After the Oscar picture win for “12 Years a Slave,” exhibitors wish to book the film in theaters even though it hits homevid shelves Tuesday, two days after Oscar telecast. Thus, the Fox Searchlight-distributed film had secured more than 1,000 locations, up from 411 last weekend.
Released theatrically on October 18, 2013, after world-premiering at the 2013 Toronto Film Fest in September, the $20-million budget picture has grossed domestically 50.3 million at the box-office, as of March 2, 2014, the day of Oscar telecast.
Fox Searchlight anticipates that “12 Years” could earn $3 million-$4 million this weekend.
The film’s Oscar victories, which also included supporting actress and adapted screenplay, could be the final push needed for those on-the-fence filmgoers who have yet to see the film since it first bowed in theaters more than four months ago.
During Oscars weekend, “12 Years a Slave” actually grew 75% over its previous frame, more than any other pic and enough to lift the film past the $50 million domestic mark.
But it will be the final theatrical push for the film, which has already been available for digital rental or purchase for two weeks.
