So what’s in the bag? What will the nominees for the 88th Academy Awards at the end of February be taking home with them? Baroque Lifestyle finds out all about the gift bag being given to them this year, which is touted to be the most expensive ever
On 28 February, all eyes will be on the red carpet outside the Dolby Theater on Hollywood Boulevard in LA as the stars arrive for the 88th Academy Awards Ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. That evening, the best films of 2015 will compete, along with the best actors, directors, screenwriters and film makers, which includes everybody else involved in creating the latest batch of must-see films.
Right now, those nominees are too busy concentrating on what they will wear and how they will look on the big night. They are having fittings, trying out new looks and preparing their speeches just in case they walk away with one of the most coveted awards in motion picture history.
Oscar nominee gift bags 2015
And talking of history – this year, history is being made in another field, too. The gift bags being given to the latest batch of possible winners is the most expensive yet.
The goodie bag, which has always been the standard for which PR companies world wide set their sights to give celebrities and stars when they attend important events, has gone one better this year. Those nominees for best actor or actress, best director, best supporting actor and actress may not go home with a golden award, but one thing is certain. They will be going home with a gift bag valued at more than $200,000.
So what’s inside the bag?
For starters, there is a trip to Israel, valued at $55,000, not to mention a 12-month rental contract for an Audi A4 valued at another $45,000. The goodie bag, which is created annually by Distinctive Assets, also includes a number of other exciting offerings. There’s another trip included too (a $54,000 walking tour of Japan), not to mention personalized My M&M’s priced at $300, diet Gummie Bears (approximately $20), an ‘Ultimate Fitness Package from Fit Club TV valued at $6,250, and all sorts of other exciting products and services.
So who are the lucky recipients this year? They include, amongst others, the likes of Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eddie Redmayne, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Christian Bale and Sylvester Stallone. While everybody can benefit from a session with Celebrity Trainer Alexi Seletzky ($900) and nights at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo ($5,000-worth at each establishment), one questions whether they all realize that these generous gifts are going to be taxable.
Yes, nominees will have to pay federal income tax on all the goodies in the bag. But with the gift of giving coming so soon after Christmas last December, we guess they won’t mind paying the price.