James Cameron's Titanic, the record-breaking historical epic that won 11 Academy Awards, will air on Channel 4 this Saturday at 6:30pm. The 1997 film, which cost a then-unprecedented $200 million to produce, was the most expensive movie ever made at the time.
Oscar Triumph and Box Office Record
Titanic matched the record for the most Academy Award nominations with 14, ultimately winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Upon receiving his awards, Cameron famously declared Leonardo DiCaprio's line, "I'm the King of the World!" to the press. The blockbuster grossed over $2 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film ever until Cameron surpassed his own record with Avatar in 2009.
Plot and Cast
The film stars Kate Winslet as Rose, a wealthy 17-year-old American engaged to the villainous billionaire Cal Hockley, played by Billy Zane. On the Titanic's maiden voyage in April 1912, she meets Jack, a third-class passenger portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who won his ticket in a poker game. Over a few days, they fall in love before the ship strikes an iceberg, leading to disaster. The story is framed by an elderly Rose recounting her experience to a modern-day research vessel exploring the Titanic wreck in search of her diamond necklace, the Heart of the Ocean.
Cultural Impact and Broadcast Details
Titanic is renowned for combining a romantic first half with a disaster-movie second half, appealing to both male and female audiences. The film features James Horner's score and Céline Dion's iconic song "My Heart Will Go On." With a runtime of 195 minutes, it will be broadcast on Channel 4 this Saturday at 6:30pm.
