Having just finished his cut of the film at 2 a.m., Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper (A King’s Speech) presented the first screening of Les Miserables to a New York audience this afternoon. Not since 2002’s Chicago has a musical feature been a serious Oscar contender for Best Picture, but early reactions indicate that the trend could change this year. Each musical number was followed by raucous applause with the principal cast taking the stage to a standing ovation at the end of the film. It looks like Christmas has come early for the cast and crew of Les Miserables.

The film stars Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen. Les Miserables opens on December 25th. Hit the jump to read some audience reactions.

The first audience reactions to Les Miserables were reported by THR from the first screening at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. Hooper, who had just finished his first Thanksgiving meal, shared what he was thankful for this year:

“I’m grateful that I finished it [the film]… I’m grateful to the thousands of people who have been on this journey, particularly the wonderful cast… and I’m grateful to Victor Hugo[who wrote the novel upon which the Broadway play upon which the film is derived], who unfortunately can’t be with us.”

Though the journalists in attendance couldn’t offer their reviews yet, they were allowed to make general comments. The following is from THR reporter, Scott Feinberg:

Whether or not the fact that Hooper used the actors’ live on-set singing (as opposed to re-recording it in post-production) — which Universal touted in a recent featurette — actually enhances a film more than it compromises the quality of the music, audiences seem to have been sold on the former. Any “first” also makes for a great talking-point on the awards season campaign trail. (Incidentally, all of the musical numbers were also shot in close-up and uninterrupted takes.)

Feinberg also highlights Hooper’s strong chances for Best Director, names Hathaway as a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress, says that Jackman’s Valjean role was custom-made for him though it may not be enough to earn him even a nomination this year in a crowded category, commends Crowe’s vocal abilities as Javert and says that Barks, Seyfried and Carter could also contend for Best Supporting Actress nominations. There is also the original song, “Suddenly,” that was written specifically for the film and will likely be a contender.

Let’s take a look at some of the reactions from viewers via Twitter:

Here’s the synopsis for Les Miserables: