City

The One and Only Ivan’s Oscar nomination

April 23, 2021 • 
Katelyn Lewis
Screen-Shot-2020-08-13-at-6.10.26-AM-970x545

Image via @oneandonlyivan

Table of Contents
Quiz

The One and Only Ivan is up for an Academy Award this weekend.

The Disney film features iconic Lakeland locations + landmarks filmed right here in Swan City. The movie was based on the Newberry Award-winning novel by Katherine Applegate + centers around a silverback gorilla named Ivan.

106706830_3716705775012072_8703672152125767549_n

Filming at the Silver Moon Drive-In | Photo via @silver_moon_drive_in

Photo via @silver_moon_drive_in

During its filming here in 2018, the move brought $134,000 to Polk County + shot at the Silver Moon Drive-in (4100 New Tampa Hwy.), Dixieland Elementary (416 Ariana St.), W. Palm Dr., and Southgate Shopping Center (2515 Florida Ave S.).

Screen Shot 2021-04-22 at 11.54.54 AM

The One and Only Ivan’s Big Top Mall aka Southgate Shopping Center | Screenshot via One and Only Ivan Trailer on YouTube

Screenshot via YouTube

Now, the movie is up for an Academy Award for the Visual Effects category alongside box office blockbusters such as “Mulan”, “The Midnight Sky”, and “Tenet”. The awards show will air this Sun., Apr. 25 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC.

Quiz

News
More from LALtoday
L.J. Cason (#2) fights off another player for the ball during a basketball game.
Sports
Two players from Polk County compete in March Madness 2026
This year’s March Madness NCAA Tournament will feature experienced players from Lakeland and Winter Haven. Here’s when to catch their games.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior shot of Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, right outside of the BayCare Box Office.
City
How Joker Marchant Stadium became a staple in Lakeland’s sports scene
We’re climbing out of the dugout and onto the diamond as we uncover the history of this iconic sports complex.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A brightly lit storefront for East of These, featuring large windows, a neon sign, and minimalist interior decor.
Business
East of These opens a new boutique in downtown Lakeland
There are now two places downtown to shop for East of These’s clothing, accessories, shoes, and gifts.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of a modern, white and dark grey home on Lake Hancock with a private dock stretching into the water.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: This Polk County listing is moving quickly
Is this your dream home? If so, make your offers before the upcoming deadline.
March 12, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concrete pier juts out into the ocean at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Beachy road trip destinations within three hours of Lakeland
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A hand holds a "Strawberry Season Passport" listing various local farms in front of the Parkesdale Farm Market storefront.
Business
Explore Central Florida’s best berries with Strawberry Season Passports
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A modern bathroom with gold palm leaf wallpaper, a round yellow mirror, a white floating sink, and a soft pink door.
Culture
Which Lakeland business has the best restroom?
Tell us which Lakeland lavatory you love the most.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A small orange camper filled with plants, with succulents outside
Business
Local love: LALtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A palm tree stands on the white sand beach before a blue ocean.
Travel and Outdoors
Spring break: Travel away or stay and play around Lakeland
Are you taking a vacation this spring break or planning to make the most of the week at home? Whatever you’re up to, we have you covered with spring break ideas in and around Lakeland.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Experience
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
March 4, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado