By the Numbers

To date, “Gangs of New York” has muscled its way to $70 million and seen its domestic box office plateau. Martin Scorsese’s epic slipped out of the top 10 several weekends ago, but Academy Award nominations today could give its fortunes a dramatic boost. And you can bet Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein is counting nominations for this and other movies. “In order for ‘Gangs of New York’ to achieve $100 million in box office, it would have to receive multiple Oscar nominations,” said Paul Dergarabedian of the box office tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Co. “Miramax could then use that to continue marketing the film.” Another Miramax contender, “Chicago,” already appears to be cruising toward the $100-million mark with or without the patina of Academy Award nominations. The Miramax musical has grossed $63.8 million, taking in $10.8 million over the weekend at 1,841 venues. Meanwhile, “The Quiet American” grossed $538,321 over the weekend after Miramax widened its release from eight theaters to 44, giving the film a healthy per-venue average of $12,235. The film, which stars Michael Caine, also could see its box office boosted should Caine be nominated for best actor. And the company is certain to capitalize on nominations for “The Hours,” which it co-produced with U.S. distributor Paramount and will release overseas.

-- Robert Welkos

*--* MOVIE 3-DAY TOTAL VENUES AVERAGE WEEKS (STUDIO) GROSS (MILLIONS) PER VENUE 1 How to Lose a Guy in $23.8 $23.8 2,923 $8,134 1 10 Days (Paramount) 2 Shanghai Knights $19.6 $19.6 2,753 $7,121 1 (Buena Vista) 3 Chicago (Miramax) $10.8 $63.8 1,841 $5,859 7 4 The Recruit (Buena $9.2 $29.8 2,376 $3,883 2 Vista) 5 Final Destination 2 $8.4 $27.9 2,834 $2,960 2 (New Line) 6 Deliver Us From Eva $6.6 $6.6 1,139 $5,837 1 (Focus Features) 7 Kangaroo Jack (Warner $6.1 $53.0 2,848 $2,144 4 Bros.) 8 Biker Boyz (DreamWorks) $4.2 $16.0 1,769 $2,393 2 9 Darkness Falls (Sony) $3.8 $26.8 2,456 $1,556 3 10 Lord of the Rings: The $3.5 $320.9 1,680 $2,093 8 Two Towers (New Line)

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Source: Exhibitor Relations Co.