Los Angeles ? Denzel Washington, fresh off his latest Oscar nomination, found a captive audience at theaters as “John Q” debuted as the top weekend film.

Starring Washington as a desperate dad who holds an emergency room hostage in order to secure a heart transplant for his dying son, the movie took in $20.6 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Britney Spears had a solid big-screen premiere in “Crossroads,” which was No. 2 with $14.6 million.

Disney’s animated “Return to Never Land,” a sequel to its classic “Peter Pan,” opened in third place with $11.8 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.:

1. “John Q,” $20.6 million.

2. “Crossroads,” $14.6 million.

3. “Return to Never Land,” $11.8 million.

4. “Collateral Damage,” $9.1 million.

5. “Big Fat Liar,” $8.7 million.

6. “A Beautiful Mind,” $8.5 million.

7. “Hart’s War,” $8.3 million.

8 (tie). “Black Hawk Down,” $6.2 million.

8 (tie). “Super Troopers,” $6.2 million.

10. “Snow Dogs,” $5.8 million.