Kathryn Bigelow On Her Oscar Chances: I ‘Hope I Could Be The First Of Many’

“The Hurt Locker” director Kathryn Bigelow could become the first female Best Director winner at tonight’s Academy Awards, and she told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush on the red carpet that it would be “very exciting” to take home the Oscar.

“I think of myself as a filmmaker and I long for the day that we don’t need a modifier,” she said of the possibility of a historic win. “On the other hand, I understand it and it’s very exciting to hope that I could perhaps be the first of many, many, many [women].”

Kathryn’s nomination follows in the footsteps of other women directors such as Barbra Streisand, and she revealed that she attempted to meet with Barbra as the Oscars approached.

“Actually, I was meant to meet Barbra Streisand, but schedules conflicted so I wasn’t able to meet her,” Kathryn said. “So yes. Things happened so I couldn’t meet her, but I will hopefully meet her someday and that would be an honor.”

(She had the opportunity later on Sunday night, when Barbra presented the award for Best Director — which Kathryn won.)

And while ex-husband James Cameron, who’s nominated himself for helming “Avatar,” said he’d like to see her win, Kathryn was humble about her competition.

“Well I think he’s very gracious and he’s so talented,” she said. “Just again, to be in the company of these filmmakers is astounding.”