Photo: Press
Straight Outta Compton, the biographical drama film revolving around the rise and fall of hip hop group N.W.A, is reportedly being seen as one of the first potential Oscar contenders.
The film was released in the US last week, and received both critical acclaim and impressive box office figures. In fact, its opening day revenue of $24.3 million is the fourth biggest August opening in history.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film was also screened for members of the Academy, and drew "a massive crowd and overwhelmingly favorable response." As such, it is being seen as one of the year's first contenders for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
"It was one of the bigger screenings I've seen in a long time," an anonymous Academy member told THR, "Maybe 80 to 85 percent full."
Watch a trailer for Straight Outta Compton below
The Academy has garnered criticism in recent years for its constant omission of people of colour from its nominations, unless they are playing subservient roles. Perhaps Straight Outta Compton will help buck this trend.
Last week, Dr. Dre released Compton: A Soundtrack, which was his first album in 16 years and was inspired by the film. Read our track by track review here.
