Hollywood
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ pips ‘Avatar’ to become highest grossing film in N. America
MUMBAI: With early box office results in mid-wee, Star Wars: The Force Awakens became the highest grossing film of all time in the North American market, surpassing the $760.5 million lifetime gross ofAvatar in a record-shattering 20 days of release. In addition, the film crossed the $800 million mark at the international box office on 6 January.
Through 5 January, the film had grossed $758.2 million in North America and $799.1 million for a global total of $1,557.3 million since its 16 December global debut.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted in the US and Canada on 18 December, its first two weeks pushing the North American annual industry box office to an all-time high of $11 billion.
The movie has set numerous individual records including:
· Fastest film to reach $100 million (21 hours), $200 million (3 days), $300 million (5 days), $400 million (8 days), $500 million (10 days), $600 million (12 days), and $700 million (16 days)
· Biggest all-time debut and biggest December debut ($247.966 million), propelling the industry to the biggest overall moviegoing weekend of all time ($313.3 million for all films, 18 – 20 December)
· Biggest second weekend of all time ($149.2 million), propelling the industry to the biggest overall Christmas weekend of all time ($296.4 million for all films, 25 – 27 December)
· Biggest third weekend of all time ($90.2 million)
· Biggest Thursday preview gross ($57 million)
· Biggest Friday, opening, and single day ($119.1 million)
· Biggest Sunday ($60.55 million), Monday ($40.1 million), and Tuesday ($37.3 million)
· Biggest Christmas Day ($49.3 million) and New Year’s Day ($34.39 million)
· Highest per-theater average for a wide debut ($59,982)
· Biggest opening week ($390.85 million)
· Biggest IMAX debut ($30.1 million)
Globally, the film posted the highest global opening weekend of all time of $528.967 million and surpassed $1 billion in a record 12 days. It also had the biggest global IMAX debut ($48 million) and surpassed $152 million in IMAX in a record 19 days. It was the highest international debut in December history with $281 million, and it remains #1 in many territories after posting the biggest opening weekend in at least 18 major markets.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens now heads into its fourth weekend of global release ahead of a debut in its final international market, China, on 9 January.
Hollywood
Disney sells out ad slots for 98th Oscars broadcast
Strong demand for live events turns the Academy Awards into a global, multi-platform marketing moment
NEW YORK: Hollywood’s biggest night has also become one of advertising’s hottest tickets. Disney has sold out all advertising inventory for the 98th Oscars, underscoring the growing demand from brands eager to ride the cultural wave of major live events.
The sell-out marks the sixth consecutive live tentpole success for Disney Advertising. The streak includes last year’s 97th Oscars, the 59th Annual CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, signalling strong appetite among marketers for moments that bring audiences together in real time.
For advertisers, the Oscars are no longer just a single night of glitz and gold statues. Disney’s “Content Everywhere” strategy has expanded the awards show into a sprawling, multi-platform brand playground spanning linear television, streaming, social media and digital content.
“Live continues to be one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with engaged audiences at scale, and the Oscars represent the very best of culture, creativity and community,” said Disney Advertising SVP, entertainment and streaming solutions John Campbell. He added that the company has reshaped the show’s commercial potential into a connected experience that stretches well beyond the broadcast.
Brands such as Mazda, Pfizer and Volkswagen of America are tapping into Disney’s wider ecosystem, appearing across original content segments including Know Your Movies on Hulu and Critically Acclaimed on Disney+. Partnerships also extend to social media through TikTok Pulse Premiere and to custom brand storytelling created by Disney CreativeWorks.
The result is what Disney calls the “Oscars Everywhere” approach. Rather than a few high-profile ad breaks, advertisers now find themselves woven through a series of moments before, during and after the ceremony.
These include On The Red Carpet at The Oscars, a live pre-show syndicated across major local markets and streamed nationwide, and the After the Oscars Show, which keeps the conversation going once the final award has been handed out.
This year’s sponsors include Rolex, returning for its ninth year, and Burger King, which joins the Oscars advertiser roster for the first time. Other brands in the mix include Disney Cruise Line, Dunkin’, Eli Lilly and Company, Eucerin, Intuit TurboTax, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Miebo, Paris Baguette, Peacock, Starbucks, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon.
The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
