Celebrating excellence in location management: A night of stars and scenery
The 11th annual Location Managers Guild International Awards took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, honoring the unsung heroes of the film and television industry. This year’s event was a testament to the incredible work done behind the scenes to bring our favorite stories to life.
Honoring the best in film and TV locations
A night of winners
Among the standout winners were “Fallout,” “Fargo,” and “Ripley,” each recognized for their exceptional use of locations. “Fallout” was filmed across Utah, New York, and Namibia, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes that added depth to its narrative. You can watch the trailer for Fallout to get a glimpse of these stunning locations.
“Fargo” Season 5, shot in Alberta, Canada, continued the series’ tradition of using stark, beautiful settings to enhance its storytelling. Check out the trailer for Fargo to see the breathtaking scenery.
“Ripley,” filmed in Italy, brought a European flair to the awards. The trailer for Ripley offers a peek into the picturesque Italian locales that played a crucial role in the series.
Motion picture accolades
The motion picture category saw “Oppenheimer” and “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part 1” take home top honors. “Oppenheimer,” filmed throughout New Mexico, captured the stark beauty of the American Southwest. Watch the trailer for Oppenheimer to see these locations in action.
“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part 1” showcased a globe-trotting adventure with scenes shot in Norway, Italy, and the U.K. The trailer for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part 1 highlights the stunning international locations that made the film a visual feast.
Commercial and film commission awards
In the commercial category, Toyota’s “Present from the Past,” filmed in Washington State, stood out for its evocative use of location. The commercial’s success is a testament to the power of place in storytelling.
The Outstanding Film Commission Award went to Film in Iceland for its support of “True Detective: Night Country.” Iceland’s dramatic landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the series, enhancing its moody and atmospheric tone.
Celebrating industry trailblazers
Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards
The ceremony also honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to supervising location manager Sue Quinn, known for her work on the “Fantastic Beasts,” “Harry Potter,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchises. Her dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark on the industry.
The Trailblazer Award went to location manager Bill Bowling, recognized for his innovative work on films such as “Jupiter Ascending” and “Cloud Atlas.” His ability to find and utilize unique locations has set a new standard in the field.
Humanitarian efforts
The Motion Picture & Television Fund received the Guild’s Humanitarian Award for its commitment to providing health and social services to the entertainment community. This award highlights the importance of supporting those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our favorite stories to life.
A night to remember
The event, hosted by actress and producer Rachael Harris, was a celebration of the artistry and dedication of location managers. Presenters included notable figures such as Helena-Alexis Seymour, Kate Linder, Doug Jones, and 10-time Olympic swimming medalist Gary Hall Jr.
Competitive winners
Here is a list of the competitive winners:
- Outstanding locations in a period television series: Fallout
- Outstanding locations in a contemporary television series: Fargo Season 5
- Outstanding locations in a TV serial program, anthology, MOW, or limited series: Ripley
- Outstanding locations in a period feature film: Oppenheimer
- Outstanding locations in a contemporary feature film: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part 1
- Outstanding film commission: Film in Iceland for “True Detective: Night Country”
- Outstanding locations in a commercial: Toyota’s “Present from the Past”
The Location Managers Guild International Awards not only celebrate the best in location management but also highlight the crucial role these professionals play in the storytelling process. Their work brings authenticity and depth to the narratives we love, making our favorite films and TV series truly unforgettable.