Location Scouting Excellence Honored at the 2025 LMGI Awards
The art of finding the perfect backdrop for storytelling received its due recognition at the 2025 Location Managers Guild Awards. These awards celebrate the often-unsung heroes who bring cinematic visions to life by securing impactful and memorable locations. Let’s dive into the highlights of this year’s party of location scouting prowess.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
Several prominent figures were acknowledged for their significant contributions to the industry. Kevin Costner, a celebrated actor and director, received the eva Monley Award. This honor recognizes his dedication to projects deeply rooted in the American landscape, including iconic works like Dances with Wolves, Field of Dreams, Yellowstone, and Horizon: An American Saga.
Ilt Jones,a veteran location manager,was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. his impressive resume boasts work on blockbuster films such as Transformers, Inception, Iron Man 3, and Captain Marvel.
Furthermore, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles was rightfully honored with the LMGI Humanitarian Award. This acknowledges their impactful work and commitment to giving back to the community.
2025 LMGI Award Winners: A Detailed Look
The awards themselves showcased a diverse range of projects and highlighted the skill involved in location scouting. Here’s a complete rundown of the winners:
Outstanding Locations in a Period Television Series: 1923 – Capturing the essence of a bygone era requires meticulous location work, and 1923 clearly delivered.
Outstanding Locations in a contemporary Television Series: The Studio - Finding locations that feel authentic and current is crucial for contemporary series, and The Studio excelled in this area.
Outstanding Locations in a TV Serial Program,Anthology,or Limited Series: The Penguin – This win demonstrates the power of location to enhance a compelling narrative. Outstanding Locations in a Period Feature Film: A Complete Unknown – Period films demand locations that transport audiences to another time, and A Complete Unknown achieved this beautifully.
Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Feature Film: Mission: Unachievable – The Final Reckoning - Action-packed films like Mission: Impossible rely on dynamic locations, and this film certainly delivered.
Outstanding Film Commission: New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission (A Complete Unknown) – Film commissions play a vital role in facilitating production, and New Jersey’s support for A Complete Unknown was clearly exceptional.
* Outstanding Locations in a Commercial: Orient Express: “Artisan of Travel” – Even commercials benefit from stunning locations, and Orient Express’s “Artisan of Travel” campaign showcased this perfectly.
Why Location Matters
As someone who’s spent years observing the film and television industry, I’ve found that location is far more than just a backdrop. It’s a character in itself, shaping the mood, influencing the narrative, and ultimately, connecting with the audience on a deeper level.
These awards serve as a reminder of the dedication,creativity,and logistical expertise required to bring these locations to the screen. They also highlight the importance of collaboration between location managers, film commissions, and production teams.
Ultimately, the LMGI Awards celebrate the artistry of place and its power to elevate storytelling.They remind us that the right location can truly make all the difference.
