The dependence of the critical current density (J c ) on the orientation of an applied magnetic field was studied for a prototype (Gd,Y)Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7− x (GdYBCO) coated conductor fabricated by MOCVD on an IBAD-MgO template. Additional rare-earth cations (Y and Gd) and Zr were incorporated into the superconducting film to form (Y,Gd) 2 O 3 and BaZrO 3 nanoparticles extended nearly parallel to the a–b planes and to the c-axis, respectively, to enhance the flux pinning. In-field measurement of J c was carried out with electrical current flowing either along or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tape, while a maximum Lorentz force configuration was always maintained. Details in the angular dependence of J c were related to the unique structure of the film, specifically the tilt in the GdYBCO lattice and the tilts in the extended (Y,Gd) 2 O 3 and BaZrO3 nanoparticles. XRD and TEM were used to study the structure of the coated conductor. The effect of the misalignment between the external field H and the internal field B on the angular dependence of J c is discussed.