Notable Oscar-winning films took place in Placer over the years
As we gear up for this year’s Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, let’s take a moment to celebrate Placer County’s unique connection to the Academy Awards. Over the years, our stunning locations have played a role in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films:
- A Place in the Sun (1951) Filmed in Lake Tahoe, this classic starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift won Best Picture at the 1952 Oscars.
- The Gold Rush (1925) Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece was partially filmed at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort. It went on to win Best Original Score and Best Sound Mixing at the 1943 Oscars after its reissue.
- The Godfather Part II (1974) Often celebrated as one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history, this film took home Best Picture and a total of 11 Oscars in 1975.
- Her (2013) Directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix, parts of this visionary film were filmed in Placer County. It won Best Original Screenplay, along with accolades for Production Design and Original Score, and was nominated for Best Picture at the 2014 Oscars.
Known for its old vintage towns and unique urban centers with majestic Lake Tahoe as the county’s crown jewel, Placer County’s natural beauty and versatile landscapes continue to inspire filmmakers and create cinematic magic.
Placer is also noted for award-winning wineries, hi-tech architecture, stunning ski resorts, sprawling estate homes, mid-western-looking rural flatlands, ‘small-town America’ cities, classic western towns, outdoor sports, and breathtaking bridges (including California’s tallest).
Find everything you’re looking for here—from populated cityscapes to remote and desolate mountain ranges. Placer County is a one-of-a-kind place for all seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter, and sometimes all four seasons in one weekend!
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