already been making, it's easy to see that come January 15 at the Oscar nominations, Kathryn might be looking at even more recognition.

To see more of Kathryn Bigelow's historic night, including ET interviews before and after the ceremony, see the video above.