NJ’s Film Commission Nominated for Top Award by Locations Managers Guild International

A Complete Unknown, a Made in NJ film, was also nominated

TRENTON, N.J. (August 11, 2025) – Today, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), announced its nomination for Outstanding Film Commission for its work with A Complete Unknown by the Locations Managers Guild International (LMGI). The LMGI Award Ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 23^rd, in Santa Monica, California.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the film industry has become a powerful driver of economic growth in New Jersey, creating good-paying jobs and supporting small businesses across the state,” said Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the NJEDA. “Over the past several years, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTC) has made a name for itself by offering top-tier service to location scouts looking to film in the state. The commission’s hospitality and experience, paired with the State’s incentive program, local talent pool, and diverse locations has made New Jersey a premier destination for major, Oscar-caliber film productions—while also continuing to be a top choice for people to live, work, and raise a family.”

A Complete Unknown, which was filmed almost entirely in New Jersey, is also nominated for Outstanding Locations in a Period Feature Film. The film was also nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. Last year, Oppenheimer, which was filmed partially in Princeton, took home the LMGI Award for Best Motion Picture.

A Complete Unknown was filmed in 17 municipalities across New Jersey, with notable scenes filmed in Hoboken, Jersey City, Paterson, and Cape May. In the film, New Jersey doubles as New York City, Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Northern California. Buildings such as the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth doubled as Carnegie Hall and the Newark Symphony Hall doubled as a San Francisco concert venue. Other notable filming locations include Paterson City Hall, White Mana Diner and William J. Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City, Columbus Park in Hoboken, Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, and the former Essex County Isolation Hospital in Belleville. All of the stage work for the film was done at Palisade Stages in Kearny.

“From big city lookalike locations that play like Manhattan or Washington, DC to quaint coastal towns, films such as A Complete Unknown showcase New Jersey’s remarkable versatility in doubling for a wide range of locations,” said Jon Crowley, Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. “This prestigious nomination solidifies that New Jersey values not only the important role of location scouts, but our variety of different looks has caught the attention of filmmakers and positions us to continue attracting top-tier productions for years to come.”

About the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission

The NJMPTVC, part of the NJEDA, is staffed by industry professionals and serves as a resource for production companies. The Commission promotes film and television production in New Jersey.

www.film.nj.gov

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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