‘Hidden Figures’ Movie Cast Members Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae Tweet About Box Office Success

Although there were several mix-ups regarding the title of “Hidden Figures,” there were no mistakes at the box office. The movie, based on the African American women that helped send the first American astronaut into space, landed at number one at the box office. Cast members Tariji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae were thrilled.

After “Hidden Figures” managed to beat out “Rogue One” for the top spot at the box office, Henson took to Twitter and Instagram on Monday to post about the movie’s success and her achievements as a black actress. “I have been told my entire career ‘Black women can’t open films domestically or internationally.’ Well anything is possible,” the actress wrote.

Henson explained that her box office success was due to good material and had nothing to do with race or gender.

The actress went on to mention that despite the snowstorm that hit the east coast over the weekend and the limited theaters the movies were shown in, it still managed to earn $22.8 million, which allowed them to take over the top spot at the box office.

“What a proud moment!!!” she wrote. “P.S. telling me what I can’t do only makes me focus on proving nay Sayers WRONG!!!” she added.

Costar Octavia Spencer was just as happy with the box office results posting them to Instagram. “Thanks to everyone who saw the value in seeing this story told and finally giving these heroines their due!!!” she wrote, captioning the picture. The actress went on to thank everyone for their support.

Monae, who also shared screen time with the Hollywood veterans in the film, praised the real women in which the film was inspired by: African-American mathematician Katherine Johnson and her colleagues Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan. “These women’s contributions and stories have to reach more hearts and eyes! Thank you! Let’s keep running this marathon together!” the songstress wrote.