Houston could be a big winner on Oscar Sunday

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston may be more than 1,500 miles away from Hollywood, but the Bayou City could be a big winner come Oscar Sunday.

If you look at the list of those competing for film's biggest possible honor, you quickly see how H-Town could win big. Two Oscar nominated films for best picture, "Boyhood" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel," hold strong ties to the Bayou City. Both directors, Richard Linklater and Wes Anderson, grew up in Houston and have used Texas as filming locations.

Linklater graduated from Bellaire High School. Anderson graduated from St. John's School. Both Linklater and Anderson are nominated for best director.

The movie Boyhood took 12 years to shoot. The story chronicles the life of a young man coming of age. If you've seen it, you may recognize some familiar sights. Part of the film was shot at Hermann Park, Minute Maid Park and around the Museum District.

Executive Director for the Houston Film Commission Rick Ferguson told Eyewitness News he's proud of Linklater and Anderson's success. Ferguson stressed it's proof the film industry can thrive far from the halls of Hollywood.

Ferguson said Boyhood started its humble journey to the Academy Awards back in 2006.

"At that point, it had no title. If it did have a title, we weren't aware," said Ferguson. "I went back and look at our records and it was 'Rick Linklater's experimental 12 year film.'"

Ferguson, in a very diplomatic way, said he's cheering on both men and both films. He hopes their work wins big.

The Oscars air Sunday right here on ABC-13 at 7:00pm.

View our online Oscars coverage by clicking here.