'The King's Speech' poised to conquer 'The Social Network' at the box office
Though the best picture contest at the upcoming Academy Awards is widely viewed as a race between "The King's Speech" and "The Social Network," a clear winner is emerging at the box office.
On its 12th weekend in theaters, "The King's Speech took in $7.4 million in ticket sales, down a negligible 4% from the previous weekend. That's particularly impressive given that it played in 321 fewer theaters.
Its box-office total is now $93.9 million. "The Social Network," meanwhile, stands at $96.6 million as it wraps up a theatrical re-release following its eight Oscar nominations.
Given its momentum, "The King's Speech" is almost certain to pass "The Social Network" by the end of the week. Coming off a string of recent award wins and heading into the Oscars on Feb. 27, where it has 12 nominations, it's clear the drama starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter has yet to lose its cultural relevance for moviegoers.
"The King's Speech" is putting on a phenomenal performance for a low-budget release from an independent studio, placing it alongside this awards season's other surprise smash hit, "Black Swan." The psychological thriller set in the world of ballet is only inches away from the $100-million mark, with a current box-office tally of $99.4 million.
-- Amy Kaufman and Ben Fritz
Photo: Colin Firth stars in "The King's Speech. Credit: The Weinstein Co.
I have a bit of a disagreement with this article on 'Speech v. Network'.
The King's Speech is a great movie, but it would be culturally relevant at any date (post world war II of course) or any year, and could contend for best movie any year.
The Social Network, however, is culturally relevant NOW. Network is a portrait of today's world, today's culture, today's generation. it is such a perfect portrait of right NOW that passing it up for that recognition is like saying 'Facebook doesn't matter in today's culture, A king from a different country, in a film based decades ago is more relevant'.
I feel like something is wrong with that picture.
Posted by: QUINN K | February 13, 2011 at 02:29 PM
I didn't know that the academy was giving out awards based on "relevancy". I was silly enough to have the impression that awards were given out based on the quality of a film and the performances of the actors within....If I am, in fact, mistaken then by all means give best picture to The Social Network, if however, I am not, the Oscar for best picture must go to The King's Speech...At least that is my opinion. And I must say, I'm a 21 year old College senior and in no way felt connected to anyone portrayed in The Social Network...everyone within made my skin crawl.
Posted by: Kayla | February 14, 2011 at 11:18 AM
I didn't know that the academy was giving out awards based on "relevancy". I was silly enough to have the impression that awards were given out based on the quality of a film and the performances of the actors within....If I am, in fact, mistaken then by all means give best picture to The Social Network, if however, I am not, the Oscar for best picture must go to The King's Speech...At least that is my opinion. And I must say, I'm a 21 year old College senior and in no way felt connected to anyone portrayed in The Social Network...everyone within made my skin crawl.
Posted by: Kayla | February 14, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Just because The Social Network is about Facebook doesn't mean it's as relevant as Facebook.
Posted by: Katsat | February 18, 2011 at 05:45 PM