Experience Life Like Characters in 2012 Oscar-Nominated Films
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THE HOTEL: The Kahala Hotel and Resort; Oahu, HI
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THE HOTEL: The Beverly Hills Hotel; Los Angeles, CA
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THE HOTEL: Hotel Le Bristol; Paris, France
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THE HOTEL: Lydmar Hotel; Stockholm, Sweden
We've been counting down the seconds to the 84th Academy Awards since the nominees were announced last month. And now that the big day is less than a week away, we're beside ourselves with excitement. We can list off all the nominees -- and even make a few well-educated predictions. But if you haven't been as attentive to the details, no worries -- we'll give you the low-down. Not only will we tell you some of our favorite nominees, but more importantly, we'll show you how to live like the characters or real-life actors in these Oscar-nominated films. Who wouldn't want to live like George Clooney, right? Unless, of course, it's George Clooney in The Descendants, with a wife in a coma and an unruly teenage daughter. Silver lining? He lived in Hawaii, so things must not have been all bad…
THE FILM: The Descendants
THE NOMINATIONS: Best Picture, Best Actor (George Clooney), Best Directing (Alexander Payne), Best Film Editing
Dolphin Quest at The Kahala Hotel and Resort; Oahu, HI
The heart-warming and heart-wrenching film tells the story of Matt King, a successful Honolulu-based lawyer dealing with difficult family truths after his wife has fallen into a coma. So while you may not want to trade places with his character, the real-life Clooney leads an envy-worthy, glam life -- he and the rest of the crew stayed at the luxurious Kahala Resort during filming. A celebrity retreat since 1964, the Kahala is one of the only quiet luxury options on Oahu, and offers amenities such as the renowned Dolphin Quest, a quiet, beautiful beach, and large rooms with enormous bathrooms.
Check out more Hollywood-approved hotels after the jump!
THE FILM: My Week With Marilyn
THE NOMINATIONS: Best Actress (Michelle Williams), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Kenneth Branagh)
The Pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel; Beverly Hills, CA
Though the film depicts Monroe's supposed affair with an assistant director on the British set of The Prince and the Showgirl, most of her dalliances took place stateside. Three years after The Prince and the Showgirl, Marilyn Monroe fell in lust with Yves Montand on the set of Let's Make Love (co-written by her then-husband, Arthur Miller). Taking the film's title to heart, the lovebirds shacked up at the Beverly Hills Hotel, set on 12 acres of lush grounds just five minutes from Rodeo Drive. The historic hotel has anachronistic charms, like an old-fashioned soda fountain, plus a great pool and fabulous restaurants.
THE FILM: Midnight in Paris
THE NOMINATIONS: Best Picture, Best Directing (Woody Allen), Best Art Direction
Epicure Restaurant at the Hotel Le Bristol; Paris, France
Touted by many as Woody Allen's best film in over a decade, Midnight in Paris stars Owen Wilson as Gil, a young writer who meets his literary idols by transporting back to the 1920s. Gil and his wife stay at Hotel Le Bristol while in Paris. The luxurious hotel opened its doors during the Roaring Twenties (fitting for the film's plot) and it remains one of the city's most opulent spots. Not only does it offer a sunlit indoor pool (a rare find in Paris) and two restaurants (including the 3-Michelin-star Epicure), but there's also a newly-renovated spa with three floors.
THE FILM: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
THE NOMINATIONS: Best Actress (Rooney Mara), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing
Restaurant at the Lydmar Hotel; Stockholm, Sweden
Based on the uber-popular novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Although a great flick for adrenaline junkies, this film will make you feel glad that you don't live like the characters. But living like the real-life actors is pretty sweet. Oscar-nominated Rooney Mara (as well as her co-star Daniel Craig) stayed at the luxurious Lydmar Hotel during part of the filming. The 50-room hotel is a hip, design-centric choice located in central Stockholm. Paintings and photographs line the hallways, each floor has its own living room area, and the two-floor lobby boasts a popular restaurant (where Mara was spotted dining) and beautiful views of the harbor.
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