As the glittering stars of Hollywood gathered for the 96th Academy Awards, not everyone walked away with the coveted golden statuette. However, those who graced the red carpet in the acting and directing categories, along with the esteemed hosts, were not left empty-handed. The Oscars tradition of presenting a lavish goodie bag continued this year, with nominees receiving a carefully curated assortment valued at over $170,000.
‘Everybody Wins’: A $50,000 Trip to the Swiss Alps
Lash Fary, the founder of Los Angeles-based marketing company Distinctive Assets, has been orchestrating these luxurious goodie bags for 22 years. This year’s offering, dubbed ‘Everybody Wins,’ comprises nearly 60 items, with the pièce de résistance being a $50,000 trip to a luxury chalet in the Swiss Alps.
Fary clarified that the goodie bag is independent of the Academy, and he personally decides the contents. The curated selection includes an array of treats ranging from beauty products and gourmet popcorn to sleep aid items and a classic Rubik’s Cube.
The Allure of A-Lister Exposure
While companies pay for a spot in the bag, it’s the exposure to A-list celebrities that makes it a sought-after opportunity. Lash Fary notes, “They’re so famous, and their names have such value and cachet, and that’s exactly what they can bring to these products.”
Previous Extravagances: A Glimpse into Last Year’s Bag
In the 2023 Oscars, the goodie bag featured an array of extravagant items, including cosmetic procedures like arm liposuction, hair restoration, and facelifts valued at $41,000. Nominees also received immunity boosters, massage oils, silk pillowcases, Japanese milk cake, and even a three-night stay for eight people in a restored Italian lighthouse worth $9,000. The bag included a $40,000 trip to an estate called The Lifestyle in Canada, along with $25,000 worth of project management fees for home renovations.
As the Hollywood elite celebrate their achievements and those who contribute to the magic of cinema, the ‘Everybody Wins’ goodie bag remains a symbol of extravagance and appreciation.
