EXCLUSIVE: 'Hidden Figures': Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, and JJ Abrams Talk Box Office Success

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Hidden Figures is a big success!

ET's Denny Directo spoke to stars of the film, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, as well as J.J. Abrams, who were in attendance at the L.A. Promise Fund's screening of the movie for 10,000 students in Los Angeles.

After the biographical drama finished No. 1 at the box office in its opening weekend, even beating out Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on roughly half the screens, Spencer told ET the success felt poetically sweet.

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"The irony in that is beautiful, we’re celebrating three women in STEM who help our first men get into space," the 46-year-old actress shared. "We were up against a big space franchise and we won."

"I think it sends a message that we all have something to contribute," Spencer continued. "And it's not just about the three black women, it's about the fact that the computers wore skirts. It highlights the story of these three women but there were black and white women working behind the scenes that never got their dues. Hidden Figures is a way to celebrate them all."

READ: 'Hidden Figures' Review: A Feel-Good Civil Rights Film That Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

Monáe, herself a Star Wars fan, invoked "the Force" in celebrating the film's achievement.

"I am a space nut," the 31-year-old artist confessed. "I love Star Wars and George Lucas is a hero of mine but I believe the force was with us and I'm forever grateful."

Even Force Awakens director Abrams had to give it up to the resonant film.

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"It's a movie that shows you you can do anything," the 50-year-old filmmaker shared. "It's a beautifully told story about people who did incredible work, who didn't get any of the credit. This movie gives them the credit."

"It's a great thing to see an important story, an original story, a story about women of color doing extraordinary things, not only be a great movie but be No. 1 in the box office," he added. "It's an encouraging thing."

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