Hollywood this week has been gripped by a discreet gifting frenzy for A-listers. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences discontinued their official Oscars goodie bag 20 years ago, a move that followed an IRS crackdown regarding taxation of its contents as non-cash compensation. In its place, private gifting operations have flourished.
Lash Fary, the founder of Distinctive Assets, described as the town's most prominent gifting supremo, oversees the distribution. His company showers expensive stuff on the worthy and unworthy alike at awards ceremonies such as the Grammys and the Oscars. The gift bags are given to the 20 acting nominees, five directors on the shortlist, and host Conan O'Brien.
It's just under $350,000-worth for all of the bag for each person.
Cinematographers, editors, screenwriters et al must do without the gift bags. ' The contents include items such as a luxury T-shirt with an anti-ICE message, a state-of-the-art electric flosser, a fully customised prenup agreement, details for stays at villas in Costa Rica and Ibiza, a glittery 'hydro jug', and five different cannabis brands. Recipients are under no obligation for reciprocal publicity, according to Fary.
'If they don't post a single thing, that's fine. I've been doing this long enough that we used to get a handwritten thank you note, which was lovely,' he said. The best case scenario for givers is lavish social media exposure from recipients.
They have to do nothing. They just enjoy the spoils. Rose Byrne wanted hers shipped back to New York, so it'll be waiting for her when she gets home to Brooklyn. Sometimes, they'll want it dropped off under whatever alias they're staying at the hotel. Last time Rachel McAdams was nominated, she happened to be in her business manager's office taking a meeting when she saw it being rolled in and was like: 'Is that my gift bag?'
The gift bags are delivered directly to the lucky talent; they don't have to schlep to the spa.