2016 Oscar Awards: Destination Inspiration

It is almost that time of year again, when the streets of Hollywood are scattered with glamourous movie stars and frantic paparazzo; The Academy Awards. More commonly known as the Oscars, this event is considered to be the most prestigious and important in Hollywood.

Did you know that the rumour is, the Oscars got their famous nickname when an Academy librarian commented that the small statue looked like her Uncle Oscar. And have you heard of these famous Indians who have won Oscars before: Bhanu Athaiya (Best Costume Design – Gandhi), Satyajit Ray (Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award) or AR Rahman (Best Original Song and Original Score – Slumdog Millionaire)?

This year we wanted to take a look at some of the amazing locations that give these films a home and environment to grow into. As any traveller, tourist or wanderlust-based individual knows, location can be everything.

Whilst, sadly we cannot provide a trip to Mars for you (The Martian), we have created a round-up of some of our favourite locations (on Earth…) from this year’s Oscar nominees to create some travel inspiration for you.

Bridge of Spies, Berlin, Germany

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture and Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Mark Rylance

Berlin is a city that is ripe with modern European history; once the Iron Curtain sliced it down the middle but it has bounced back forcefully and is now a hub of creativity and vibrancy. From grand palaces, to creative commemorative structures to raving underground nightclubs, there really is something for everyone to do in Berlin. To start building your break to Berlin, click the links below to visit the Expedia website and see all the hotel and flight options available.

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The Big Short / Carol / Brooklyn, New York, USA

Oscar Nominations:

The Big Short: Best Picture; Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale; Best Director: Adam McKay and Best Film Editing: Hank Corwin.

Carol: Best Actress in a Leading Role: Cate Blanchett; Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Rooney Mara; Best Cinematography: Ed Lachman; Best Costume Design: Sandy Powell; Best Original Score: Carter Burwell and Best Writing: Phyllis Nagy

Brooklyn: Best Actress in a Leading Role: Saoirse Ronan and Best Writing: Nick Hornby

As one of the most iconic states in the world, there is no surprise that several of these films chose New York City and Brooklyn as their backdrop. It has been the home of real-life horrific disasters, ingenious plots and great loves and all of these life-changing events can be felt in the culture and streets of the cities. Take a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, munch on a delicious bagel, catch a show on Broadway or take a trip to Coney Island, your options are endless. To find out how you can start your New York adventure, click on the links below to see flights and accommodation options.

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The Danish Girl, Copenhagen, Denmark

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor in a Leading Role: Eddie Redmayne; Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Alicia Vikander; Best Costume Design: Paco Delgado and Best Production Design: Eve Stewart.

For around 40 years, Copenhagen has topped the list of international happiness surveys, making it one of the happiest cities in world! This city oozes charm and warmth (metaphorical warmth as it can get very cold in Winter); its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured buildings and very good looking locals make it a very enjoyable experience for all. Visit the Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Gallery and many more to immerse yourself in this edgy but very welcoming city.

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Trumbo, Los Angeles, California

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor in a Leading Role: Bryan Cranston

As the home of Hollywood it would feel very wrong not awarding a top Oscar location spot to the City of Angels: Los Angeles. A visit to LA means you can catch some waves at Venice Beach, jump on some rides at Santa Monica Boulevard or feel on top of the world at the Griffith Observatory. Or if you want to follow the footsteps of the stars, there are countless tours that can show you other famous movie locations and fill you in on some of Hollywood’s worst kept secrets. Click the links below to take the first step towards the stars and stardom, by seeing some of the best offers for flights and hotels in Los Angeles.

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Amy, London, England, UK

Oscar Nominations: Best Documentary: Amy

This feature length documentary pays tribute to one of the world’s greatest soul singers: Amy Winehouse. It follows her life around London all the way up to her untimely demise. Whilst this film might not be brimming with happiness, London is. It is the home of an outrageous amount of culture all tied up in its museums (almost all free for entry), restaurants, street food, bars, festivals, people and any other aspect of London you might be able to dig up. It was once the epicentre of the rule of India, and it is a great place to see how both Indian and British culture has become intertwined forever. Click the links below to see great flight and hotel options or read our article about the best luxury hotels in London.

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Spotlight, Boston, USA

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Mark Ruffalo; Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Rachel McAdams; Best Director: Tom McCarthy; Best Film Editing: Tom McArdle and Best Writing: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy

It’s not just the funny accents that Boston is famous for, it has a very interesting history as well as some incredible gourmet pizzas. Similar to India, it once was one of the key colonies of the British Empire and also staged a war to gain independence. It has always been the home of forward thinkers and is also the location of one of the world’s best universities: Harvard (alma mater of Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and many more). To visit this inspiring destination, select the links below to look at the best flights and hotel options available to you.

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So, who do you think will be this year’s big winners? Will Leonardo Di Caprio finally get himself a golden statue, or will Eddie Redmayne beat him to win best actor second year running? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!