It’s always been slightly perplexing to regular people how celebrities are gifted thousands of dollars worth of free stuff just for attending awards shows. It seems like these goody bags become more over-the-top extravagant each year, and the 2022 Academy Award version is no exception.
According to CNBC, the Los Angeles-based marketing company Distinctive Assets was put in charge of distributing the coveted “Everybody Wins” gift bags to select nominees. This year’s Oscars goodie bag contains gifts valued at just over $137,000.
The most expensive item in this year’s bag is a $50,000 three-night stay at Turin Castle in Scotland. This was apparently inspired by “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” for which Denzel Washington received a “Best Actor” nod. Guests will receive full access to a 17th-century castle that comes with butler service and a bagpiper to welcome them.
The over-the-top extravagant bags include 52 other items and experiences. Here are some highlighted by CNBC:
- A $12,000 “Celebrity Arms” liposuction procedure from cosmetic surgeon Dr. Thomas Su
- The title of “Lord” or “Lady of Glencoe,” along with a small plot of land in Scotland
- $25,000 worth of home renovations from Los Angeles-based Maison Construction
- An assortment of “flavor wrapped” popcorn packages from Opopop
- Up to $10,000 worth of “treatments and rejuvenation procedures” from Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich
- A $15,000 four-night stay for two at the Golden Door luxury resort and spa in Escondico, Calif.
- A small batch tea gift set from Oprah-approved The Chai Box
- A $1,200 life coaching session with wellness expert Kayote Joseph
Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary explained that the gift bags have their “own reputation within the entertainment industry.”
“We get calls from about 25% to 30% of the nominees each year who want to make sure we know where to get their bag to them,” Fary told CNBC.
“I am mailing them to Olivia Colman and Judi Dench at their homes in the UK, and Penelope Cruz wanted hers shipped to Madrid,” Fary continued. “It’s incredibly expensive, so I try not to ship them if I don’t have to, but I will for the Penelope Cruzes of the world, that’s for sure.”
Only the biggest nominees and presenters received the bag. In 2022, that means 28 people including nominees for “Best Actress,” “Best Actor,” “Best Supporting Actress,” “Best Supporting Actor,” and “Best Director” plus hosts Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer, and Regina Hall got one.
Fary explained how limiting the number of people who receive the best gifts means the company can provide more luxurious items in each bag.
“It’s a very small group of people compared to the 150 gift bags we create for the Grammys,” the company founder explained. “That allows for products or services that would never be able to give away 150 items to be able to give away much more highly valued things.”
Recipients do have to pay taxes on the gifts, but even with that caveat, they’re getting thousands of dollars worth of exclusive merchandise for free.
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