LOS ANGELES: Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” blasted into first place with a massive $90.2 million take, blowing away the competition at the American box office, industry estimates said Sunday.

The war drama, based on the true story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, set a new record for January opening, US media reported, and comes after the film wracked up six Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actor for star Bradley Cooper. This was the film’s first weekend in wide release.

Well behind, but with another solid debut, action comedy “The Wedding Ringer” opened in second place with $21 million, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations. The critically panned flick stars Kevin Hart as a best-man-for-hire for a socially awkward groom.

“Paddington,” a new big screen adaptation of the family classic about a bear lost in the big city, opened in the third spot. The kids comedy, starring British actor Hugh Bonneville of “Downton Abbey” fame opposite the marmalade-loving bear, took in $19.3 million in its US bow.