Cover Who needs a gold statue when you can get a US$250,000 trip to Antarctica? Inside the most extravagant Oscars gift bags ever (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Who needs a gold statue when you can get a US$250,000 trip to Antarctica? Inside the most extravagant Oscars gift bags ever (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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Who needs a gold statue when you can get a US$250,000 trip to Antarctica? Inside the most extravagant Oscars gift bags ever
The Academy Awards may be Hollywood’s biggest night, but not every nominee walks away with a golden statue. For those left Oscar-less, there’s still a rather opulent consolation prize—the famous “Everyone Wins” nominee gift bag. Curated annually by marketing firm Distinctive Assets, this luxurious loot has evolved from mere party favours into an over-the-top indulgence of extravagant vacations, high-end skincare and bespoke experiences. With each passing year, the Oscars gift bag grows more indulgent, cementing its place as a spectacle all on its own.
Read more: The 2025 Oscars: Who's likely to win?
A luxury trip to Antarctica
Forget your typical sun-drenched holiday. In 2020, nominees were offered a 12-day expedition to Antarctica aboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse, reportedly valued at US$78,000. With butler service, private helicopters and a submarine at their disposal, the stars could quite literally go to the ends of the Earth to recover from their awards-season exhaustion.
A slice of Scotland
Being an Oscar nominee apparently comes with aristocratic perks. In 2022, gift bag recipients were handed a small plot of land in Scotland, courtesy of Highland Titles. While the land itself was more symbolic than practical, it came with the semi-official ability to refer to oneself as “Lord” or “Lady”—a novelty some Hollywood royalty may have particularly enjoyed.
Premium facial rejuvenation
Oscars night is all about looking flawless, but Distinctive Assets ensured that the glow-up lasted well beyond the red carpet. The 2020 gift bag included non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments valued at US$25,000, proving that in Hollywood, ageing gracefully means ageing with a specialist on speed dial.
A vacation on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
One does not simply go to Italy; one is whisked away in utmost luxury. In 2017, nominees were gifted a stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, one of Italy’s most storied five-star resorts. Paired with another luxe escape to Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the Oscars gift bag essentially covered the itinerary of a Bond villain—minus the espionage.
A Hawaiian hideaway
For nominees needing an instant post-Oscars detox, the 2018 gift bag delivered a six-night stay at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, one of Hawaii’s most exclusive retreats. Private villas, personal butlers and island adventures made this trip a true A-list affair.
A year’s worth of luxury car rentals
Because why settle for one supercar when you can drive a different one each month? The 2017 bag included a US$20,000 package from Silvercar, ensuring that nominees could cruise around Los Angeles in style without ever needing to deal with a dealership.
A Swiss wellness getaway
The priciest offering in the 2024 Oscars gift bag was an ultra-luxurious wellness getaway in the Swiss Alps sponsored by Chalet Zermatt Peak. Valued at $50,000, this retreat included rejuvenating spa treatments, five-star accommodations and a curated itinerary designed to offer ultimate relaxation in one of the most picturesque settings in the world.
Bespoke matchmaking services
Hollywood romance may be fickle, but in 2019, Oscars nominees were given a head start with a bespoke matchmaking service valued at US$10,000. While its success rate remains unconfirmed, it’s safe to assume that some stars swiped right on this lavish opportunity.
The 2025 Oscars gift bag: luxury wellness retreats and home renovations
The 2025 Oscars gift bag includes a five-night wellness retreat courtesy of Santani, four-night stays at JOALI Maldives and JOALI Being and ArtLipo body contouring services valued at US$25,000. But luxury wasn’t the only theme in this year’s bag. In light of the recent LA fires, disaster recovery specialists Bright Harbor also donated US$1 million worth of services. Maison Construction is also offering 50 per cent off on renovation services. The gifts can be redeemed by the recipient or transferred to a victim of the fires. Each swag bag is reportedly worth six figures.
From bespoke skincare to luxury hideaways, the Oscars gift bag has transformed from a mere consolation prize into an event in itself. Whether or not a nominee leaves with an Academy Award, one thing is certain—they’re going home with a suitcase full of excess.
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