Open in five theaters, Fox Searchlight’s biopic “Jackie” posted the strongest per screen average of the weekend by far with $55,000, for an estimated total of $275,000.
That beats second place returning title “Lion,” which posted $17,176 on average from seven locations for a total of $120,234 for The Weinstein Company title.
“Jackie” stars Natalie Portman in what’s being billed as an intimate portrait of the iconic first lady, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. The film currently has an 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and has put Portman firmly in the conversation for awards season.
Kenneth Lonergan’s lauded “Manchester by the Sea,” starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams, came in third during its third weekend in theaters. Also receiving heavy awards season buzz, the title earned an average of $15,151 in 156 theaters, adding up to an impressive $2.4 million and a grand total of $4.4 million to date.
IFC’s raved about drama “Things To Come,” starring Isabelle Huppert, debuted to $11,030 on average from three screens for $33,090 total. It has a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Not quite a limited debut, Freestyle Releasing’s Christmas-themed family drama “Believe” posted $943 on average from 639 screens for a total of $602,519.