Oscars goodie bag given to nominees in 2021 was worth an estimated $200,000. Photo: Distinctive Assets
Oscars goodie bag given to nominees in 2021 was worth an estimated $200,000. Photo: Distinctive Assets
Oscars goodie bag given to nominees in 2021 was worth an estimated $200,000. Photo: Distinctive Assets
Oscars goodie bag given to nominees in 2021 was worth an estimated $200,000. Photo: Distinctive Assets

Most lavish Oscars goodie bag gifts: from a plot of land in Scotland to fine art


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

While not everyone nominated for an Oscar this year will walk away with a coveted award, they won’t be going home empty handed.

The night’s top 25 nominees will leave the ceremony, which is taking place on March 27 in Los Angeles, with a goodie bag containing loot reportedly worth more than $100,000.

This year’s goodie bag, supplied by LA company Distinctive Assets, will gift the nominees of the night’s major awards a plot of land each in Scotland, along with the title of Laird, Lord or Lady of Glencoe.

While it has not been revealed how much land nominees will be gifted, company Highland Titles, which has partnered with Distinctive Assets for the goodie bag, offers plots of between 1 square foot and 100 square feet, according to its website.

The gift will be accompanied by an all-inclusive stay at Scotland’s Turin Castle, complete with butler service, so they can get a feel for the country.

While it might be among the most lavish gifts offered to Oscar nominees in years gone by, there have been plenty of other extravagant party favours from the biggest night in Hollywood.

Here are some of the goodie bag gifts from years gone by …

Holidays

From a three-night stay at Swedish coastal resort Pater Noster Lighthouse, to a luxury small-ship adventure in the Amazon, goodie bags in previous years have offered recipients various luxury adventures around the world.

Plastic surgery procedures

Stars have been offered treatments ranging from facial rejuvenation to arm tucks in the past, as well as credit at a number of top clinics in Los Angeles and New York.

Personal training sessions

In 2019 and 2021, stars were given a personal training session with top celebrity trainers such as Alexis Seletzky.

A financial adviser

In 2019, goodie bags contained personalised investment advice from a venture capitalist, for those looking to expand their financial portfolios.

Artwork

Another extravagant item gifted in 2019 included exclusive pieces of fine art by artist Reian Williams, thought to be worth around $10,000.

Who will receive a goody bag at this year's Oscars?

The "Everyone Wins" gift bag is offered to nominees of the top categories, including Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Director.

That means this year's recipients will include the likes of Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch, Will Smith, Jessica Chastain, Olivia Colman, Kristen Stewart and Jane Campion.

Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

RACE CARD

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m

PROFILE OF INVYGO

Started: 2018

Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo

Based: Dubai

Sector: Transport

Size: 9 employees

Investment: $1,275,000

Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri

The biog

Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists. 

Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.

Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic 

The Lowdown

Us

Director: Jordan Peele

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss

Rating: 4/5

'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in

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Price, base: Dh100,000 (estimate)

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Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

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On sale: Now

Updated: March 16, 2022, 2:47 PM