By their "very different but equally excellent" powers combined, 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer have given Australian cinemas their best weekend since the pandemic began - and for at least one exhibitor, its best weekend ever.
Reading International says its cinemas are well placed for a post-COVID-19 and Hollywood Strike recovery.
Blondes, bombs, and underwater bites continue to reign at the Australian box office, with the top three films of 'Barbie', 'Oppenheimer', and 'Meg 2: The Trench' holding their positions from last week.
'Oppenheimer' may have battled it out with 'Barbie' at the box office but 'Poor Things' proved its nearest rival at the Oscars.
The box office had a significant refresh last weekend, led by new releases 'The Nun II', 'Jawan', 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem' and 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3'.
Robert McCall may have claimed his biggest scalp yet on the weekend, with 'The Equalizer 3' shooting past 'Barbie' to reach top spot at the Australian box office.
The most nominated titles across feature film and TV at the upcoming Golden Globes are both tied to Australian hopes, with 'Barbie''s Margot Robbie and 'Succession''s Sarah Snook securing nods along with scribe Tony McNamara for 'Poor Things' and Elizabeth Debicki for 'The Crown'.
While 'Barbie' may have been snubbed by BAFTA voters for Best Film, Margot Robbie will still carry Australian hopes at the UK awards, alongside Jacob Elordi and Tony McNamara.