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
Tall plants in pots sit inside a greenhouse at Sow Exotic nursery.
Local businesses honored at the 2026 Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
January 28, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The Wish Farms stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Staff
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.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A map from the National Weather Service showing winter weather advisories in counties across the southeast US.
City
Lakeland’s winter weather headline roundup
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
January 26, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A metal baking tray is filled with rows of assorted gourmet pastries, including cinnamon rolls and strawberry-topped buns.
Food
Born & Bread Bakehouse named James Beard Awards semifinalist
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Three men in black polos stand on a stage in front of a "Screen Skinz" logo, pitching their product on the show "Shark Tank."
Business
Lakeland-based Screen Skinz lands a “Shark Tank” deal
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”
January 22, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park
Culture
Readers share their Lakeland concert memories
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of the multistory New Florida Hotel at a street corner, with vintage cars and a church visible in the background.
City
Lakeland in 1926: Look back on a century of history
What did Lakeland look like in 1926? We’re firing up the time machine for a 100-year trip to the past.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A crowd sits in camping chairs watching fireworks over Lake Mirror during Red, White & Kaboom Lakeland event. Trees and street lights block part of the view.
Events
Don’t miss these top Lakeland events happening all year long
We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.
January 16, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella
Food
Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
January 14, 2026
 · 
Rilee Delgado