The speeches have been made, the gold statues handed out and the red carpet rolled up for this year’s Oscars.
But the film industry’s biggest annual event is not just about handing out trophies.
Every year, nominated stars who leave the red carpet without an academy award can console themselves with lavish goody bags, filled with freebies from designer clothes, and cosmetics to personal trainer sessions and holiday vouchers – worth tens of thousands.
This year’s ‘swag bag’ for the stars is particularly extravagant and the hottest talking point is the most expensive item in the bag: a £10,000 ($15,500) four night/five day elephant safari for two in Botswana, Africa – offered by Premier Tours.
Plus, Imanta Resorts is offering stars a two-night stay (with a guest) in a private 2,500 square foot villa at their Pacific Ocean resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico - worth over £2,000.
Luxury travel brands are happy to hand out freebies for the exposure they gain from celebrities who associate themselves with their brands.
Some celebs may be happy to be seen on a free holiday, while others in the past have donated the contents of the swag bag to be auctioned off (George Clooney did in 2006).
Do you think celebs should take the freebies in their swag bags or donate them? Please post your comments, below.
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A few years ago, the IRS got wise and now the stars have to pay income taxes on their ‘goodie bags’! Pity!