In the fall of 2024, Hollywood set up shop in downtown Matawan to film scenes for the movie "Song Sung Blue."

The studio transformed Stillwell Garage and the attached apartment building into the setting where Kate Hudson would deliver her Oscar-nominated performance alongside Hugh Jackman.

When a Hollywood scout first stopped by the Stillwell, owner Chris Lacerre went all in.

“They were looking for shops in the area. What a certain look,” he said.

But it was the original wood paneling in the upstairs apartment, not the garage, that caught the eyes of a producer. The scenes downstairs were quickly scrapped, and right above the shop, Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson fell in love, playing their characters, Lightning and Thunder.

Lacerre said the A-listers couldn't have been more welcoming.

“Hugh was out there signing autographs and hugging people, and he was really a very nice, kind gentleman," said Lacerre.

There was that one time when nature called, and the only option was the mechanic's tiny washroom.

"Kate opened the door, she looked back at her team and her assistant and gave this look of are you serious? She was the sweetest pie. Just very humble, very, very genuine."

For lighting reasons, crews covered the entire building in dark cloth.

The Stillwell Garage dates back to 1953. Longtime owners Harry and June Potosky ran it for 70 years. Chris’ dad, Michael, managed the business for 30 years.

The shop reinvested every dollar they made from the movie back into the business and apartment, even the washroom.

"I like the movie. It was a good movie. I know there's going to be some other heavy hitters there, but I feel like she did a really good job, and she earned it.” said Lacerre.

Lacerre said he thinks Hudson has a chance of winning the Oscar Sunday night.