2011 in film: Winners and losers

Winners

Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) tie the knot in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 1," which delivers the goods when it comes to marital romance. Summit Entertainment/Courtesy

Tentpoles: Although many smaller franchise sequels disappointed, the big names in wizardry (Harry Potter), toys (Transformers), chaste vampires (Twilight) and mascara-wearing swashbucklers (Pirates of the Caribbean) saw their latest installments do well, especially when considering their international box-office numbers.

Female ensembles: Two of the most profitable films of 2011 were "Bridesmaids," made on a budget of $32 million and grossing $288 million worldwide, and "The Help," which was made for $25 million and took in $169 million domestically, with another $33 million from around the globe. "Bridesmaids" brought new power to writer-star Kristen Wiig and re-confirmed producer Judd Apatow's status as a comedy king-maker. "The Help" changed the careers of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

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