Following the 86th Academy Awards, hotel comparison website trivago.co.uk has compiled a list of seven hotels featured in films released in the past year.
Some hotels served as filming locations, such as Boston's Fairmont Copley Plaza in American Hustle and the Aria Resort & Casino in Last Vegas. Others were used to signify other locations, such as Los Angeles' Langham Pasadena, which was used to represent the Beverly Hills Hotel in Saving Mr. Banks. Hawaii's Turtle Bay Resort hosted cast members during the filming for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. New York City's The Plaza served as inspiration for the climactic scene in The Great Gatsby and was frequented by F. Scott Fitzgerald himself during the 1920s.
Many of these films were nominated for Academy Awards this year, with three winning Oscars on the night. From the winner of the prestigious Best Picture award to the work behind the Best Production Design, trivago provides some insight and a behind-the-scenes look into these masterpieces.
1) Saving Mr. Banks - The Langham Pasadena (Los Angeles, California, USA)
Source: Francois Duhame/Walt Disney Pictures
Source: The Langham Huntington Pasadena
Saving Mr. Banks was nominated for Best Original Score this year, although the Oscar was won by Steven Price for his work on Gravity. Thomas Newman is responsible for the Saving Mr. Banks score and is famed for his work on Little Women, The Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty and Skyfall, among others. Saving Mr. Banks follows Walt Disney and P. L. Travers (author of Mary Poppins) as they meet in Hollywood to negotiate filming rights. Although Travers stays at the Beverley Hills Hotel in the film, the filming actually took place at The Langham Huntington Pasadena. Located just nine miles from Los Angeles at the foot of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains, The Langham boasts grand ballrooms, 23 acres of gardens and 100 years of quality hospitality.
2) The Wolf of Wall Street and Blue Jasmine - Four Seasons Restaurant (New York City, USA)
Source: Paramount Pictures
Source: Four Seasons Hotel
The Wolf of Wall Street was nominated for an impressive five Oscars this year, but unfortunately came away empty-handed after losing out to talent in 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club and Gravity. Nevertheless, the true story of Jordan Belford's rise to a wealthy stockbroker is a compelling one. Jordan proposes to his future wife Naomi in the Pool Room of the Four Seasons Restaurant, which is located just five blocks from its namesake, the Four Seasons New York. This luxurious five-star hotel is steeped in tradition and famed for its views over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The Four Seasons Restaurant also features in Blue Jasmine, as the high-class dining location for Hal's infidelity towards his wife Jasmine. Cate Blanchett won an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Jasmine.
3) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Turtle Bay Resort (Oahu, Hawaii)
Source: Katniss-Peeta.com
Source: Turtle Bay Resort
Although not nominated for any Oscars, the second instalment of The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, was praised for its depiction of Hawaii's Oahu. Filming occurred in the dense jungles and rugged beaches of the North Shore, with some scenes shot in the ocean in front of the Turtle Bay Resort. Here, Katniss, Peeta and the other competitors battle to survive in the arena. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and the rest of the cast were lucky enough to stay at the Turtle Bay Resort, which boasts two landscaped swimming pools, a championship golf course, leading wellness spa and outstanding dining options. Oahu's North Shore is famed for its array of water sports, including surfing, kite boarding, paddle boarding and sea kayaking.
4) American Hustle - The Fairmont Copley Plaza (Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Source: The Fairmont Copley Plaza
Like The Wolf of Wall Street, American Hustle came away empty-handed after being nominated for an impressive ten Oscars this year. The film follows con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his partner-in-crime Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) as the two are led into the world of mafia by insufferable FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). The Fairmont Copley Plaza plays a part when Irving and Sydney rejoice over their successes in the glamorous hotel lobby, complete with chandeliers, marble floors and gilded wall panelling. The hotel was recently renovated to celebrate its centennial anniversary, now featuring high-end furnishing and custom sketches of Boston in each of the 400 guest rooms. The Fairmont Copley Plaza prides itself as a landmark of Boston, centrally located close to the grand Public Library, historic Beacon Hill and the renowned Freedom Trail.
5) Last Vegas - Aria Resort & Casino (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)
Source: AceShowbiz
Source: Aria Resort & Casino
Although not nominated for any Oscars, Last Vegas boasts an Academy Award-winning cast of Michael Douglas (Billy), Morgan Freeman (Archie), Robert de Niro (Paddy) and Kevin Kline (Sam). The comedy sees these old friends celebrate Billy's bachelor party in the appropriately scandalous location of Las Vegas. The Aria Resort & Casino, located on the famous Las Vegas Strip, is the chosen location of the wedding and serves as the backdrop of this film. The four friends check in to the penthouse suite, gamble in the 14,000 square metre casino and relax by the pool, surrounded by drama over the upcoming wedding. The Aria boasts an impressive 16 restaurants, 10 bars and clubs, three swimming pools, onsite boutique shopping and leading Spa and Salon.
6) 12 Years a Slave - Columns Hotel (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA)
Source: TheWrap.com
Source: Columns Hotel
12 Years a Slave not only won the most prestigious Oscar for Best Picture, but also took the awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Lupita Nyong'o for her portrayal of Patsey), Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for a further six awards. In the film, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is supposedly kidnapped in Washington D.C. before being sold into slavery. The scene was actually shot in the heart of New Orleans, at the historic Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue. This Italiante property dates back to 1883 and holds a place in the National Register of Historic Places. Each of the 20 rooms is uniquely decorated with Victorian furnishings, four-poster beds, fireplaces and claw foot bathtubs. Guests will love the southern hospitality at the traditional Victorian Lounge, serving New Orleans-style Creole and Cajun food.
7) The Great Gatsby and American Hustle - The Plaza (New York City, USA)
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Source: The Plaza
Catherine Martin's costume and set design for The Great Gatsby won both Oscars the film was nominated for: Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. Although all filming took place in Australia, The Plaza is recreated to host one of the most climactic scenes of the film. In one of the lavish hotel suites, Tom confronts Daisy about her extramarital relationship, resulting in the termination of the party and Gatsby's consequent death. F. Scott Fitzgerald no doubt included The Plaza in his novel as a regular patron of the hotel with his wife Zelda. The iconic New York City establishment even created the Fitzgerald Suite in honour of The Great Gatsby, as a celebration of the Jazz Age and Fitzgerald's life and work. An exterior shot of the hotel was also featured in the Oscar-nominated American Hustle.