One of the highlights of the movie calendar is the Oscars.
The award ceremony is only days away and the nominees and winners of this year’s 95th Academy Awards showcase not only a truly diverse range of compelling films, but some incredible global destinations into the mix too.
From the expansive wilderness of rural Ireland to the bright lights of New Orleans, these breathtaking backdrops from some of 2022’s most-watched films have helped elevate and inspire via their intriguing backdrops.
Why not grab your popcorn, snap that clapper board and settle down to read some of the Orbzii team’s favourite Oscar-nominated film locations that people can actually visit.
The Banshees of Inisherin, Ireland
The Banshees of Inisherin tells the story of an escalating feud and subsequent fall out between two friends that results in dire consequences.
This macabre black comedy is focused around the theme of navigating around toxic male pride and wounded male feelings and is set on the fictional island of Inisherin in 1923 at the end of the Irish civil war.
Rural Ireland is the atmospheric backdrop serving Martin McDonagh’s latest cinematic masterpiece.
From iconic archaeological vistas to windswept beaches, the filming locations include the ancient cliff-top fort of Dún Aonghasa, Achill Island – including the breathtaking beach of Keem Bay and the picturesque harbor of Purteen.
The island of Achill is located on the west coast of County Mayo which is a four hour drive through stunning countryside from Dublin.
Elvis, Memphis
This dynamic pop biopic from Baz Luhrmann focuses on the complex relationship with his enigmatic manager who confidently propels Elvis Presley to worldwide fame, but it transpires that fame does not bring Presley happiness.
Naturally, you would expect Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee to be the focal point of this film, and truth be told it is, but the world-renowned landmark was recreated by the power of the movies on a set in Queensland, Australia.
Even one of the film locations Memphis’s legendary Beale Street was expertly recreated in the Australian town of Arundel.
Watching the film, you would never realise that the iconic sights of Memphis were actually filmed thousands of miles away in Australia.
However, if you do want to follow in the blue suede footsteps of the king in Memphis, you can do so with our handy Elvis Presley guide to Memphis.
The Fabelmans, Los Angeles
This semi-autobiographical film centres around filmmaker Sammy Fabelman who is entranced by the first film he ever sees at the tender age of just six years old which inspires him to pursue a career in film making.
Directed by illustrious filmmaker Steven Spielberg, ‘The Fablemans’ is the epitome of a coming-of-age story about artistic ambition, love, family secrets and achieving your dreams.
Los Angeles in California was the centre of action for filming locations for this film which included the world-renowned Orpheum theatre which is in Downtown Los Angeles.
The film was also shot in various other places in Arizona and California which includes Malibu Beach, the Sonoran Desert and Tucson.
Women Talking, Toronto
With a stellar ensemble of some of the world’s finest actors, ‘Women Talking’ is a thought-provoking drama about the abuse, secrets and shame of an isolated religious community in an unnamed location.
However, the filming locations of this Oscar-nominated film is filmed entirely in Ontario, Canada specifically in the Greater Toronto Area.
Most of the scenes take place in a hayloft in a rustic farm outside of Toronto, but the Canadian city is a great place to explore for movie buffs which has seen incredible films like ‘Hairspray’, ‘The Incredible Hulk’, and another Oscar-nominated and indeed Oscar-winning film ‘Good Will Hunting’.
The Whale, Orange County, New York
Widely lauded as one of the potential Oscar winners for 2023 is the 2022 American psychological drama ‘The Whale’ film directed by Darren Aronofsky features esteemed actor Brendan Fraser starring as a reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.
It demonstrates the devastating loneliness and obsession felt by Fraser’s character who is tied up in grief and self-destruction.
Filmed throughout New York state predominantly in Orange County despite the story being set in Mormon County, Idaho.
However, most of the filming locations are centered inside Fraser’s character’s apartment which is a metaphor for feeling trapped.
Fraser has received critical acclaim for his portrayal in ‘The Whale’ and there’s a real Oscar buzz surrounding his performance.
Tár, Berlin
Set in the edgy and vibrant city of Berlin, in the international world of Western classical music, this intelligent psychological drama centers on Lydia Tár who is widely regarded as one of the greatest living composer-conductors.
But whilst the prolific composer is flying high in her career, she’s hiding a dark secret.
Will her dark secrets and abuse of power be revealed as she takes on her greatest ambition of all – a live recording of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5?
Whilst various film locations were used in this Cate Blanchett movie, the story was predominantly filmed in Berlin with Kurfürstendamm at Schloßstraße 2 being one of the prominent filming locations.
Berlin has historically served as a superb destination for film locations for many movies and TV shows over the years which includes ‘Inglourious Basterds’ amongst others.
Causeway, New Orleans
‘Causeway’ is an emotional and intimate portrait of a soldier played by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence returning to her independent film roots.
It’s a moving portrayal of grief, trauma and friendship as her character struggles to adjust to her life as she returns home to New Orleans after suffering from a traumatic brain injury.
This delicate psychological drama is a fantastic showcase for Jennifer’s brilliant and heartfelt performance.
The film’s title is named after the city’s famous bridge which is the world’s longest bridge over water – Lake Pontchartrain which connects the New Orleans suburbs of Mandeville and Metairie and serves as one of the key film locations for this picture.
Living, London
Sometimes the ordinary can become extraordinary and ‘Living’ starring acclaimed actor Bill Nighy tells the story of a supposedly ordinary man who after adhering to a mundane and oppressive existence being shackled to a dull day-to-day existence makes the decision to take some time out of his old life after receiving a terminal diagnosis.
This leads him to start using his remaining days for good and make a positive difference in the world.
Filmed throughout the city of London as well as Brighton, Worthing, Kent. Significant filming locations for ‘Living’ include: Kings Theatre, Lido Cafe, London and Tunsgate.
London has perennially been an evergreen destination for filming locations for British films which includes Sliding Doors, Notting Hill, Love Actually and more.
Argentina, 1985, Buenos Aires
Argentina, 1985 is a historic legal drama that tells the true story of a public prosecutor, a young lawyer, and their inexperienced legal team bravely took on the heads of Argentina’s bloody military dictatorship.
The epitome of a David-vs-Goliath battle, three legal bright sparks aimed to prosecute Argentina’s bloodiest military dictatorship against all odds and in a race against time to bring justice to the victims of the junta in Argentina.
The film locations take places throughout the whole of Argentina, but are predominantly focused on the city of Buenos Aires which includes the Plaza de Mayo which is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires, and has been the scene of many of the most important events in the city’s history.
EO, Warsaw
One of the more unusual Oscar-nominated films, EO follows the life of a donkey that was born into a Polish circus.
Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, it was inspired by Robert Bresson’s 1966 film Au Hasard Balthazar and aims to highlight the plight of animals and the suffering that they are subjected to mistreatment.
This compelling story aims to encourage viewers to re-examine their attitudes toward animals and was filmed in various film locations including a variety of remote towns and villages in Poland as well as filming some scenes close to the Polish capital Warsaw. The film was also shot in Rome and Sicily in Italy.
Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, Paris
Charming and captivating, ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’, is a delightful tale set in the 1950’s of a widowed cleaner called Mrs Harris who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she simply has to have one of her own.
The film is based on the 1958 book and has an impressive array of filming locations which includes Budapest, London as well as the French capital.
From the Pont Neuf in Paris to the Moulin Rouge and Andrássy Avenue in Budapest, this inspirational film is chock-full of fantastic standout locations.
Nightride, Belfast
‘Nightride’ is a tense, fast-paced thriller centered on a Belfast criminal attempting to make one final life-changing deal before he goes ‘straight’.
The gangster drug dealer wants to undertake one final job to leave the world of criminality behind forever.
Filmed at night in various film locations throughout the streets of Belfast, the filming took place over one night in a continuous take making this a highly ambitious and original concept that has captured the attention of independent film lovers all over the world.
The Banshees of Inisherin, Ireland
The Banshees of Inisherin tells the story of an escalating feud and subsequent fall out between two friends that results in dire consequences.
This macabre black comedy is focused around the theme of navigating around toxic male pride and wounded male feelings and is set on the fictional island of Inisherin in 1923 at the end of the Irish civil war.
Rural Ireland is the atmospheric backdrop serving Martin McDonagh’s latest cinematic masterpiece.
From iconic archaeological vistas to windswept beaches, the filming locations include the ancient cliff-top fort of Dún Aonghasa, Achill Island – including the breathtaking beach of Keem Bay and the picturesque harbor of Purteen.
The island of Achill is located on the west coast of County Mayo which is a four hour drive through stunning countryside from Dublin.
Elvis, Memphis
This dynamic pop biopic from Baz Luhrmann focuses on the complex relationship with his enigmatic manager who confidently propels Elvis Presley to worldwide fame, but it transpires that fame does not bring Presley happiness.
Naturally, you would expect Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee to be the focal point of this film, and truth be told it is, but the world-renowned landmark was recreated by the power of the movies on a set in Queensland, Australia.
Even Memphis’s legendary Beale Street was expertly recreated in the Australian town of Arundel. Watching the film, you would never realise that the iconic sights of Memphis were actually filmed thousands of miles away in Australia. However, if you do want to follow in the blue suede footsteps of the king in Memphis, you can do so with our handy Elvis Presley guide to Memphis.
The Fablemans, Los Angeles
This semi-autobiographical film centres around filmmaker Sammy Fabelman who is entranced by the first film he ever sees at the tender age of just six years old which inspires him to pursue a career in film making.
Directed by illustrious filmmaker Steven Spielberg, ‘The Fablemans’ is the epitome of a coming-of-age story about artistic ambition, love, family secrets and achieving your dreams.
Los Angeles in California was the centre of action for filming locations for this film which included the world-renowned Orpheum theatre which is in Downtown Los Angeles.
The film was also shot in various other places in Arizona and California which includes Malibu Beach, the Sonoran Desert and Tucson.
Women Talking
With a stellar ensemble of some of the world’s finest actors, ‘Women Talking’ is a thought-provoking drama about the abuse, secrets and shame of an isolated religious community in an unnamed location.
However, the filming locations of this Oscar-nominated film is filmed entirely in Ontario, Canada specifically in the Greater Toronto Area.
Most of the scenes take place in a hayloft in a rustic farm outside of Toronto, but the Canadian city is a great place to explore for movie buffs which has seen incredible films like ‘Hairspray’, ‘The Incredible Hulk’, and another Oscar-nominated and indeed Oscar-winning film ‘Good Will Hunting’.
The Whale, Orange County, New York
Widely lauded as one of the potential Oscar winners for 2023 is the 2022 American psychological drama ‘The Whale’ film directed by Darren Aronofsky features esteemed actor Brendan Fraser starring as a reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.
It demonstrates the devastating loneliness and obsession felt by Fraser’s character who is tied up in grief and self-destruction.
Filmed throughout New York state predominantly in Orange County despite the story being set in Mormon County, Idaho.
However, most of the filming locations are centered inside Fraser’s character’s apartment which is a metaphor for feeling trapped.
Fraser has received critical acclaim for his portrayal in ‘The Whale’ and there’s a real Oscar buzz surrounding his performance.
Tár, Berlin
Set in the edgy and vibrant city of Berlin, in the international world of Western classical music, this intelligent psychological drama centers on Lydia Tár who is widely regarded as one of the greatest living composer-conductors. But whilst the prolific composer is flying high in her career, she’s hiding a dark secret.
Will her dark secrets and abuse of power be revealed as she takes on her greatest ambition of all – a live recording of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5?
Whilst various film locations were used in this Cate Blanchett movie, the story was predominantly filmed in Berlin with Kurfürstendamm at Schloßstraße 2 being one of the prominent filming locations.
Berlin has historically served as a superb location for many movies and TV shows over the years which includes ‘Inglourious Basterds’ amongst others.
Causeway, New Orleans
‘Causeway’ is an emotional and intimate portrait of a soldier played by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence returning to her independent film roots.
It’s a moving portrayal of grief, trauma and friendship as her character struggles to adjust to her life as she returns home to New Orleans after suffering from a traumatic brain injury.
This delicate psychological drama is a fantastic showcase for Jennifer’s brilliant and heartfelt performance.
The film’s title is named after the city’s famous bridge which is the world’s longest bridge over water – Lake Pontchartrain which connects the New Orleans suburbs of Mandeville and Metairie.
Living, London
Sometimes the ordinary can become extraordinary and ‘Living’ starring acclaimed actor Bill Nighy tells the story of a supposedly ordinary man who after adhering to a mundane and oppressive existence being shackled to a dull day-to-day existence makes the decision to take some time out of his old life after receiving a terminal diagnosis.
This leads him to start using his remaining days for good and make a positive difference in the world.
Filmed throughout the city of London as well as Brighton, Worthing, Kent. Significant filming locations for ‘Living’ include: Kings Theatre, Lido Cafe, London and Tunsgate. London has perennially been an evergreen destination for filming locations for British films which includes Sliding Doors, Notting Hill, Love Actually and more.
Argentina, 1985, Buenos Aires
Argentina, 1985 is a historic legal drama that tells the true story of a public prosecutor, a young lawyer, and their inexperienced legal team bravely took on the heads of Argentina’s bloody military dictatorship.
The epitome of a David-vs-Goliath battle, three legal bright sparks aimed to prosecute Argentina’s bloodiest military dictatorship against all odds and in a race against time to bring justice to the victims of the junta in Argentina.
Filmed in a variety of film locations throughout Argentina, but predominantly focusing on the city of Buenos Aires which includes the Plaza de Mayo which is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires, and has been the scene of many of the most important events in the city’s history.
EO, Warsaw
One of the more unusual Oscar-nominated films, EO follows the life of a donkey that was born into a Polish circus.
Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, it was inspired by Robert Bresson’s 1966 film Au Hasard Balthazar and aims to highlight the plight of animals and the suffering that they are subjected to mistreatment.
This compelling story aims to encourage viewers to re-examine their attitudes toward animals and was filmed in various film locations including a variety of remote towns and villages in Poland as well as filming some scenes close to the Polish capital Warsaw. The film was also shot in different film locations in Italy including Rome and Sicily.
Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, Paris
Charming and captivating, ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’, is a delightful tale set in the 1950’s of a widowed cleaner called Mrs Harris who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she simply has to have one of her own.
The film is based on the 1958 book and has an impressive array of filming locations which includes Budapest, London as well as the French capital.
From the Pont Neuf in Paris to the Moulin Rouge and Andrássy Avenue in Budapest, this inspirational film is chock-full of fantastic standout film locations.
Nightride, Belfast
‘Nightride’ is a tense, fast-paced thriller centered on a Belfast criminal attempting to make one final life-changing deal before he goes ‘straight’.
The gangster drug dealer wants to undertake one final job to leave the world of criminality behind forever.
Filmed at night in various film locations throughout the streets of Belfast, the filming took place over one night in a continuous take making this a highly ambitious and original concept that has captured the attention of independent film lovers all over the world.
