Oscar Nominees Have Some Hudson Valley Connections

And the Oscar goes to... On Feb. 28 the winner could have a Hudson Valley connection. The Academy Award nominees were announced Thursday morning. Five , including Best Picture, have local links.

What Happened, Miss Simone? is one of five films nominated for Best Documentary Feature. Parts of the Netflix documentary, which chronicles recording artist and civil rights activist Nina Simone, were filmed in the three Hudson Valley locations. According to Laurent Rejto, director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, Olive Branch, Willow, and Woodstock served as film sites. This is the second Oscar nomination for the director Liz Garbus who has family in Woodstock.

“The Film Commission had a lot to do with finding locations and actors,” Rejto told Hudson Valley Post. “It’s a brilliant documentary that deals with a beautiful singer that was able to get her creativity out but also deal with the politics of the time.”

Spotlight was one of 8 films nominated for Best Picture. The film chronicles the 2001 investigation into Father John Geoghan, who was accused of molesting over 80 boys. The investigation led to a conspiracy involving of lawyers and government officials. Sullivan County resident Mark Ruffalo was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. One of his co-stars Liev Schreiber also has local ties. Rejto says Schreiber once lived in the Town of Sanford in Dutchess County. Ruffalo recently was at the Catskill Brewery this past summer to promote clean energy.

Anomalisa is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Woodstock resident Tom Noonan is one of the lead voices in the film.

On Sunday, Feb. 28, we learn if any of these Hudson Valley connections end up with an Oscar. For a complete list of all the Academy Award nominees click here.