The Iron Claw writer-director Sean Durkin has responded to fan disappointment over the movie's Oscars snub.
Despite drawing huge acclaim, the recent sports drama failed to garner any love in this year's Academy Awards nominations.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Durkin was asked about creating a movie that has connected strongly with fans – who have been rather vocal about its lack of awards recognition.
Related: Iron Claw's Jeremy Allen White talks being scared during training
"It’s great, I mean it's why we make work, we hope it connects with people and the film really resonates with people," he said.
"It's been out in the States for a month and it's just done incredibly well, more than I could have dreamed. It's clearly affecting people emotionally and it's meaningful and that's why we do it. It's a huge success for me."
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Speaking further about the fan response, lead star Zac Efron added that "it's hard to sum up a takeaway", noting: "There's things in it for everyone I think. Whatever you take away from it, I'm just happy you got something out of the film.
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"One of the cooler things that somebody put me onto, this wasn't even that long ago, it was like a week ago, there's a trend where after the film, people are filming their responses, where they're emotional, or I've seen some candid ones of groups of guys coming out of the theatre and just hugging each other.
"Those are really powerful, that says everything."
Related: Barbie star Margot Robbie breaks silence on Oscars snub
The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, depicting their lives inside and outside the ring, and stars Zac Efron, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, and Triangle of Sadness' Harris Dickinson.
This year's Oscars nominations are dominated by Oppenheimer, which leads with 13 nods, followed by Poor Things with 11, Killers of the Flower Moon with 10, Barbie with eight and Maestro with seven.
The Iron Claw comes out in the UK on February 9.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
Emily is an experienced freelance entertainment writer and editor, reporting on all things TV, film, soaps and showbiz. An NCTJ-qualified journalist, with a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from the University of Sussex, Emily is a former Deputy News Editor and Evening News Editor at Digital Spy. She has previously worked at Hello magazine, BBC South News and GoodtoKnow.
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