Generous gift: goodie bag Oscars ticks up tons

While the winners of a coveted Oscar are most likely reveling, MASTERS takes a look at the generous goodie bag. Value? Just over a ton. Fine consolation prize, should you have missed out....

On Sunday, March 10, the cream of Hollywood gathered once again at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the Oscars ceremony. Oppenheimer triumphs. The film about the development of the atomic bomb received no less than seven awards, including those for best film, director and actor. The shower of awards also received a Dutch touch: cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema was honored with a gold statuette for his outstanding camera work.

In 1989, goodie bags were introduced at the Oscars. Originally intended as a token of appreciation for the presenters and a lure to welcome the nominees. However, in 2006, the IRS decided to intervene. Recipients could count on a 37% rate on the value of the bag. The organization behind the Oscars therefore decided to stop this immediately, so as not to saddle their guests with the additional costs. The stars did not have to wait long for the "free" presents. Marketing company Distinctive Assets saw its chance and took it upon itself to fill the bags for the A-listers.

From Rubiks Cube to retreat

This year the value of the bag is estimated at about €117 thousand. Should your Hollywood star not go home with an award, as a nominee in the Directing category and the four categories for best acting performance, you will be rewarded with the gift bag. Although this year's value is still on the modest side compared to previous years... After all, in 2020 the bag had a value of converted €200 thousand.

This year, the most valuable addition is a trip of over €45 thousand to the Swiss Alps. In addition, recipients can look forward to a full line of Miage skincare products, a microneedling treatment worth nearly €10 thousand, a veritable 45-bottle wine fridge, chocolates, a holistic wellness retreat at Golden Door California, a three-day overnight stay on Saint Barth and ... A Rubik's Cube. Right, yes.