Inside the $47,802 Oscars Swag Bag

February 25, 2013 1:55 PM

Inside the $47,802 Oscars Swag Bag
This year, the annual film-awards ceremony officially changed its name from the erstwhile über-snooty "Academy Awards" to the comparatively simplified "Oscars," and to celebrate, the complimentary gift bag was reportedly the cheapest in five years, with contents valued at a paltry $47,802. Still, though, we wouldn't mind getting a consolation prize valued at nearly $50K.

The gift bag included glamorous items such as Hydroxycut Gummies; premium electronic cigarettes from NJOY King; Krystal Klear Water's under-sink water filtration system; DUETTE's hair ties that double as bracelets; Green Garmento's 4-in-1 reusable dry-cleaning bag; custom candles and wax sculptures from Southern Baked Candle; and an all-inclusive luxury fitness retreat from Live In Fitness Enterprise. That's just the so-called tip of the iceberg, though. Here are a few more high-ticket items the losers received in their coveted swag bags.

Role: Writer/Reporter

posted by Lillitatiana (10 comments total)

I wonder how much of this is actually used by the recipient?
posted by JohnnyGunn at 2:53 PM on February 25

It's an honor just to be nominated.
posted by BWA at 3:55 PM on February 25

Man, that's the most expensive Ed Hardy shirt I've ever seen.
posted by threeants at 11:02 PM on February 25

So much tasteless junk
posted by Foci for Analysis at 3:56 AM on February 26

Fun fact: the worth of the Oscars Swag Bag is more than medium household income in the United States for 2012. (source)
posted by hellojed at 8:03 AM on February 26

Uhm. In what way is this a Project? I mean shouldn't this be a standard Meta post? Am confused.
posted by Faintdreams at 6:51 AM on February 27

Uhm. In what way is this a Project? I mean shouldn't this be a standard Meta post? Am confused.

The main link is a piece of work by the poster, which is why it makes sense for Projects. The huffpo link is just for context, presumably.
posted by cortex at 7:01 AM on February 27

Thanks for the clarification Cortex, I now understand.
posted by Faintdreams at 9:59 AM on February 27

JohnnyGunn: "I wonder how much of this is actually used by the recipient?"

As you might expect, it depends on how useful the item is to them personally. Depending on the recipient, they may give the contents away to assistants, staff, agents, publicists, friends or family members -- or just keep it for themselves.

I've had clients contribute to the bag over the years with products and gift certificates. It's been interesting to see in whose hands things wind up. Especially the stuff labeled "non-transferable."
posted by zarq at 12:11 PM on February 27

The swag is taxable.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 3:43 PM on February 27