Two movies with Massachusetts ties receive Oscar nominations for best picture

By Chris McLaughlin | MassLive.com | February 8, 2022

CODA Film Apple TV+
This image released by Apple TV+ shows Troy Kotsur, left, and Marlee Matlin in a scene from “CODA.” (Apple TV+ via AP)AP

The nominations for the 94th Academy Awards have been officially announced and with them come nods to two movies filmed and set in Massachusetts.

The two films, both available on streaming services, are “CODA” on Apple TV+ and “Don’t Look Up” on Netflix.

“Don’t Look Up,” directed by Adam McKay, garnered nominations for best picture, best original score and best original screen play.

“CODA,” directed by Sian Heder, also received a nomination for best picture as well as for best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor for Troy Kotsur.

Don’t Look Up” is a sci-fi comedy-drama which centers around two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who attempt to warn the world about an impending comet that will destroy humanity and the Earth, according to its IMDB page.

Numerous locations in Massachusetts became film sets and stand-ins for other locations, with many in Boston. According to Distractify, notable locations in the capital included South Station, the Museum of Fine Arts and the city’s Financial District, which stood in for New York City.

The site added that locations in Weymouth, Brockton, North Attleborough, Salisbury, Norton, Canton, Chicopee, Westborough, the Mass Pike in Framingham, Worcester’s DCU Center and Fall River’s Battleship Cove all make appearances, even if fleeting.

The film also features an all-star cast including Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Mark Rylance, Jonah Hill, Tyler Perry, Timothée Chalamet, Kid Cudi and Ariana Grande.

Don't Look Up Film Netflix
This image released by Netflix shows Leonardo DiCaprio in “Don’t Look Up.” (Niko Tavernise/Netflix via AP)AP

CODA,” an English language adaptation of the 2014 French film “La Famille Bélier,” is about a high school girl who is the only hearing member of her deaf family, including her parents and brother, according to IMDB.

It takes place in Gloucester, as the daughter, who has a love of music, wants to pursue her dream and go to Berklee College of Music, but is torn about abandoning her family and their fishing business, IMDB said in the film’s description.

Distractify noted that the film was primarily filmed in the North Shore fishing town and that it has added authenticity thanks to director Sian Heder often visiting the area in her youth as well as incorporating real local community members.

Additionally, the deaf characters in “CODA” are played by actors who are actual members of the deaf community according to Apple and the film prominently uses American Sign Language.

The results will be announced at the Oscars ceremony which will be held on Sunday, March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Watch trailers for “CODA” and “Don’t Look Up” below.

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