Gladiator II secures two Golden Globe nominations 

Gladiator II, which hit theatres just last month and was filmed extensively in Malta, has been nominated for two prestigious Golden Globe awards.

The film is in the running for ‘Cinematic and Box Office Achievement’ and ‘Best Supporting Actor,’ with Denzel Washington earning recognition for his compelling portrayal of Macrinus. 

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The blockbuster has already grossed €349 million globally, making its nomination for cinematic and financial success no surprise.

In the box office achievement category, Gladiator II faces stiff competition from other heavyweights such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot, Wicked, Alien: Romulus, Twisters, and Deadpool & Wolverine. 

For the supporting actor category, Denzel Washington stands against a formidable lineup that includes Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Yuriy Borisov (Anora), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice). 

The winners will be revealed at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards on 5th January.

Should Gladiator II emerge victorious, it will not only mark another milestone for the franchise but also reinforce Malta’s reputation as a world-class filming destination. 

Director Ridley Scott’s decision to return to Malta for Gladiator II reflects both a tribute to the original film and a recognition of the island’s unique assets. With its historical architecture and Mediterranean charm, Malta seamlessly stands in for ancient Rome. 

Central to the production was Fort Ricasoli, a 17th-century bastioned fortress transformed into a Roman amphitheatre for the film. The site hosted some of the movie’s most dramatic moments, including Paul Mescal’s epic battle with a CGI rhinoceros. 

Having already been featured in films such as Troy and Agora, Malta’s cinematic allure has reached new heights with Gladiator II. The island is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the storytelling, solidifying its reputation as a premier location for filmmakers and a magnet for tourists. 

Malta’s growing role in screen tourism 

In recent years, the rise of screen tourism – often referred to as “set-jetting” – has significantly boosted the travel industry, according to Euronews.com.

Seren Welch, a screen tourism expert, said to the platform, “this is an area of tourism that’s seen exponential growth in the last 10 years.” 

The connection between storytelling and travel is evident in Gladiator II. As its star Denzel Washington remarked, “Malta is a character. You can feel the history here; it was the perfect place to shoot.” 

Ms Welch also highlighted the challenges that come with screen tourism, particularly the risk of overcrowding. However, she praised Malta’s proactive approach, noting its effective collaboration between the Malta Tourism Authority and the Malta Film Commission.