Czech Oscar dreams lurk in Nosferatu—where to see the other nominated films

Although the outstanding Czech film Waves didn’t secure an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature, Czech cinema is still represented at the 97th Academy Awards thanks to Nosferatu.

Directed by Robert Eggers and primarily filmed in Czechia, the horror remake has earned four Oscar nominations in categories including makeup, costumes, cinematography, and production design. Czech set decorator Beatrice Brentnerová and production designer Craig Lathrop have been nominated for their work in production design.

Filmed in 2023 at Barrandov Studios and various locations across the country, the Oscar nominations, along with previous BAFTA nominations, serves as a significant recognition of the work of top Czech professionals in multiple film industry roles.

"Barrandov Studio is rooting for Beatrice and the entire Nosferatu team. We are thrilled to have been part of such a magnificent and successful film shot right here with us," said Barrandov Studio director Petr Tichý.

Brentnerová and her team were responsible for Nosferatu's complete interior and exterior design—from furniture and lamps to fabrics, historical documents, bedding, wallpapers, tablecloths, carpets, and countless other details.

At Barrandov Studios, professionals constructed Orlok’s castle with its chambers and grand hall, Von Franz’s attic office, Knock’s office, a chapel, a crypt, and a two-story house with seven rooms. Outside the studios, they built replicas of the streets of the fictional German port town of Wisburg, a church, a monastery gate, and a wrecked ship.

"The set construction was particularly challenging due to winter filming and the technology used. For example, 1,500 square meters of streets were paved with original Old Prague cobblestones, and about 2,000 rats were brought in, requiring careful sealing of entrances," said Tichý.

According to Tichý, the team built a six-meter functional fireplace, original brick flooring, spiral staircases, and detailed cornices and ironwork. They also created replicas of set pieces from special materials to withstand stunts. A chapel with figurative paintings was made using unique technology from Italy, and five sculptors spent five weeks crafting the 'ghost carriage' with intricate details.

In addition to renting the studios, lot, and large spaces for sewing and costume preparation, Barrandov also hosted the dubbing of Nosferatu at Dabing Barrandov Studio. The collaboration with the film's production lasted from November 2022 to July 2023, generating CZK 126 million.

Additional shooting locations included Pernštejn Castle and Prague’s Invalidovna complex. The film, a remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922), an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula (1897) stars Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe.

You can see Oscar-nominated films, including Nosferatu, at Edison Film Hub this weekend and early next week as part of its Oscar 2025 series. The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Anora, and other nominees are also screening at Světozor and Aero.