NEW YORK — "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" held off "Anchorman 2" on a busy weekend at the box office.
According to studio estimates Sunday, Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" sequel took in $31.5 million in its second weekend of release. That topped Will Ferrell's "Anchorman" sequel, which nevertheless opened strongly in second place. It made $26.8 million over the three-day weekend and has made $40 million since opening Tuesday night.
Two Oscar hopefuls expanded to nationwide release and performed well. David O. Russell's Abscam film "American Hustle" earned $19 million. Disney's making-of "Mary Poppins" tale "Saving Mr. Banks" took in $9.3 million in expansion.