The Oscars are only a few days away and it always stirs up a real sense of intrigue and excitement as to who will win what award and what will the stars be wearing on the red carpet?
The Academy Awards is one of the most prestigious acting accolades that anyone in the film industry can receive. This year’s Oscar nominated-films were filmed all over the world and in some of the most spectacular, and fascinating locations.
Where are the locations for this years Oscar-nominated films?
From the wild wilderness of the Wadi Rum in Jordan to the astounding cityscape of Madrid, here is a round up of the best destinations from this year’s Oscar-nominated films.
New Zealand - Power of the Dog
Despite being set in the US state of Montana, the Oscar-nominated film ‘Power of the Dog’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch was shot on location across key destinations across the stunning country of New Zealand – including the city of Dunedin, Lindis Valley, Oamaru and Queenstown in Central Otago, the southeastern region on the South Island of New Zealand– with its production base in Auckland.
Dunedin also serves as a significant location of the film and ‘Power of The Dog’ isn’t the city’s first rodeo in the film industry having previously hosted films like ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ and ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’.
New York - West Side Story
“I like to be in America” sings the cast of 2021 reworked musical ‘West Side Story’ and this colourful and vibrant Oscar-nominated film directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City.
From Brooklyn and Queens to Harlem and Washington Heights, the aim was to capture the grit and energy of New York which has to be one of the most featured locations in the movies. One standout moment includes a block party with an entire ensemble set in the streets of San Juan Hill dancing the Pachanga – a glamorous Caribbean style dance featuring two of the film’s key characters Anita and Bernardo.
Belfast - Belfast
Described as his “most personal film” to date, celebrated actor and director Kenneth Branagh’s coming of age Oscar-nominated comedy-drama film ‘Belfast’ follows a young boy’s childhood in Northern Ireland at the beginning of The Troubles in 1969 and how his life is turned upside down by the advent of civil unrest and war. The film explores an idyllic childhood interrupted by tumultuous events seen from the point of view of the young central character, giving audiences an intriguing and touching perspective.
‘Belfast’ has received seven nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and stars an impressive cast including Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Jamie Dornan and more.
Jordan - Dune
With a standout cast of acclaimed actors like Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård and more, ‘Dune’ has been nominated for ten (count ‘em!) Oscar nominations including ‘Best Picture’.
Filmed across a myriad of locations including Abu Dhabi, Norway and Budapest, the standout has to be the stark and wild wilderness of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. Which along with its counterpart Wadi Araba helped set the scene of the fictional desert planet – Arrakis.
An adaptation of the Frank Herbert sci-fi novel of the same name was brought to the big screen by Denis Villeneuve and cost over 160 million US dollars to produce. Describing Jordan he said “Jordan has a very special vibe, it’s very impressive how every 25 miles you have a totally different landscape.”
What better location for an epic Oscar-nominated film like this?!
Spetses, Greece - The Lost Daughter
Olivia Colman’s gripping new film ‘The Lost Daughter’ was filmed on the exclusive and glamorous isle of Spetses in Attica, Greece which is chock-full of slow walks across pine-fringed beaches surrounded by pristine white buildings whilst hypnotic jasmine scents fill the air.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Oscar-nominated directorial debut, based on the Elena Ferrante novella was originally intended to be filmed in the USA, but was switched to this pretty Greek island due to the pandemic-based filming restrictions. Spetses effortlessly fuses the aesthetics of old and contemporary – an old-world tradition with a cosmopolitan edge.
Madrid - Parallel Mothers
‘Parallel Mothers’ is a Spanish drama film that follows the intertwined lives of Janis and Ana, two pregnant women who meet in a hospital room in Madrid. Expect to see the best of Madrid showcased in the most compelling visual style. The Plaza de las Comendadoras serves as a pivotal location of the film and is the place where Penélope Cruz’s character is seen the most.
Madrid, which is one of the largest cities in Europe, is a mainstay of many a filmmaker who can’t fail to be charmed by its astonishing architecture (such as the Almudena Cathedral and one of the largest Royal Palaces in Europe, the Palacio Real), impressive historical centres and the beautiful parks. We love the floral displays in the Retiro Park which was originally designed for the relaxation and amusement of the king back in the 1600’s.
Naples - Hand of God
“This is, for me, the most beautiful place on Earth,” says director of ‘Hand of God’ Paolo Sorrentino about his beloved Naples and his film showcases this beautiful scenery in abundance as well as an accurate portrayal of the best, the bizarre, and the everyday aspects of life in Naples.
As well as striking footage of the iconic bay, viewers of this Oscar-nominated movie are treated to dazzling displays of sights like the Piazza del Plebiscito (the main piazza of Naples, Vomero, the charming village of Roccaraso which is synonymous with skiing, snowboarding and its excellent range of restaurants which includes the Michelin-starred Chichibio.
Oslo - Worst Person in the World
The third film in director Joachim Trier’s “Oslo Trilogy, ‘Worst Person in the World’ follows ‘Reprise’ and ‘Oslo, August 31st’ – a series of dark comedy romance films that is centred around the quest for love and meaning in contemporary Oslo via the central character – Julie, a young woman who navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find her purpose in life.
This Oscar-nominated film features standout Oslo locations like St. Hanshaugen, one of Oslo’s largest parks where you can enjoy some of the most stunning views of the city and Kunstnernes Hus – a contemporary art gallery. Of which the building is one of Oslo’s architectural landmarks that effortlessly showcases the fusion of neoclassicism and functionalism in Norway.
The intriguing architecture of the city and the wonderful culinary landscape are just a couple of the many things to see and do in Oslo.
Puglia - No Time to Die
Italy dominates the trailer and somehow steals the show in the latest edition of the James Bond Oscar-nominated film ‘No Time To Die’ which includes a gripping car chase sequence shot in southern Italy’s Basilicata.
There is a striking scene where 007 jumps off a two-tier Roman bridge, which was shot in the Ponte dell’Acquedotto of Gravina in Puglia, a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” which is known for its whitewashed ancient hill towns, quirky villages and extravagant architecture.
This Oscar-nominated film is just one of many chosen as a stunning location for film makers.
