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Kim Hollis: I agree that this is pretty much a best-case scenario result for the studio, for Affleck and really for everyone involved in the making of the film. As was mentioned, the setting might be a bit off-putting because A) it feels like a history lesson and B) the look of the film is authentic, which means that all of the key players look a little bit like they rummaged through their parents' attics for Halloween attire. It gained traction over the course of the weekend, and that A+ Cinemascore is a great indicator of the positive word-of-mouth that's going to be forthcoming over the next several weeks. Critics and audiences agree, too, which means that this movie is going to be talked about *a lot*.

David Mumpower: This is exactly the sort of drama a lot of film snobs covet. The rest of North America generally eschews them. To wit, the ideologically similar Charlie Wilson's War featured Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts yet only earned $66.7 million domestically. As great as that movie is (and I would put it in the top 25 for the 2000s), its subject matter automatically eliminates a lot of North American consumers. Argo faces similar challenges, which is why $19.5 million feels like a solid win. Argo should wind up in the same neighborhood as Charlie Wilson's War, possibly earning more if it does become a major awards contender.

It's never too early to talk Oscars. Is it?

Kim Hollis: With glowing reviews and solid box office numbers, what do you think are the awards prospects for Argo?

Edwin Davies: At the moment, things are pretty strong for it. It's early days, but word-of-mouth is already strong, which suggests that it might be a popular favorite; it's a period piece that looks at a fascinating point in American history which also has contemporary relavence; and it's also a movie about movies - albeit in a roundabout way - all of which hit the right buttons as far as the Academy are concerned. They also love a comeback, and considering that both of Affleck's other directorial efforts received a smattering of nominations, this feels like the one where they will reward him for coming back from the brink of irrelevance. There are still a lot of heavy hitters to come in the next few months, but this opening weekend suggests to me that it has become a frontrunner, and will continue to be one if it maintains the momentum.

Felix Quinonez: I think it's still a little bit early to really talk speculate about the awards season. But I think it certainly has a lot going for it. Great reviews, word-of-mouth, and box office performance. I think it will almost certainly get some attention during awards season but whether or not that actually materializes into nominations or awards still depends on how the future contenders fare.

Bruce Hall: Don't look now, but Ben Affleck is all grown up. A question of relevance has dogged him for a long time, despite his having some obvious talent. Some of the flak has been warranted, some not. But he's clearly getting better at his craft, and while I agree that it's a little early to make predictions I would not be surprised to see Argo, and by extension Ben Affleck, legitimately in the mix when the time comes. This is a story worth keeping an eye on.

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