So far, "Argo," Ben Affleck's period hostage drama, is the season's critical favorite. The challenge for Warner Bros. will be to keep the momentum going in the face of challengers.
Ben Affleck‘s Argo is a $100 million baby in North America.
The critical darling and audience favorite jumped the $100 million milestone at the domestic box office during the weekend, a commendable accomplishment for a historical drama. The film tells the real-life story of the rescue of six American embassy workers who were rescued during the 1979-81 Iranian hostage crisis.
PHOTOS: How the CIA Fooled Hollywood With Fake ‘Argo’ Movie
Affleck both directed and stars in the film, which took in $2 million during the weekend, pushing its total to $101 million.
“Argo is one of those rare cinematic achievements that has been equally and enthusiastically embraced by both critics and audiences,” ,” Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman said. “Its success at the box office, combined with categorical raves from critics everywhere, is a testament to the talents behind the film, beginning with its remarkable director and star, Ben Affleck. We congratulate him and everyone involved in Argo on this milestone.”
PHOTOS: THR’s Awards Season Roundtable Series 2012: The Writers
The movie has remained on the top 10 chart for seven weeks. It also is Affleck’s first directorial effort to jump $100 million domestically. The Town grossed $92.2 million in 2010.
Internationally, Argo has grossed a strong $56 million.
Affleck directed the movie from an adapted screenplay by Chris Terrio. Argo also stars Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin and John Goodman.
Producers are George Clooney and Grant Heslov.
Related Stories
Related Stories
More from The Hollywood Reporter
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
Heat Vision
‘Fast X’ Star Daniela Melchior Talks That Moment That Made Audiences Squirm and the Franchise’s Future
![]()
-
Heat Vision
‘The Flash’ Director Andy Muschietti on Ezra Miller’s Potential Future With Franchise: No One Else “Can Play That Character as Well”
![]()
-
![]()
-
You Hurt My Feelings
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ Team Break Down Fallout From “Betrayal”
![]()
