The Location Managers Guild International announced the winners of its 2026 awards, recognizing excellence in location use across film, television, commercials, and film commissions. The Motion Picture category saw ‘One Battle After Another’ take home the Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Feature Film award, with filming taking place across multiple locations in California and Texas. Marty Supreme earned the Outstanding Locations in a Period Feature Film award, with scenes shot in New York City, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and Tokyo, Japan. Television series winners included Pluribus, filmed in Albuquerque, Montana, Nevada, and Spain; Fallout, shot in California’s Dumont Dunes, Mojave Desert, Antelope Valley, and Santa Clarita; and Black Rabbit, filmed around New York City including Brooklyn and Manhattan. Toyota Trucks’ ‘They Don’t Read Reviews’ commercial won the Outstanding Commercial award, with filming done in California. The Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission received the Outstanding Film Commission/Office Award for its work on One Battle After Another.
The awards ceremony took place at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica before an audience of 400, including LMGI members, industry executives, and press, according to BroadwayWorld. Los Angeles broadcaster and comedian Fritz Coleman hosted the evening. The LMGI Awards spotlight international feature films, television series, commercials, and film commissions in which the creative use of filming locations sets the tone, enriches character, and enhances the narrative.
Vince Gilligan, creator, director, and writer of multiple Emmy-winning shows, received the Eva Monley Award for his dedication to storytelling through location. Christian Díaz de Bedoya, who has worked with Gilligan on several major productions, presented the award and managed complex location work for Pluribus. Díaz de Bedoya created a custom seven-house cul-de-sac for Pluribus and helped incorporate Paraguayan cultural details into the series.
Veteran Location Manager Mike Fantasia was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing more than 30 years of career work. Fantasia’s celebrated location work includes films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Killers of the Flower Moon, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) received the Trailblazer Award for more than 50 years of leadership advancing film commissions worldwide. Claire Brooks, AFCI Executive Director, accepted the award, presented by Mary Ann Hughes, VP of Production & Investment Planning at The Walt Disney Company.
The Environmental Media Association (EMA) received the Humanitarian Award for advancing sustainable production across film and television. Debbie Levin, EMA CEO, accepted the award on EMA’s behalf, with actress Wendie Malick presenting it.
EMA also recognized the LMGI Awards with the EMA Green Seal Certification, reflecting environmentally responsible production practices and honoring location professionals. Lightship, a sponsor of the 2026 LMGI Awards, showcased its PowerSled mobile energy platform and solar-powered trailer at the ceremony. The event emphasized the LMGI’s commitment to keeping authentic locations at the heart of storytelling, supporting local economies, and inspiring future filmmakers.
Additional presenters included Bresha Webb, Paul W. Downs, Tal Anderson, and Scott Porter. Nancy Haecker, LMGI Awards Chair, said the ceremony was a powerful celebration of achievement and recognition for talent in the industry.
The full list of winners includes Vince Gilligan for the Eva Monley Award, EMA for the Humanitarian Award, Mike Fantasia for the Lifetime Achievement Award, AFCI for the Trailblazer Award, and several others. The ceremony took place on Saturday evening in Santa Monica at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, according to a report from TheWrap. Films One Battle After Another and Marty Supreme won awards for contemporary and period feature films respectively. Television programs Pluribus, Fallout, and Black Rabbit took home awards in their respective categories. Toyota Trucks’ commercial ‘They Don’t Read Reviews’ won the Outstanding Locations in a Commercial award. Honorary awards went to Vince Gilligan, EMA, AFCI, and Mike Fantasia. Presenters at the event included Jeannine Oppewall, Wendie Malick, Paul W. Downs, and Tal Anderson.
The awards ceremony honored the contributions of location professionals across multiple categories including feature films, television series, commercials, and film commissions. The 2026 LMGI Awards recognized the importance of authentic locations in storytelling and their impact on local economies and tourism.
IMAGE: Vince Gilligan. Photo: Aaron_Paul,_Vince_Gilligan_and_Bryan_Cranston.jpg: Thomas Attila Lewis from Pittsfield, MA, USA
derivative work: RanZag (talk) / Wikimedia, taken 2011-07-14, CC BY 2.0
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