Have you ever felt a smidge sorry for an Oscar nominee who didn't leave with a coveted statuette? (Cough, Leonardo DiCaprio). Well, they're probably enjoying their pity party on an Italian island, so save your sorrows.
Tickets for a luxury European escape are just one of the consolation prizes nominees will walk away with at the Academy Awards on March 13, as part of an exclusive gift bag valued at US$126,000.
As per reports, the gift bag is supplied by the company Distinctive Assets, which is not directly affiliated with the Academy Awards. Brands reportedly splash $6500 to secure their spot in the coveted goodie bag, despite there being no obligation for the celebrities to accept, use or promote any of the products.
According to reports, this year nominees can expect to be gifted a three-night stay at a restored Italian lighthouse, valued at US$9000, for eight people; liposuction; a three-night stay at a private estate in rural Ottawa, Canada, valued at US$40,000; silk pillowcases; a hair restoration consultation with Dr Alan Bauman; and deluxe delicacies such as Japanese milk bread, gourmet chocolates and hand-harvested organic dates.
"Obviously, [the nominees] can afford to go where they want," Lash Fary, the founder of Distinctive Assets, told Forbes.
"It's not about the fact that this is free. It's about the fact that we've found a unique place that has built-in privacy for a celebrity. I mean, it's a hillside lighthouse on an island off the coast of Italy – it's very private."
It's also said to feature several wellness products, with the likes of C60 Purple Power Edible Massage Oil (US$87) and NaturGeeks Immune Shot reportedly securing spots in the hamper's deep pockets.
Recipients will also have the opportunity to book a facelift with celebrity plastic surgeon, Dr Konstantin Vasyukevich, in New York City.
According to The Guardian, this year's extravagant gifts also include a plot of land in Australia: the size of the plot and exact location are unknown. Nominees will also walk away from the ceremony with US$25,000 worth of project management fees for home renovations, courtesy of Maison Construction.
Fary said in a statement: "While this gift bag does, as always, have an impressive value, that is neither our focus nor goal.
"This is a straightforward win/win. These nominees are in a unique position to help participating brands immeasurably by simply wearing, using and talking about these products."
Twenty-six attendees are expected to receive the sumptuous swag this year: the nominees for Best Actor/Actress, Supporting Actor/Actress and Best Director, as well as the host - who this year is Jimmy Kimmel.
Recipients are understood to include:
- Austin Butler
- Colin Farrell
- Brendan Fraser
- Paul Mescal
- Bill Nighy
- Brian Tyree Henry
- Judd Hirsch
- Barry Keoghan
- Ke Huy Quan
- Brendan Gleeson
- Cate Blanchett
- Ana De Armas
- Andrea Riseborough
- Michelle Williams
- Michelle Yeoh
- Angela Bassett
- Hong Chau
- Kerry Condon
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Stephanie Hsu
- Daniel Kwan
- Daniel Scheinert
- Steven Spielberg
- Todd Field
- Martin McDonagh
- Ruben Östlund.
