Brendan Fraser Wins Oscar for The Whale—Filmed in Orange County, NY!

Brendan Fraser is now an Academy Award winner! He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his transformative performance in The Whale, and Orange County, NY, is proud to have played a role in the film’s journey.

Much of the critically acclaimed A24 film was shot at Umbra Stages in Newburgh, adding another major Hollywood production to Orange County’s growing list. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, The Whale features a powerhouse cast, including Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton, who brought this deeply emotional story to life.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus shared his pride in the film’s local connection:

“Brendan Fraser earned an Academy Award on Sunday for his moving performance in The Whale, and we are proud that much of this $3 million motion picture was filmed right here in Orange County.”

And The Whale didn’t stop at just one Oscar! The film also won Best Makeup and Hairstyling, thanks to the incredible work that transformed Fraser into his character. Many talented crew members—including some local hires—helped bring the project to life, proving once again that Orange County is a hub for high-quality filmmaking.

“Many scenes were shot at Umbra Stages in Newburgh, making it one of several films and TV series choosing our county for production. We were honored that The Whale utilized Umbra Stages and thrilled that more filmmakers are discovering Orange County as a prime production destination,” Neuhaus added.

Amanda Dana, Director of Tourism and Film for Orange County, also shared her excitement:

“This is a well-deserved honor for Brendan Fraser. His performance in The Whale was extraordinary, and I’m thrilled our Film Office helped bring this production to Orange County.”

With Fraser’s well-earned win and The Whale’s multiple Oscar victories, this film cements its place in Orange County’s thriving film legacy. As more productions choose our region, we continue to showcase our versatile locations, world-class studios, and skilled local crew.

Congratulations to Brendan Fraser and the entire team behind The Whale!

Want to learn more about filming in Orange County, NY? The OCNY Film Office is here to help! Contact us today at 845-615-3885 and discover how our locations, services, and incentives can bring your production to life.