Explore Filming Locations from Award-Nominated Films
A stylized vision of Baltimore, the colorful Land of the Dead, and the Midwest of California—these are just a few of the incredible places audiences explore in the films honored at the 90th Academy Awards.
If you’re eager to experience these locales beyond the silver screen, continue reading for our guide to the captivating places that inspired these films and a few filming locations you can visit in-person.
And action!
The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro’s latest creature feature follows a mute custodian, played by Sally Hawkins, who works at a Cold War-era government lab in Baltimore, Maryland. As expected from a del Toro film set in a secretive lab, something inhuman lurks in the shadows. Hawkins’ character discovers that scientists have captured a half-human/half-fish being. She learns to communicate with the creature using sign language, and they form a deep bond before attempting to escape.
Where to explore – Toronto and Baltimore
While set in Baltimore, The Shape of Water was filmed primarily in Toronto and nearby regions. A major highlight is the Elgin Theatre, where the film premiered during the Toronto International Film Festival. Notably, Hawkins’ character is shown living above the theater. The Elgin is part of the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, recognized as the world’s last operating Edwardian double-decker theater, and you can tour this magnificent attraction.
If you find yourself in Baltimore, you can still experience aquatic wonders at the National Aquarium, home to around 20,000 marine creatures, making it one of America’s premier aquariums.
Lady Bird
Saoirse Ronan stars in this semi-autobiographical film from writer/director Greta Gerwig, portraying Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson, a senior at a Catholic high school yearning to leave Sacramento, California, which she cheekily dubs ‘the Midwest of California’. The film is a heartfelt homage to Gerwig’s hometown, captivating audiences and earning a nomination for Best Picture.
Where to explore – Sacramento, California
No Hollywood trickery here; Lady Bird was filmed extensively in and around Sacramento, showcasing several local landmarks. Treat yourself to some ice cream at Gunther’s, a nostalgic 1940s soda fountain featured in the film.
After indulging in a sweet treat, many tourists opt to explore the historic river port of Old Sacramento. However, if you seek a full meal, consider the eclectic and affordable eateries on Broadway south of Midtown in the Tower District.
Coco
Pixar’s latest animated feature revolves around a young boy named Miguel, who idolizes fictional musician Ernesto de la Cruz, despite his family’s strict ban on music. He finds himself transported to the visually stunning Land of the Dead, a world heavily inspired by Mexico’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.
Where to explore – Guanajuato, Mexico
The animators behind Coco traveled throughout Mexico for two years to capture the film’s visual details, with one such inspirational locale being the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato. The real statue of Jorge Negrete in the Plaza del Ropero is said to have influenced the film’s fictional statue of Ernesto, and the city’s iconic tunnels are mirrored in the film.
We recommend visiting the magnificent Teatro Juárez to immerse yourself in its lavish details: plush red fabrics, stunning brass accents, and stained glass windows. The theater is open for tours when performances aren’t scheduled. For breathtaking views of the city that inspired Coco, take the funicular ride up the slope behind Teatro Juárez to the El Pípila monument.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Three Billboards tells the poignant story of a mother, portrayed by Frances McDormand, seeking justice for her daughter’s murder that remains unsolved. The film’s title refers to a trio of billboards she rents near her home to draw attention to the case and confront the local sheriff, resulting in conflicts with local authorities.
Where to explore – Western North Carolina
Unfortunately, a trip to Ebbing, Missouri, wouldn’t be possible as it’s a fictional location. The film was principally shot across various places in Western North Carolina, including Sylva and the renowned city of Asheville. Fans of the film can take advantage of a trip planner created by the state’s tourism board. This three-day itinerary leads you through Sylva to visit the courthouse and police department from the film, alongside the Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, where the ‘magical’ deer appears in the story.
Get Out
A blend of horror and satire, Get Out examines the ongoing issues of racism faced by African-Americans. The plot centers on a black photographer, played by Daniel Kaluuya, visiting the hometown of his white girlfriend, portrayed by Allison Williams. The trip to a town in Upstate New York takes a dark turn as Kaluuya’s character encounters suspicion from local authorities and awkward interactions with his girlfriend’s father, revealing unsettling truths.
Where to explore – Mobile, Alabama
If you view the small-town setting in Get Out as quaint rather than chilling, you’ll need to venture south to the filming locations. While the town isn’t named in the film and is depicted as a road trip from New York City, Get Out was actually filmed in southern Alabama, specifically in the cities of Mobile and Fairhope.
These coastal cities boast several historic districts that offer picturesque charm, along with beautiful azaleas during early spring. If you’re searching for a Mardi Gras alternative to New Orleans, Mobile has celebrated the occasion for nearly 200 years. We suggest visiting the USS Alabama museum to see the battleship that survived nine pivotal WWII battles. For a delicious seafood option, stop by Wintzell’s, with locations in both Mobile and Fairhope for a taste of their famous oysters.
