Hollywood closed out a challenging 2025 with impressive ticket sales during the holiday weekend, driven by the latest installments from major film franchises. James Cameron’s highly anticipated release, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,”, led the box office, raking in an estimated $88 million from Friday to Monday. The film’s success marks a significant achievement for the industry, particularly as it navigates the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Competing closely with Cameron’s blockbuster was “Marty Supreme,” directed by Josh Safdie. This indie film, set in the 1950s and centered around a table tennis rivalry, garnered $27.1 million over the same four-day period, showcasing the strong performance of independent films during a time typically dominated by major studio releases.
The holiday weekend box office was particularly notable as it represented Hollywood’s best Christmas Day earnings since before the pandemic disrupted the industry. Audiences flocked to theaters, signaling a potential turning point for the film sector as it seeks to regain momentum and rebuild from previous lows.
In a related cultural moment, the entertainment world mourns the loss of iconic actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot, who passed away at age 91. Bardot, who became an international sensation following her role in the 1956 film “And God Created Woman,” was known for her beauty and charisma. However, she later reinvented herself as a passionate advocate for animal rights, founding several organizations dedicated to animal welfare.
Bardot’s legacy is complex; she received significant accolades for her activism but also faced controversy later in life due to her extreme views and legal issues related to inciting racial hatred. Her impact on both cinema and animal rights is undeniable, and her death marks the end of an era.
As the year concludes, the contrasting narratives of box office success and personal legacy highlight the multifaceted nature of Hollywood. The industry looks to build on this holiday success while reflecting on the lives and careers that have shaped it.
Overall, the strong performance of films like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Marty Supreme” suggests a resilient appetite for cinema, even as challenges persist. The coming year will reveal whether this trend continues, as audiences and filmmakers navigate the evolving landscape of entertainment.
