FOR BEST ACTRESS, THE WINNER IS CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA & CARMEL VALLEY
Joan Fontaine won the Best Actress Award for her role in Suspicion in 1941. Scenes for the movie were shot along the dramatic coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, standing in for the English coast. Carmel’s quaint architecture and shop-lined Ocean Avenue have also appeared in some Hollywood favorites including Julie (1975), Five Finger Exercise (1962), The Lady Says No (1951), Seems Like Old Times (1980), Thumb Tripping (1972) and Play Misty for Me (1971). And speaking of Play Misty for Me, the film’s star, five-time Oscar winner (and former Carmel-by-the-Sea mayor) Clint Eastwood owns Carmel’s Mission Ranch. The former 1800s dairy ranch was restored by Eastwood and now houses a hotel and restaurant. You can also tour historic Robinson Jeffers Tor House, the distinctive stone cottage served as Eastwood’s home in The Eiger Sanction (1975) thriller.
FOR BEST ACTOR & BEST PICTURE, THE WINNER IS MONTEREY BAY
Take in stunning views of Monterey Bay and imagine the dramatic sailing scenes that led to Spencer Tracy’s Best Actor Award in Captains Courageous (1937) and a Best Picture Award for Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). And while you’re there, visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where dramatic Humpback whale scenes from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) were filmed.
FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, THE WINNER IS SALINAS VALLEY
Charming Salinas maintains its small-town vibe with quaint Victorian houses, unique boutiques and art galleries. Author John Steinbeck grew up here with the town and valley playing a significant role in his work and subsequent movies. Jo Van Fleet won an Oscar for her performance in East of Eden (1955). Relive moments from the film as you roam the town including the Spreckles neighborhood. Grab lunch at Steinbeck House, Steinbeck’s boyhood home, before exploring the agricultural gems and vineyards of beautiful Salinas Valley.
FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, THE WINNER IS PEBBLE BEACH
Pebble Beach’s windswept cypress trees, fragrant pines and elegant Lodge have been backdrops for memorable scenes in more than 40 films including Joan Crawford’s breakthrough role in Our Dancing Daughters (1928). Actress Anne Revere won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Elizabeth Taylor’s mother in National Velvet (1944). Book a round of golf at gorgeous Pebble Beach Golf Links. And when you hit the 9th and 10th fairways, imagine the moving scenes of Taylor and her horse that played out here as they worked towards their dream of conquering England’s famous horse race.
FOR BEST PICTURE & CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE WINNER IS POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE
Point Lobos’ scenic splendors has been showcased in nearly 40 films, including Evangeline (1929), for which an entire village was built on site, then intentionally burned down. Point Lobos also served as a striking setting for the dark, romantic film Rebecca (1940), which won Oscars for both Best Picture and Cinematography.
Take the Tour
Film buffs can delve even deeper into the area’s Hollywood history with Monterey Movie Tours, a fun scenic tour that takes you through the many historic sites in Monterey County that have appeared in countless films over the years. For more information on Monterey County and following in the footsteps of the stars, please visit SeeMonterey.com.
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