From Hollywood to Heartland: Brand USA Highlights Iconic Film Locations Behind Oscar-Winning Stories

As the spotlight shone on the Academy Awards on March 15 in Los Angeles, Brand USA is turning attention to another star of the silver screen, the real-life locations that bring award-winning films to life.

From sun-soaked coastlines to historic towns and sweeping desert landscapes, these destinations have played a defining role in some of cinema’s most celebrated productions. Today, they are also fuelling a growing travel trend known as “set-jetting,” where fans explore the real-world settings behind their favourite films.

The West: From Hollywood Glamour to Desert Landscapes

Few places are as synonymous with film as Los Angeles, which continues to serve as a cinematic playground. The vibrant coastal scenes of Barbie, a major nominee at the 2024 Oscars, were brought to life along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, where visitors can still soak in the same lively atmosphere.

The city also takes centre stage in La La Land, which swept six Oscars, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle. Its unforgettable scenes at Griffith Observatory continue to draw travellers eager to relive the film’s magic.

Further east, the dramatic desert vistas of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park set the tone for Nomadland, which won Best Picture, Best Director for Chloé Zhao, and Best Actress for Frances McDormand. The towering sandstone formations remain a must-visit for travellers seeking cinematic solitude.

The South: History, Charm and Road Trip Classics

In Richmond, the past comes alive through Lincoln by Steven Spielberg. The film earned Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis, with the city’s preserved architecture helping recreate the Civil War era.

Meanwhile, Savannah provided the backdrop for Forrest Gump, which won six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Hanks. Its famous bench scene in Chippewa Square remains one of the most recognisable moments in film.

In Austin, Boyhood, filmed over 12 years by Richard Linklater, offers a deeply personal look at everyday life, while Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, brought parts of Newport into its award-winning cross-country journey.

The Midwest: Urban Icons and Quiet Countryside

In Chicago, blockbuster filmmaking meets urban architecture. The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan transformed the city into Gotham, while the beloved holiday classic Home Alone showcased suburban charm in nearby Winnetka.

Elsewhere, the quiet beauty of the Midwest shines in The Bridges of Madison County, which earned Meryl Streep an Oscar nomination. Its iconic covered bridges continue to symbolise rural Americana.

The Northeast: Cultural Landmarks on Screen

In Philadelphia, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art became legendary thanks to Rocky, which won Best Picture and inspired generations of fans to recreate its famous training run.

Over in New York City, West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg, brought musical storytelling back to life across neighbourhoods and landmarks such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, capturing the city’s enduring creative energy.

Lights, Camera, Travel

While film locations stretch across the United States, Los Angeles remains at the heart of the global film industry and home to the Oscars for nearly a century, from the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to today’s ceremonies at the Dolby Theatre.