Locations that make history

Society of the Snow (2023) – The Andes, Spain, and Uruguay

J.A. Bayona’s film, winner of 12 Goya Awards in 2024, moved audiences not only with its powerful retelling of the tragedy of Flight 571 in the Andes, but also with its masterful recreation of the frozen, desolate mountain landscapes. Although the real accident occurred in a remote area between Argentina and Chile, the production chose to film in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and the Uruguayan Andes, blending natural settings with visual effects. This decision added authenticity and heightened the sense of isolation and the struggle for survival. The Spanish Academy recognized this achievement with technical awards such as Best Cinematography and Best Special Effects, proving that the landscape can be a character in its own right.

The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003) – New Zealand

Peter Jackson’s trilogy, which swept 17 Academy Awards including Best Picture for The Return of the King, owes much of its visual impact to the landscapes of New Zealand. From the green fields of Hobbiton in Matamata to the snow-capped peaks of Tongariro, which stood in for Mount Doom, these locations brought Tolkien’s fantasy world to life. The choice of such diverse and untouched settings not only captivated audiences but also turned New Zealand into a global tourist destination. The Oscar for Best Cinematography across all three films highlights how essential these locations were to the trilogy’s success.

Saturn Return (2024) – Granada, Spain

This film, directed by Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez, won 3 Goya Awards in 2025, including Best Director, thanks to its evocative recreation of 1990s Granada. Inspired by the story of the indie band Los Planetas, the movie uses the narrow streets of the Albaicín, underground bars, and the city’s cultural atmosphere to immerse viewers in a time of artistic explosion. Choosing Granada as the setting not only added authenticity but also gave the film a unique visual identity, praised by critics and awarded for its editing and sound design, which capture the city’s essence.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019) – Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Spain

Although it didn’t compete for Oscars or Goyas since it was a TV series, Game of Thrones won numerous Emmys, and its locations played a key role in its global success. From the dark forests of Tollymore in Northern Ireland (the North of Westeros) to the fortress of Dubrovnik in Croatia (King's Landing), and the Alcázar of Seville and the Castle of Santa Florentina in Spain, the series created an epic universe thanks to real-world settings that exude history and grandeur. These locations not only impressed with their beauty but also strengthened the narrative, making each kingdom feel unique and alive.

Parasite (2019) – Seoul, South Korea

Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece, which won 4 Academy Awards in 2020, including Best Picture, used a modernist house in Seoul as the heart of its story. Designed specifically for the film by the fictional architect Namgoong Hyeonja, this location not only symbolized class differences but became a crucial narrative element. Its clean lines, open spaces, and minimalist design contrasted with the tension of the plot, earning critical acclaim and contributing to the Oscar for Best Director. The house, now an icon, shows how a location can transcend the screen.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Namib Desert, Namibia

George Miller brought his post-apocalyptic vision to the Namib Desert in Namibia, a dry and surreal landscape that became the soul of Mad Max: Fury Road. Winner of 6 Academy Awards, all in technical categories such as Best Production Design and Best Editing, the film used the endless dunes and reddish tones of the desert to create a wild and desolate world. This setting not only amplified the action but also gave the film a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other productions in the genre.

Dune (2021) – Wadi Rum, Jordan

Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune, which won 6 Academy Awards in 2022, including Best Cinematography and Best Production Design, found the perfect setting for the planet Arrakis in the Wadi Rum desert, Jordan. Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this landscape of golden sands, towering rock formations, and vast horizons conveyed the immensity and hostility of Frank Herbert's universe. The choice of Wadi Rum not only provided an epic scale to the film but its alien beauty was key to immersing the audience in the story, earning the Academy’s recognition for its visual impact.

Conclusion

These productions show that a well-chosen location can elevate a story, give it personality, and resonate deeply with the audience. Whether it’s an inhospitable desert, a city rich in history, or a frozen mountain, the settings not only complement the narrative but often define it. The Oscars, Goyas, and other awards have recognized this power, celebrating not only the actors and directors but also the places that make films and TV shows unforgettable.

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