New Jersey Shines at 98th Academy Awards

Films shot in the Garden State earn multiple Oscar nominations, highlighting the state's thriving film industry.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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This year's Oscars are shining a spotlight on New Jersey, with several nominated films having strong ties to the state. Movies like 'Marty Supreme' and 'Song Sung Blue' pumped over $42 million into the local economy and hired thousands of workers. New Jersey natives like Ethan Hawke and Michael B. Jordan are also in the Oscar spotlight, nominated for their acting performances.

Why it matters

The success of these New Jersey-connected films at the Oscars showcases the state's growing film and television production industry, which has been bolstered by tax incentives and a skilled local workforce. The economic impact of these productions highlights how the industry can bring jobs and revenue to communities across the Garden State.

The details

The Best Picture nominee 'Marty Supreme' used at least five locations around New Jersey, hiring 1,000 people and spending over $12 million. Another film, 'Song Sung Blue,' was shot in over a dozen New Jersey locations, spending over $29.5 million and hiring 630 workers. Both films earned multiple Oscar nominations, including for their lead actors Timothée Chalamet and Kate Hudson.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.
  • In 2018, then-Governor Phil Murphy reinstated New Jersey's Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which offers tax credits of up to 40% for film and digital media productions.

The players

Marty Supreme

A Best Picture nominee that filmed in at least five locations across New Jersey, hiring 1,000 people and spending over $12 million.

Song Sung Blue

A film that was shot in over a dozen New Jersey locations, spending over $29.5 million and hiring 630 workers.

Timothée Chalamet

The star of 'Marty Supreme,' who is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Kate Hudson

The star of 'Song Sung Blue,' who is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

The state agency that oversees the film and television industry in New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“We are extremely proud that 'Blue Moon' received two Oscar nominations. It's certainly a touching film; both Jersey natives Ethan Hawke (West Windsor) and Robert Kaplow (Westfield) were outstanding and each deserve to take home an Oscar this year.”

— Tom Bernard, Sony Pictures Classics co-President (wearenewjersey.com)

“And that's why we do what we do — it's about jobs.”

— Jon Crowley, New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Executive Director (New Jersey 101.5)

What’s next

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, where the winners will be announced.

The takeaway

New Jersey's thriving film and television industry is being recognized on the national stage, with multiple Oscar-nominated productions that have brought jobs and economic benefits to communities across the state. This success highlights the impact of the state's tax incentives and the depth of local talent, cementing New Jersey's status as a growing hub for the entertainment industry.