From Lady Bird to Leonardo DiCaprio: Sacramento’s Rise as a Film Destination
Sacramento is quickly carving a place for itself in Hollywood, attracting top filmmakers and high-profile actors who are finding the city’s historic landmarks and neighborhoods an ideal backdrop. This transformation can be traced back to 2017, when acclaimed director Greta Gerwig put her hometown on the cinematic map with Lady Bird—and the momentum hasn’t slowed since.
In 2017, Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird brought Sacramento to the big screen in a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Gerwig, who grew up in Sacramento’s River Park neighborhood, captured the city with a mix of nostalgia and admiration, painting a portrait of both the city’s beauty and character. Iconic Sacramento locations like the Tower Bridge, Thrift Town, East Sacramento, and McKinley Park’s Rose Garden were featured throughout the film, highlighting the city’s distinct atmosphere. The film was a critical success, earning five Academy Award nominations and becoming a cultural touchstone for Sacramento’s artistic spirit.
Lady Bird not only garnered Oscar buzz but also glamorized Sacramento as a place rich with potential for filmmakers seeking an authentic, lesser-seen Californian setting. The film’s success sparked a trend that has continued to grow, attracting filmmakers who are now recognizing the city as more than just a stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
This year, two major films have further cemented Sacramento’s Hollywood status. The first, Sacramento, directed by Michael Angarano, is a road-trip comedy starring Michael Cera and Kristen Stewart. The film follows Rickey, a lively and adventurous young man, and Glenn, his old friend settled into a more conventional lifestyle. Their spontaneous road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento showcases the city as a destination, rather than just a setting. Sacramento premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8, 2024, and its distribution rights were picked up by Vertical, a company known for supporting independent films with strong narratives. While the film doesn’t yet have a general release date, the buzz surrounding its Tribeca debut has spotlighted Sacramento’s appeal as a setting for stories of adventure and personal discovery.
The second major production this year is an untitled crime thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring big-name actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro. Filming took place across California, but Sacramento’s County Administration Building and County Courthouse provided ideal backdrops for the film’s storyline. Originally titled The Battle of Baktan Cross, the movie’s atmospheric urban scenes highlight Sacramento’s modern architecture and government buildings. Scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures on August 8, 2025, this crime thriller is likely to further Sacramento’s reputation as a versatile and evocative film setting.
As more filmmakers turn their lenses toward Sacramento, the city is witnessing an artistic revival that goes beyond cinema. The growing interest in Sacramento as a film location is already having positive effects on local tourism and the arts, and city leaders are optimistic about the possibilities for future productions. Sacramento’s charm lies in its authenticity—its blend of historic landmarks, lush parks, and unique urban feel offers filmmakers a backdrop that is both aesthetically compelling and affordable.
With Lady Bird paving the way and recent films like Sacramento and Paul Thomas Anderson’s thriller adding to the city’s cinematic prestige, Sacramento’s Hollywood moment seems to be just beginning. As the city continues to attract filmmakers drawn to its unique landscapes, Sacramento is poised to become a mainstay on the silver screen for years to come.