American Sniper has topped the US box office with takings of $90m (£59m) - a record for a January opening - following the film's six Oscar nominations last week.
The war drama, directed by Clint Eastwood, is up for best picture and best actor for star Bradley Cooper, who plays real life Navy Seal Chris Kyle.
Action comedy The Wedding Ringer opened in second place with $21m (£14m).
British family film Paddington came third with $19.3m (£12.8m).
American Sniper jumped from 21st place at last weekend's US box office, after a limited release in just a few screens.
It is now Eastwood's most successful film opening as director, beating Gran Torino's 2008 opening of $29.5m (£19.5m), and performed twice as well as studio estimates according to Reuters.