Oscar’s Golden Touch

How much does an Oscar nomination help at the box office? This year’s best picture nominees can count the ways. All five films enjoyed decisive increases in the weeks following the announcement of Oscar nominations on Feb. 15. The figures here compare cumulative grosses (in millions of dollars)--how much a film has made since its opening--prior to and following its entry in the best picture derby. One of the five will emerge as best picture of the year when Oscar winners are revealed Wednesday night.

BOX OFFICE FOR OSCAR NOMINEES

Gross Gross/ Percent Movie as of 2/15 as of 3/7 increase “Rain Man” $102.2 $121.8 19% “Dangerous Liaisons” $8.7 $18.7 115% “Mississippi Burning” $20.7 $27.6 33% “Working Girl” $44.5 $52.5 18% “Accidental Tourist” $25.2 $28.3 12%

SOURCE: Baseline