As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the spotlight is not only on who will take home the coveted Oscar trophy but also on one of Hollywood's most fascinating traditions — the luxurious “Everybody Wins” gift bag given to select nominees.
Who Curates The Oscar Gift Bags
For the past 24 years, the lavish gift bags have been curated by Los Angeles-based entertainment marketing company Distinctive Assets, led by marketer Lash Fary.
Although these bags are not officially distributed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, they have become a widely talked-about awards season ritual.
How Much Is The Gift Bag Worth?
This year's gift bag is valued at around $350,000 (approximately Rs 3.2 crore) and is packed inside a compact suitcase filled with luxury experiences, beauty products, gourmet treats and unique lifestyle services.
A Peek Inside The Gift Bag
One of the most eye-catching features of the gift bag is the range of exclusive travel experiences. Nominees can enjoy stays at a luxury private villa in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, complete with concierge, chef and driver services. Another option includes a stay in a luxury Arctic villa in Finnish Lapland, where guests can view the Northern Lights and enjoy private chef services. The package also includes a seven-day wellness retreat in Southern California and a ten-day wellness reset programme at a Michelin-recognised resort in Sri Lanka.
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The gift bag also focuses heavily on beauty and wellness. Nominees will receive a Sculpt & Lift facial experience, a three-piece Swiss luxury skincare set from INSTYTUTUM, and an invisible SPF sunscreen primer from Supergoop!. There is also about $400 (around Rs 36,000) worth of spa credit for facials and massage treatments at DESUAR Spa.
Several premium services and cosmetic treatments are also part of the package. These include a $25,000 (around Rs 22 lakh) facial rejuvenation procedure in New York, a body-sculpting liposuction experience with Dr. Thomas Su, a smile makeover consultation with teeth whitening, and even a custom prenuptial agreement prepared by celebrity divorce attorney James Sexton.
The hamper also includes fashion, tech and lifestyle items, such as designer luggage, a luxury fountain pen, a gold-plated cold-storage cryptocurrency wallet, and a portrait photography experience with a mini digital camera.
For food lovers, the bag features gourmet snacks and treats, including luxury tea tasting assortments, dark chocolate pretzels topped with edible gold crystals, chocolate-covered fruit, coconut almond bites and other premium confectionery items.
Reflecting changing lifestyle trends, the bag also contains luxury cannabis products from Beboe, including high-potency cannabis items and alcohol-free THC margarita beverages.
Why Brands Want To Be In The Bag?
Brands pay Distinctive Assets to feature their products in the gift bags, as it offers huge global visibility. For many companies, the Oscars provide a unique chance to showcase their offerings to celebrities and a worldwide audience. For example, Rescue Spa, founded by Danuta Mieloch, includes skincare products worth about $450 (around Rs 38,000) in each bag.
Organiser Lash Fary said the initiative is also meant to support small businesses as well as female and minority-owned brands, giving them a chance to gain global visibility during Hollywood's biggest night. Watch him speak about the gesture!
With its mix of luxury travel, wellness treatments, premium products and unusual perks, the Oscars gift bag continues to be one of the most intriguing traditions of the awards season — proving that at the Oscars, even nominees who don't win the trophy rarely go home empty-handed.
Watch the 98th Academy Awards live at 4.30 a.m. IST on March 16, 2026, in India!
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