21 Nov – "Avatar" topped the North America box office over the three-day opening (Dec 18-20) with an estimated US$73 million, claiming the highest-grossing opening ever for a movie that's neither a sequel, a remake nor a direct adaptation, according to Box Office Mojo. Furthermore, "Avatar" made a mark as the second highest-grossing December opening weekend after "I Am Legend" (2007) with US$77.2 million.

Blowing away last week's chart topper "The Storm Warriors" in Malaysia and Singapore, "Avatar" also outgrossed the Asian blockbuster film debut "Bodyguards And Assassins" in both territories, which last week had special star appearances by Hong Kong's Tony Leung Ka Fai, China's Fan Bing Bing, director Teddy Chan and producer Peter Chan for the film's promotional tour. Even before its release, "Avatar" scored best-picture nominations at the upcoming Golden Globes and Critics Choice Movie Awards.

However, competition at the box office will heat up during this upcoming Christmas weekend as the classic remake of "Sherlock Holmes" starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law and the family friendly "Alvin And The Chipmunks 2: The Squeakuel" will compete against "Avatar" for the top spot.