Croatia showcased as top destination in Los Angeles at Oscars event 

(Photo: HTZ)

As the Academy Awards approach, Croatia is making its mark in Los Angeles not only as a contender for its first-ever Oscar nomination but also as a top tourist destination.

The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) and the General Consulate of Croatia in Los Angeles hosted a promotional event to celebrate the historic Oscar nomination of The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, Croatia’s first-ever nominee for Best Live Action Short Film.

The event brought together key figures from the tourism and film industries, including producers, agents, media representatives, and lovers of Croatian culture.

(Photo: HTZ)

Of course, the stars of the night were the cast and crew of the nominated film, led by director Nebojša Slijepčević and producers Katarina Prpić and Danijel Pek.

The event served as both a celebration and a chance to highlight Croatia as a world-class filming location.

Leila Krešić Jurić, Chris Marcich, Renee Pea, Goran Bogdan, Nebojša Slijepčević (Photo: HTZ)

A Unique Opportunity to Promote Croatia

“This nomination is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to promote Croatia, not only as a tourist paradise but also as a rising film destination,” said Leila Krešić-Jurić, director of HTZ’s U.S. office.

“We are thrilled to have gathered American journalists from the film, travel, gastronomy, and wine industries to showcase the best of Croatia. Guests enjoyed exclusively Croatian wines and spirits, brought in partnership with Croatian Premium Wine Imports from Boston. Of course, we all hope Croatia will take home its first Oscar!”

(Photo: HTZ)

Renee Pea, General Consul of Croatia in Los Angeles, echoed the sentiment, stating, “This Oscar nomination is a monumental achievement for Croatian cinema. The film has already won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, the European Film Award, and France’s César Award, making this an incredible season for Croatian filmmaking.

We are proud to celebrate this success with some of the biggest names in the film industry.”

Nebojša Slijepčević (Photo: HTZ)

A Night of Celebration Before the Big Moment

Director Nebojša Slijepčević was deeply moved by the support in Los Angeles, saying, “I arrived here straight from Paris, and I’m so glad I did. The event was wonderfully organised, and the energy was incredible.

So many people gathered to support us ahead of the Oscars. Having much of my film crew here means a lot, as we are all about to experience the excitement and suspense of the Oscar ceremony together.”

The event was attended by the film’s lead actor Goran Bogdan, producers Katarina Prpić and Danijel Pek, as well as Oscar-winning composer Toby Chu (Bao), HAVC director Chris Marcich, and Croatian stars such as Leona Paraminski, Kristina Kuzmić, and Goran Dukić. Croatian singer Roko Blažević provided the evening’s musical entertainment.

Renee Pea_Roko Blazevic, Leila Kresic Juric (Photo: HTZ)

Croatia’s Growing Popularity in the U.S.

Beyond film, Croatia is seeing increasing interest from American travellers. In 2023, Croatia welcomed over 776,000 arrivals and 2.2 million overnight stays from U.S. visitors, marking a 9% increase in arrivals and an 8% rise in overnight stays compared to 2022.

Goran Bogdan (Photo: HTZ)

American tourists are also among the top spenders, with an average daily expenditure of €300 per person while in Croatia. This growing trend underscores why events like this are crucial for promoting Croatia as a premier travel and film destination.

As the Oscars night unfolds at the Dolby Theatre, all eyes will be on The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent—and if Croatia claims its fourth Oscar, it will be another shining moment for the country on the world stage.