Oscar nominees will receive a unique Australian gift in their goodie bags at this weekend’s ceremony… one that embodies the sentiment “it’s the thought that counts”.
Pieces of Australia is one of a number of brands to pay $4,000 to secure a spot in the hamper which is sent by Distinctive Assets to the acting and directing nominees.
The goodie bags will contain an ‘Aussie Mate Conservation Pack’, which offers a dedicated 1 sq metre of land on its Envirocean Estate in the Western Downs region of Queensland.
The ‘Aussie Mate’ pack is the most basic package the website offers, which starts at $79.95 for 1 sq metre. Other packages offer up to 10 sq metres for $199.95 in their ‘Ultimate Bush Rangers Pack’.
The land parcels all come with a “certificate of land licence” but the terms and conditions state that “you have purchased a symbolic souvenir” and people who receive the pack may not “take possession of the parcel; use the parcel; enter upon the parcel and/or the land without the licensor’s express written consent”.
It’s nice. It’s different. It’s unusual.
Last year’s goodie bags contained plots of Scottish land, which gave the recipient a “Lord” or “Lady” title.
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“Based on the massive press exposure [from last year], we were approached by Pieces of Australia about their unique ‘Aussie Mate’ program,” the guy behind the Oscar’s goodie bag Lash Fary said. “We thought it was a unique and fun gift and also loved the company’s intention of making a positive environmental impact, so it was an easy yes for us.”
Some other items in this year’s ‘Everybody Wins’ nominee gift bags include a free facial rejuvenation procedure by a New York City plastic surgeon, a shaman reading and an Italian getaway. They’ll also get free project management from Maison Construction and a PETA “Stop Monkey Imports to Labs” travel pillow.
Forbes estimates that this year’s Oscars gift bag is worth $126,000 USD ($190,000 AUD), and recipients are also invited to a special gifting suite at The Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, where they could score jewellery, perfume, shoes and more… all for free.
