Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang in Avatar
Avatar is poised to cross the $2 billion mark at the global box office sometime either on Sunday or early next week. James Cameron's previous megablockbuster, Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, grossed a total of $1.842 billion back in 1998.
Avatar, for its part, has earned a staggering $1.924 billion to date; more than 70% of that amount came from overseas. Top markets include China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, Spain, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico. About 80% of the film's domestic (US/Canada) take and more than two-thirds of the overseas revenues have been generated at 3D/IMAX screenings, which charge higher ticket prices. Also, the dollar's current weakness helps to "inflate" earnings coming from abroad.
Avatar has received nominations from the French Academy, the British Academy, the American Cinema Editors, the American Society of Cinematographers, the Writers Guild, the Art Directors Guild, the Costume Designers Guild, and the Directors Guild. Last Sunday, it lost the Producers Guild Award to Kathryn Bigelow’s Iraq War drama The Hurt Locker. The Directors Guild will announce its winners this evening.
Written and directed by Cameron, the best picture (drama) and best director Golden Globe winner stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Laz Alonso, Giovanni Ribisi, CCH Pounder, and West Studi.
Photo: Avatar (WETA / 20th Century Fox)