Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet join forces for a stunning art campaign supporting ocean conservation. (Christy Lee Rogers)
The leading ladies of "Avatar: The Way of Water," namely Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet, have recently come together for a noble cause. James Cameron, the film's director, along with Disney, collaborated with underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers to capture the essence of these actresses for the Nature Conservancy's global initiative, Keep Our Oceans Amazing campaign.
In these captivating photographs, the trio is draped in flowing dresses of purple and blue hues, with their eyes gently closed, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painting. The collection includes group shots as well as individual and paired portraits.
Expressing his admiration for Rogers' artistry, Cameron stated, "I have long admired Christy’s art and began collecting her works several years ago. Her unique style of shooting her subjects underwater naturally inspired me to suggest she do a special shoot with our cast."
These stunning artworks are now available for purchase through Fraser Scott at A Gallery Artists Ltd., with all net proceeds from sales dedicated to supporting the conservation efforts of TNC aimed at safeguarding our oceans.
"Avatar: The Way of Water," which premiered in 2022, marks a significant cinematic event, arriving more than a decade after the groundbreaking success of the original "Avatar" film in 2009. Garnering immense acclaim, the latest installment has achieved a remarkable feat by grossing $2.3 billion worldwide, securing its place as the third highest-grossing film of all time. Its predecessor held the top spot on this list, amassing $2.9 billion globally.
The actresses, Saldana (45), Weaver (74), and Winslet (48), likely drew upon their training for "The Way of Water" while participating in the TNC photoshoot. Cameron had enlisted top breath-hold specialists for the film's production, as underwater scenes were shot in expansive water tanks to maintain authenticity.
Reflecting on their training, Saldana shared with the New York Times in November 2022, "I’m very competitive, but we had an Oscar-winning actress in our cast that did seven minutes. I got almost up to five minutes. That’s a big accomplishment, you guys." Weaver added, "Five minutes is huge. Sigourney did six and a half."
Weaver also mentioned surprising her specialist with her ability to control her breath, emphasizing the need to overcome instinctual reactions and adapt to the underwater environment seamlessly.
The collaboration between the "Avatar" cast, Christy Lee Rogers, and the Nature Conservancy not only celebrates artistic expression but also serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment towards preserving our precious oceans for generations to come.
