Made in NJ Film ‘A Complete Unknown’ Commands Oscar Nominations

The film spent over $80M in the state and hired over 4,700 crew members for the production

TRENTON, N.J. (February 11, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) applauds New Jersey-filmed production A Complete Unknown for receiving eight Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture. The Bob Dylan biopic was filmed almost entirely in New Jersey and utilized the Film Tax Credit Program, serving as a testament to the growing momentum of the state’s film industry.

A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning, received eight nominations at the Academy Awards, including for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. A Complete Unknown, which filmed for over 60 days in New Jersey, spent $81 million in the state and hired over 4,700 crew members for the production.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has become one of the top states to film large-scale, Oscar-worthy productions, all while serving as a top location to work, live, and raise a family,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “A Complete Unknown serves as a prime example to filmmakers that between our robust tax credit program, regional talent, and diverse locations, New Jersey cannot be beat. As more productions and studios choose New Jersey, the film industry will help strengthen our economy by creating family-sustaining jobs and supporting local small businesses across the state.”

A Complete Unknown, which was also nominated for three Golden Globes, 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 bustling city streets to quaint beachside towns, A Complete Unknown reflects New Jersey’s unique ability to transform into any desired location,” said Jon M. Crowley, Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. “Our unbeatable tax credit incentives will allow us to continue raising the bar on the scale and quality of productions for years to come.”

Aside from A Complete Unknown, New Jersey is heavily represented at the 2024 Oscars.

Anora, which received six Oscar nominations including for Best Picture and Best Director, was directed by Sean Baker, a native of Summit.

Zoe Saldaña, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez, was born in Passaic.

Jesse Eisenberg, who is nominated for Best Writing (Original Screenplay) for A Real Pain, is from East Brunswick.

Sebastian Stan, who is nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Apprentice, studied acting at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Mike Marino, who is nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for A Different Man, currently resides in New Jersey.

According to the Film Tax Activity Report, A Complete Unknown and over 190 productions to-date have recently been attracted to New Jersey by the state’s Film Tax Credit Program, which offers eligible production companies up to 35 percent transferrable tax credit on qualified film production expenses, plus an additional 2 percent or 4 percent diversity bonus for qualified productions. Since the revival of the tax credit program, production has been booming in the Garden State, unlocking opportunities for thousands of businesses, residents, and filming locations across New Jersey.

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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