The 88th Academy Awards are a mere ten days away, with host Chris Rock sure to bring the laughs and fun throughout the night. Movies and television alike have a great tradition of using New York City as the backdrop to whatever story they are telling (Hello, Sex And The City), and in that backdrop you will find some iconic locations that helped mold the story that turned these movies into the blockbusters that they are known today. So which locations made the cut? You probably know many of them already. From iconic restaurants to hotels, these are the ones that made their debuts on the silver screen.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York- “Maid In Manhattan”
One of my all time favorite Jennifer Lopez movies featured Del Frisco’s in a scene where Ralph Fiennes’ character Christopher has dinner at. Boasting views of Manhattan throughout its floor to ceiling windows, its no shock they used this beautiful location as part of this huge movie that put Jennifer Lopez further on the mpa.
New York Hilton Midtown- “American Gangster” and “El Cantante”
One of the most iconic hotels in the world is The New York Hilton Midtown, which has hosted several movies throughout its illustrious career of being open. Two notable movies are Denzel Washington’s and Oscar nominee Ruby Dee’s groundbreaking performances in “American Gangster” as well as “El Cantante” starring Marc Anthony as Salsa music pioneer Hector Lavoe.
The Waldorf Astoria- “Serendipity” and “Scent Of A Woman”
Probably the most iconic hotel in New York City, The Waldorf Astoria has played host to several well known movies. Two movies that come to mind that The Waldorf played host to was Al Pacino’s Oscar winning performance in “Scent of a Woman”, in his unforgettable tango scene that was filmed in The Vanderbilt Room inside. The other was romantic comedy “Serendipity” in which John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale leave their fate to chance, choosing to separately ride the Waldorf Astoria New York’s Grand Ballroom’s elevator cars, hoping to get off on the same floor.
Spirit Of New York- “Side Effects”
The 2013 thriller starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Channing Tatum films a scene on Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers where dining cruises Spirit of New York and Bateaux New York are docked.