In the wake of the Oscar picture win for “12 Years a Slave,” exhibitors are clamoring to book the film in theaters even though it hits homevid shelves Tuesday. As of mid-afternoon on Monday, the Fox Searchlight-distributed film had secured more than 1,000 Stateside locations, up from 411 last weekend.
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.
The other big Oscar winner, Warner Bros.’ “Gravity,” which nabbed seven trophies including best director, is currently playing at 340 Stateside locations, with a cume north of $270 million domestically. It’s unlikely Warners will give the film much of a post-Oscars push considering it already relaunched the film at 1,200-plus locations post-nominations. “Gravity” launched Feb. 25 on homevideo.
