Most Costly And Lavish Objects Stars Have Acquired in Oscars Reward Luggage
The curtain has just descended on this year’s Academy Awards, or Oscars as the award ceremony is popularly known. Given how amazing this year has been for Hollywood and the box office, viewers had expected to be wowed by the events of the award show. And while you may think only the lucky Oscar nominees who win get to take home the glistening Oscar trophy, nobody goes home empty-handed. All artists nominated in the top categories get something special to take home: a coveted Oscars gift bag or swag bag loaded to the brim with all sorts of expensive items.
2023 was the year of Barbenheimer. It was quite the show, with two very different genres of films coming out on the same day, both dominating the box office by storm. Of course, no awards season is complete without some controversy. The snubs of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie for directing and playing Barbie, respectively, caused quite a stir. However, all of that turmoil was put to rest at the Oscars, at least in terms of the Oscar tally. Among the biggest winners were Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo’s steampunk sci-fi comedy Poor Things and Oppenheimer, which became the biggest winner of the night with seven Oscars. But, win or lose, every nominee received the coveted “Everybody Wins” gift bag. Now, let’s look at the expensive contents of these legendary Oscars gift bags and the lavish items that have been presented in them over the years.
What’s an ‘Everybody Wins’ bag and who gets it?
At the Oscars, only the victors receive the sought-after bronze statuette. However, all actors and directors nominated for top categories receive something equally special: a goodie bag full of exquisite things. A fun fact is that the IRS has since necessitated the paying of taxes on these extravagant presents, which means even the wealthy and famous must keep their wallets close when it comes to Uncle Sam.
Despite being linked to Oscars nominees, these gift bags haven’t officially been handed out by the Academy since 2006.
Enter Lash Fary, a marketing talent hailing from Los Angeles. Lash Fary seized the opportunity by establishing Distinctive Assets, a marketing agency directed towards bringing high-quality products to the world’s most influential consumers, Hollywood’s elite. Through him, the prized “Everyone Wins” gift bag is freed from being formally affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — though they remain taxable.
So, who gets these ultra-expensive Oscars gift bags? Fary extends the offer to the host and 25-30 actors and filmmakers nominated for Academy Awards each year. Despite the logistics required to move a gift bag of this size and weight, and delivery costs that can go up to USD 850, Fary goes above and beyond. These gift bags are delivered or shipped directly to recipients’ doorsteps, whether at their homes or offices, with some celebrities even choosing to have them waiting at their hotels after the event. For Fary, however, the work is well worth the renowned gift bag that has become synonymous with the end of awards season; after all, it affords hardworking stars to take the opportunity to unwind, relax, and enjoy the results of their efforts.
Most expensive items in the Oscars ‘Everybody Wins’ bag
2024 Oscars gift bag
Cost: Around USD 180,000
Let’s discuss the opulent contents of this year’s Oscars gift bag, shall we?
- The crown jewel of this year’s Oscars swag bag was a three-night stay at Chalet Zermatt Peak, which has been named the “Best Ski Chalet” by the World Ski Awards. This invitation, worth a whopping USD 50,000, is a chance for nominees to enjoy the royal treatment. Recipients can enjoy the exclusive use of the entire chalet with up to nine special guests. The chalet is composed of six stories of sheer decadence, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the majestic Matterhorn, a spa, an in-house massage therapist, and even a celestial observatory roof. And don’t forget the gourmet chef who will be on site to cook up multi-course feasts, the fully-stocked wine cellar, the chauffeured car ready for use 24/7.
- Recipients also received an exclusive invitation to a seven-day retreat at Southern California’s Golden Door spa, worth USD 24,000. Think daily massages, farm-to-table meals, exclusive hiking paths, and mindfulness and wellness programmes – the ultimate way to rejuvenate the body and soul.
- Next, recipients were presented with a mind-blowing entertainment package, which includes a USD 25,000 live show by mentalist extraordinaire Carl Christman who combines magic, mind reading, hypnosis, and comedy to create an unforgettable experience.
- Nominees were also presented with a USD 10,000 micro-needling procedure by Cynosure that promises to tighten, revitalise, and reduce symptoms of ageing or blemishes.
- The gift bag also included a portable Schwank Grill, which can reach temperatures of up to 1500 degrees. This grill, which is priced at USD 1,350, has infrared technology and overhead burners for the ultimate BBQ experience.
- The opulent selections were rounded up by a five-piece luxury gift package from Miage skincare, valued at USD 515, and a wonderfully designed USD 335 bag produced by master artisans from Elboque in Canada.
The 2024 Oscars gift bag comprises gifts from 61 participating brands, and is worth USD 178,000 in total.
2023 Oscars gift bag
Cost: USD 123,000
Here are some of the most lavish items in 2023’s gift bag.
- The outstanding feature in the 2023 Oscars swag bag was a lavish three-night stay at The Lifestyle in Ottawa, Canada, worth USD 40,000. This all-inclusive estate provided nominees with a luxurious experience, along with a fully stocked fridge full of gourmet meals and an in-home movie theatre. As if that weren’t enough, guests could also test drive a 1965 Shelby AC Cobra 427 Roadster and a 2023 McLaren Artura throughout their stay.
- Another interesting addition was a USD 12,000 arm liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Thomas Su. This treatment promised to provide ladies with an instant lean and toned look with smooth curves and well-defined outlines, boosting any nominee’s confidence on the red carpet.
- Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich provided up to USD 10,000 in procedures including chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and Botox injections, to ensure that nominees received the aesthetic enhancements they desired.
- The gift bag also included a USD 9,000 three-night stay at the Faro Punta Imperatore Lighthouse in Ischia, Italy. This lovely retreat was made available to host the nominee and up to seven friends, allowing a tranquil setting for relaxation and refreshment.
2023’s Oscars gift bag was priced at over USD 123,000 and included over 60 presents, providing nominees with a lavish assortment of activities and treatments to enjoy.
2022 Oscars gift bag
Cost: USD 140,000
Let’s delve into the lavish offerings of 2022’s Oscars swag bag.
- Highland Titles gave nominees an entire plot of land in Glencoe, Scotland, together with the coveted titles of Lord or Lady. These were priced from USD 100.
- Nominees also received an all-inclusive stay at Scotland’s Turin Castle, valued at USD 50,000, which provided them with unprecedented luxury. The stay also included butler and completely personalised concierge services.
- Winners were also presented with a spectacular four-night stay at the Golden Door Resort Spa in San Diego, worth USD 15,600. This two-person holiday included lavish spa and nutrition programs, personalised exercise sessions, daily massages, and gourmet meals.
- Art Lipo offered nominees a liposuction treatment worth USD 12,000, to sculpt and contour the arms to perfection.
- Los Angeles-based builders Maison Construction offered renovation services worth USD 25,000 for the nominees’ homes, ensuring that their living spaces are as lavish as their lifestyles.
- A 3-day 3-D wellness retreat, estimated at USD 15,000, that focused on overall well-being and rejuvenation.
- Nominees were also presented with a USD 10,000 treatment package from Dr. Vasyukevich, which included chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and botox injections.
- Nominees also received a USD 1,200 life coaching session with wellness expert Kayote Joseph, who would provide guidance and support for personal growth and development.
This extravagant gift bag pampered recipients with 52 items, experiences, and treatments, providing them with the royal treatment long after the Oscars’ spotlight had dimmed.
2021 Oscars gift bag
Cost: USD 205,000
Here’s a glimpse into the opulent offerings of 2021.
- Nominees were given a stunning retreat for two at Sweden’s famous Pater Noster Lighthouse, which provided a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Nominees enjoyed a sumptuous four-night stay for two at the Golden Door Spa, which has been named the world’s best destination spa. They indulged in rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness programmes.
- Among the gifts were also a limited-edition two-piece box of Trust Me Vodka enriched with 23-carat edible gold flakes, certain to bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
- Additionally, nominees received Tequila Antigua Cruz Añejo Cristalino, a premium tequila aged in American white oak bourbon casks for an astonishing 24 months.
- Nominees also received personalised training sessions with famous celebrity trainer Alexis Seletzky, who would assist them in meeting their fitness objectives and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Nominees got exclusive NFTs from AdVenture Media and Taillard Capital, with auction revenues benefiting charitable causes.
- To provide peace of mind, nominees were given a PETA emergency hammer, ensuring they were ready to face any unexpected scenarios with the critical safety gear in hand.
The 2021 Oscar swag bag truly exceeded all expectations, pampering nominees with the finest offerings from around the world.
2020 Oscars gift bag
Cost: 225,000
Let’s take a look at the luxurious offerings of 2020’s Oscars gift bag.
- Nominees were presented with the ultimate adventure when they received a USD 78,000 luxury cruise around Antarctica’s stunning landscapes, promising a memorable tour via the icy wonders of the southernmost continent.
- Nominees received up to USD 25,000 in cosmetic treatments from renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr Konstantin Vasyukevich, allowing them to enhance their inherent attractiveness and renew their look.
- Nominees also received a lavish one-week getaway at the Golden Door Spa in California, valued at USD 9,000, that included revitalising spa treatments, wellness activities, and personalised care.
- Also included was a one-of-a-kind exclusive stay at a scenic lighthouse in La Canaria, Spain, which could accommodate the nominee as well as up to eight guests for an unforgettable retreat with breathtaking vistas and relaxing views.
- Yet another gift was a luxury two-night stay at Esperanza Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, which provided nominees with a peaceful getaway to paradise, complete with pristine beaches, world-class amenities, and exceptional service.
- To add a touch of luxury to bath time, nominees were given a delicious 24K gold Royal Chakra Bath Bomb, which promised a relaxing and renewing experience worthy of royalty.
- Nominees also received an amazing 18K gold necklace by Blush & Whimsy, a lovely piece of jewellery meant to lend a touch of beauty and class to any look.
- Additionally, nominees received a five-night stay at Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Hawaii, which included spectacular ocean views, exquisite accommodations, and world-class hospitality.
From exotic vacations to luxurious spa getaways and gorgeous jewellery, the 2020 Oscars gift bag truly showered nominees with the finest on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Check out the full list of winners for the 2024 Oscars here
(Main and featured image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images and Robert Gauthier/Getty Images)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are Oscar gift bags?
Oscar “Everybody wins” gift bags are an initiative by Lash Fary of Distinctive Assets. He sends out gift bags worth six figures in USD to the top-category Oscar nominees. Even though the items are a gift, it’s still taxable.
– How much are Oscar gift bags worth?
Oscar gift bags are worth six figures ranging from USD 150,000 to 250,000.
– Who receives the Oscar gift bags?
The top-category nominees and the host for the night receive the Oscar swag bags.
– What are some of the most expensive items in Oscar gift bags?
Luxury vacation packages are the most expensive items in the Oscar swag bags. Other than that they receive wellness treatment packages, jewellery, treatment packages, etc.
Source: Prestige Online
