While an Oscar nomination can open doors to bigger roles and a higher paycheque, this year it also comes with a cruise on a luxury yacht, cosmetic surgery, and personal matchmaking service in a gift bag worth more than $225,000.
The gift bag, which is not affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will be sent to all 20 acting nominees and the five men nominated for best director, Distinctive Assets, the Los Angeles-based company behind the goodie bags revealed. Among those who will be receiving a gift bag include Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Scarlett Johansson.
“It’s the highest value we’ve ever put together,” said Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary, who has been assembling the bags for 18 years.
This year’s top swag includes a $78,000, 12-day yacht cruise; $20,000 of facial rejuvenation treatments; and $20,000 in matchmaking services.
The nearly 80 items also include clothing, gadgets and a 24-carat gold-plated vape pen that Fary said was selected with Leonardo DiCaprio in mind. Photos of DiCaprio vaping a few years ago helped popularise the trend.
More than a dozen items have philanthropic elements, including a book that empowers young girls and a cleanser that supports showers for the homeless.
Fary said the bags aren’t given based on need, but appreciation.
“This is an acknowledgment of an amazing performance that they put in and, for many of them, a lifetime of amazing performances. So, you’re never too rich or famous to outgrow gratitude,” he said.
Because Fary is not officially connected to the academy he’s allowed creative freedom with what’s included and its recipients.
“I only give this to the top acting and directing nominees. So, because we’re only gifting about 25 people, that means I get the most insanely priced things,” he said.
It’s also a chance for brands to be associated with high-profile celebrities.
“This is a business endeavor. This is about the promotion. This is about products connecting their services and their wares with the biggest trendsetters in the world,” Fary said.
Each bag is delivered directly to the nominees during the week leading up to the Oscars on Sunday.
Here are some highlights from the goodybag, compiled from Insider:
A 12-day trip for two on the world’s first ultra-luxury expedition yacht — the Scenic Eclipse
According to Insider, the yacht takes 200 guests on a 12-day trip to Antarctica, where they can encounter penguins, kayak, and snowshoe. This trip is valued at $78,190 and the yacht includes eight restaurants, a submarine, two helicopters, and a “spa sanctuary.”
Dinner for two at Flora’s Field Kitchen
Located in Cabo, Mexico, the restaurant serves exclusively handmade, fresh food from its nearby 150-acre ranch.
A “brain sensing headband” from Muse
The Brain Sensing Headband is a “personal meditation assistant” that senses users’ mental activity and translates it to sounds of weather to guide breathing.
A 24 karat gold Royal Chakra Bath Bomb from Hotsy Totsy Haus
Each bath bomb dissolves to reveal a full moon charged amethyst crystal.
A getaway for eight guests in an active Spanish lighthouse
The Faro Cumplida is an active lighthouse that hosts up to eight guests in three private suites.
Foot Spray
Still Standing Unisex Foot Spray is made from three herbal remedies that contain anti-inflammatories and pain relievers to keep users’ feet comfortable for long periods of time — like awards season appearances.
