Jane Campion's film 'The Power of the Dog', shot in Central Otago, is leading this year's Oscar nominations.

The film, shot on a Maniototo farm owned by Al McKnight over a three month period last year, has been nominated for 12 Oscars.

Filmed entirely in New Zealand, The Power of the Dog is written, produced and directed by Dame Jane, and showcases parts of the Department of Conservation's Oteake area, including the Hawkdun Ranges.

Al said the remoteness of the location was repeatedly praised for being an uncanny likeness to Montana, where the story is set.

“Where they filmed was very remote.

"Nobody goes up there and nobody lives up there," he said.

"A few farmers have land up there but they had it to themselves mostly.

“They kept saying how much it looks like Montana, but I’ve never been to America so I can’t say."

In an earlier statement, Dame Jane said she was captured by the area.

“I was taken to a property near the Hawkdun Ranges area in Central Otago.

"I fell in love with it," she said.

"It’s so remote, and it’s 360 degrees empty with an amazing hill range behind it that felt very atmospheric.”

Film release poster. PHOTO: Netflix

The film has been nominated for best picture, best adapted screenplay, Jane Campion as best director, fellow Kiwis Grant Major and Amber Richards for production design, Benedict Cumberbatch for best actor, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jesse Plemons for actor in a supporting role and Kirsten Dunst for actress in a supporting role. 

The movie has also received nominations for editing, original score, achievement in sound and cinematography.

NZ Film Commission CEO David Strong congratulated Dame Jane on the success of her film saying all New Zealanders could be proud of this remarkable achievement.

“It highlights what can be achieved by our screen sector, our outstanding creative talent and the fact New Zealand’s scenery is diverse, spectacular and accessible.

“The fact Dame Jane chose to come home and make this film here, emphasises her absolute confidence in New Zealand and our people.”

The Government invested about $8 million in The Power of the Dog which led to a $28 million dollar boost to the economy. 

“A significant portion of that investment went into service industries around our regions, at a time when the economy was reeling from the effects of Covid-19,” David said.  

“Add to that the international recognition the movie has brought to New Zealand and our screen sector, the investment has been worth every cent and will benefit us for years to come.”

The 94th Academy Awards are being held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 27.

Central Otago continues to be a growing hot spot for filming as the second season of TVNZ's Under The Vines, shot in Alexandra and the surrounding area, is also due to start filming.