Ricky Gervais launched a scathing attack on the Oscars bosses on Sunday night as he slammed the $140,000 gift bags handed out to the nominees.
The comedian, 60, was asked what he’d say if he was emceeing the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles this year after he made unforgiving digs at his fellow stars while hosting the Golden Globes Awards in 2020.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘I’d start with “Hello. I hope this show helps cheer up the ordinary people watching at home. If you’re unemployed for example, take some comfort in the fact that even if you had a job, your salary probably wouldn’t be as much as the goody bag all the actors have just been given.
Frank: Ricky Gervais, 60, launched a scathing attack on the Oscars bosses on Sunday night as he slammed the $140,000 gift bags handed out to the nominees
Honest: The comedian was asked what he’d say if he was emceeing the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles this year
‘”I’m proud to announce that this is the most diverse and progressive Oscars ever. Looking out I see people from all walks of life. Every demographic under the sun. Except poor people, obviously. F**k them.”‘
When asked if he could tweet further takes throughout the ceremony, Ricky added: ‘I’ll be asleep.’
Those nominated for their work took home the bag of swag even if they failed to pick up an award.
Brutal: He made unforgiving digs at his fellow stars while hosting the Golden Globes Awards in 2020
Items ranged from high-end snacks and olive oil to a plot of land in Scotland making them Lords and Ladies of Glencoe.
Several five-figure gifts were in the package including a $25,000 project from a construction company; a $15,600 four-night stay for two at a luxury resort; a $15,000 three-day holistic wellness retreat; a $12,000 arm sculpting procedure; and a $10,000 skin treatment such a Botox.
Woke Hollywood stars were accused of hypocrisy as they accepted ‘gross’ Oscar swag bags valued at $140,000 while they continued to preach about the devastating war in Ukraine – where hundreds of thousands of dollars could be better spent on aid.
Social media users were outraged at the vast sums of money given away as part of the bags to every Oscar nominee at Sunday night’s ceremony.
Many have suggested the cash would be better off given to charity or to help the millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine.
‘Appalling excess; the funds should have gone to help in the crisis in Ukraine,’ wrote Betsy Mullen on twitter.
‘Absolutely DISGUSTED by the list of items in this year’s Oscar nominee gift bag,’ wrote Sean Cummings.
‘In 2021, Forbes estimated that the Oscar ‘Freebie’ gift bags valued around $205,000 How about all you American actors bleating support for #Ukraine demand that these are cancelled and the money sent to support the #HumanitarianCrisis that is unfolding?’ suggested Father Alfie online.
One tweet succinctly summed up the issue with the extravagant gift bags
‘Rich elites stroking each other & given ‘gift bags’ worth over $140G’s -Imagine how many homeless children that could help Or used towards trying to end Child Trafficking,’ added Opie Ortiz Lemansky.
‘How about all you American actors bleating support for #Ukraine demand that these are cancelled and the money sent to support the #HumanitarianCrisis that is unfolding?’ one wrote
It was a view shared by host Scott Wapner from CNBC: ‘I’ve spent hours thinking about why tonight’s Oscar nominees each get $140,000 gift bags and I’m still at a loss…’ he said.
‘I know it’s nothing new that there’s such a shocking wealth divide in the world, but there’s something a little gross about the Oscar’s having $140k gift bags for nominees’ wrote Matt Pips on twitter.
It was a view shared by host Scott Wapner from CNBC: ‘I’ve spent hours thinking about why tonight’s Oscar nominees each get $140,000 gift bags and I’m still at a loss…’ he said.
‘Rich elites stroking each other & given ‘gift bags’ worth over $140G’s -Imagine how many homeless children that could help Or used towards trying to end Child Trafficking,’ added Opie Ortiz Lemansky.
Controversy: Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars Sunday after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith
‘Here’s an idea: Auction off these lavish gift bags and donate the cash to refugee agencies. Instead of coddling celebrities, help the poor and war-torn. #StandWithUkraine,’ tweeted author Larry Sabato.
It comes after it emerged The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ‘strongly considered’ kicking Will Smith out of the Oscars ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock onstage, and revealed on Monday that it has launched a formal review into the incident.
The film academy released the statement Monday afternoon, condemning the actor’s violent actions.
Shock: Chris covers his jaw after being slapped in the face but went on to announce the winner for best documentary after a very awkward pause
‘The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,’ a spokesperson for the organisation said. ‘We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.’
Academy leadership strongly considered removing Smith from last night’s broadcast following the incident, a source told CNN.
‘There were immediate discussions but the Academy decision makers were seated in various spots in the Dolby Theater and couldn’t mobilise to make a decision before he won best actor,’ the source said.
Will, 53, could face some type of disciplinary action or sanction, but it’s unlikely he would be made to hand over his Best Actor award for King Richard, Variety reported. The Academy states in its standards of conduct, it is ‘categorically opposed to any form of abuse.’
The fallout from his onstage assault continued Monday, as Hollywood and the public continued to wrestle with a moment that stunned the Dolby Theatre crowd and viewers at home, and may have passed all others in Academy Awards infamy.
Shortly after the incident, Will Packer, a producer for the 2022 Oscars, tweeted ‘Welp…I said it wouldn’t be boring #Oscars.’ His tweet came under fire when one Twitter user accused him of ‘making jokes about an assault.’
Astounding: The actor, 53, shocked viewers when he stormed on stage and smacked the comedian, 57, after he jokingly said Jada’s shaved haircut made her look like G.I. Jane. Within the hour, he accepted the Oscar for best actor
‘Black people have a defiant spirit of laughter when it comes to dealing with pain because there has been so much of it,’ Packer, who is black, responded in a tweet. ‘I don’t feel the need to elucidate that for you.’
He added, ‘But I also don’t mind being transparent and say that this was a very painful moment for me. On many levels.’
Sunday’s ceremony reached an estimated 15.36 million viewers, according to preliminary Nielsen company numbers released on Monday by ABC. That’s a 56 percent jump in viewers, but it is still the show’s second-lowest rating after 2021’s dismal viewership.
Family: Jada supported her husband after he defended her by striding on to stage to smack Chris
‘CODA’ won best picture in Sunday’s ceremony, but all of the winners and losers were overshadowed by Will’s attack on Chris.
Smith stunned the Dolby Theatre crowd and viewers at home when he took the stage during Chris’s remarks after the comedian made a bald head joke about Will’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has spoken about losing her hair due to the condition alopecia.
The joke struck a nerve and Will strode on stage and slapped Chris across the face. Back in his seat, Will twice shouted for Chris to ‘get my wife’s name out your (expletive) mouth.’ Within an hour, Will won best actor. During his acceptance speech, he apologised to the academy.
After the show on Sunday night, the academy posted a statement on Twitter condemning violence, but did not name Will.
Among the lengthy list of gifts is a box of gold-topped pretzels, liposuction and even property management by an LA-based construction company for their next construction project.
Meanwhile, some gifts are so swanky that the price is available on application only.
Here are some of the quirkiest gifts the A-list will be treated to…
Plot of land in Scotland
Price: $197 per 100sqft
A selection of the enviable items inside this year’s six-figure Oscars goodie bag – including a gift sized plot of land in the Scottish highlands (pictured)
Highland Titles if offering nominees the gift of a plot of land in the Scottish Highlands, making them the Lords and Ladies of Glencoe.
Highland Titles was founded in 2006 by Dr. Peter Bevis and his daughter, Laura, who started by selling plots from the family’s land to fund conservation work.
As their business grew the father-daughter duo purchased more land and expanded the project, currently owning two nature reserves in the highlands of Scotland.
Plots at the Duror reserve, near Glencoe, cost £150 per 100 sq ft and while it’s not known how large the plot will be, nominees are able to visit their land at any time they choose.
As well as a gift pack featuring a certificate of ownership and their new title, nominees will receive a personal right to a souvenir plot of Scottish land.
Cosmetic treatments
Price: $10,000
Nominees of the Oscars can claim cosmetic treatments from Dr Konstantin Vasyukevich (pictured) up to $10,000
Nominees will be left looking their best after claiming up to $10,000 of treatments and rejuvenation procedures from Dr Konstantin Vasyukevich.
The treatments available at his Upper East Side cosmetic surgery include laser skin resurfacing, injectables, fillers and Botox.
Dr Konstantin is a top, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York who personally performs more than 1,000 facial plastic surgery procedures each year.
Non-surgical treatments such as Botox can cost as much as $300 to $600 per session, while certain injectables can range from $1,500-$2,500.
Gold-infused olive oil
Price: On application
The Oscars goodie bag contains an exclusive bottle of olive oil, which has been infused with edible gold flakes (pictured)
Along with a host of other gold-infused edible items and bath products, the luxury swag bag will include a swanky bottle of bespoke olive oil.
Greek brand ARITI’s luxurious premium extra virgin olive oil from olive groves with over 500 years of history infused with edible gold flakes. Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey it is a symbol of longevity, good fortune, health, and prosperity!
The product is so exclusive you can’t even order it online, and have to contact company to purchase their olive oil as wedding favours or as corporate gifts.
Stay in a Scottish castle
Price: On application
Turin Castle was built in 1659 and stands majestically in the heart of Scotland, now used a five-star hotel and wedding venue
Exclusive and by invitation only – nominees will receive a stay at the Castle will transport you back to the 17th century, but with all the luxuries of modern life.
Turin Castle was built in 1659 and stands majestically in the heart of Scotland, now used a five-star hotel and wedding venue.
The nominee’s stay will include private use of the entire 10-bedroom Castle for two guests for three nights.
During their stay guests will receive a fully-inclusive butler service and dining, bagpiper welcome on arrival, private gin tasting, and fully-personalized concierge service.
Liposuction
Price: $9,500-$15,000
Nominees will be gifted the ‘Celebrity Arms Sculpting’ liposuction treatment, which claims to achieve an instantly leaner and more toned look at Florida-based clinic Art Lipo
Nominees will be gifted the ‘Celebrity Arms Sculpting’ liposuction treatment, which claims to achieve an instantly leaner and more toned look at Florida-based clinic Art Lipo.
The owner of the clinic, Dr. Thomas Su, specializes in liposuction and is the ‘innovator of forms of liposuction that incorporate his background as a figure artist and sculptor.’
He claims to be able to sculpt the body, rather than just remove fat, unlike other forms of liposuction, to achieve smooth shapes and perfectly defined contours.
Construction work
Price: On Application
Maison Construction is a premiere Los Angeles based construction and development company and is offering each nominee free project management on their next home renovation.
Specializing in luxury custom home building and renovation, the firm has completed hundreds of ground-up and remodeling projects across Los Angeles County since its establishment last year.
It claims to approach every project with ‘a commitment to excellence, integrity, and superior project management’.
Life coaching sessions
Holistic healing and wellness expert Kayote Joseph, who boasts almost 72,000 followers on Instagram, is offering Oscar nominees the opportunity to have a free $700 life coaching session
Price: $700 per session
Holistic healing and wellness expert Kayote Joseph, who boasts almost 72,000 followers on Instagram, is offering Oscar nominees the opportunity to have a free $700 life coaching session.
She claims to be able to help people to ‘manifest’ their dream life using methods based in neuroscience, quantum physics and psychology.
Kayote is currently working towards a Ph.D studying consciousness and trauma integration at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara.
A year’s supply of Oxygenetix
Price: Around $700 for 12 bottles
Oxygenetix is an award-winning make-up brand with a cult celebrity following thanks to their ‘treatment’ foundation.
Oxygenetix is a ‘breathable’ foundation (pictured) that comes in 14 shades and claims to cover redness and scarring
The brand’s Oxygenating Foundation, priced at $59, claims to increase the skin’s oxygen uptake to speed up the healing process of post-procedure scars by encouraging collagen regeneration and connective tissue growth.
The foundation that was originally formulated for doctors, comes in 14 shades and contains SPF30 to protect skin from the sun, while boasting ‘water-resistant and transfer-proof’ formula.
OSCARS 2022: WINNERS
BEST PICTURE
Belfast (Focus Features)
Coda (Apple) – WINNER
Don’t Look Up (Netflix)
Drive My Car (Janus Films/Sideshow)
Dune (Warner Bros)
King Richard (Warner Bros)
Licorice Pizza (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
Nightmare Alley (Searchlight Pictures)
The Power Of The Dog (Netflix)
West Side Story (20th Century Studios)
History: Coda became the first ever streaming film to win Best Picture as it upset The Power Of The Dog
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Jessie Buckley – The Lost Daughter
Ariana DeBose – West Side Story – WINNER
Judi Dench – Belfast
Kirsten Dunst- The Power Of The Dog
Aunjanue Ellis – King Richard
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Ciaran Hinds – Belfast
Troy Kotsur – Coda – WINNER
Jesse Plemons – The Power Of The Dog
J.K Simmons – Being The Ricardos
Kodi Smitt-McPhee – The Power Of The Dog
Amazing: Troy Kotsur became the first male actor to win an Oscar for Coda
COSTUME DESIGN
Cruella (Jenny Beavan) – WINNER
Cyrano (Massimo Cantini Parrini)
Dune (Jacqueline West)
Nightmare Alley (Luis Sequeira)
West Side Story (Paul Tazewell)
ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
Belfast
Dune – WINNER
No Time To Die
The Power Of The Dog
West Side Story
ORIGINAL SCORE
Don’t Look Up (Nicholas Britell)
Dune (Hans Zimmer) – WINNER
Encanto (Germaine Franco)
Parallel Mothers (Alberto Iglesias)
The Power of the Dog (Jonny Greenwood)
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
CODA (Sian Heder) – WINNER
Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi & Takamasa Oe)
Dune (Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts & Denis Villeneuve)
The Lost Daughter (Maggie Gyllenhaal)
The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)
Shining moment: Sian Heder earned Best Adapted screenplay for the film as it went three for three on the night
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Belfast (Kenneth Branagh) – WINNER
Don’t Look Up (Adam McKay & David Sirota)
Licorice Pizza (Paul Thomas Anderson)
King Richard (Zach Baylin)
The Worst Person in the World (Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt)
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Affairs Of The Heart
Bestia
Box Ballet
Robin Robin
The Windshield Wiper – WINNER
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Ala Kachuu — Take and Run
The Dress
The Long Goodbye – WINNER
On My Mind
Please Hold
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Drive My Car – WINNER
Flee
The Hand of God
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
The Worst Person in the World
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Dune (Zsuzsanna Sipos & Patrice Vermette) – WINNER
Nightmare Alley (Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau)
The Power of the Dog (Grant Major & Amber Richards)
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Stefan Dechant & Nancy Haigh)
West Side Story (Rena DeAngelo & Adam Stockhausen)
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Javier Bardem – Being the Ricardos
Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog
Andrew Garfield – tick, tick… BOOM!
Will Smith – King Richard – WINNER
Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye – WINNER
Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter
Penélope Cruz – Parallel Mothers
Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos
Kristen Stewart – Spencer
All eyes on her: Jessica Chastain finally won her first Best Actress trophy for her titular role in The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
DIRECTING
Kenneth Branagh – Belfast
Paul Thomas Anderson – Licorice Pizza
Jane Campion – The Power of the Dog – WINNER
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi – Drive My Car
Steven Spielberg – West Side Story
FILM EDITING
Don’t Look Up (Hank Corwin)
Dune (Joe Walker) – WINNER
King Richard (Pamela Martin)
The Power of the Dog (Peter Sciberras)
Tick, Tick… Boom! (Myron Kerstein & Andrew Weisblum)
MAKEUP AND HAIR STYLING
Coming 2 America
Cruella
Dune
The Eyes Of Tammy Faye – WINNER
House Of Gucci
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Encanto – WINNER
Flee
Luca
The Mitchells VS The Machine
Raya And The Lost Dragon
ORIGINAL SONG
Be Alive — Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & Darius Scott (King Richard)
Dos Oruguitas — Lin-Manuel Miranda (Encanto)
Down to Joy — Van Morrison (Belfast)
No Time to Die — Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell (No Time to Die) – WINNER
Somehow You Do— Diane Warren (Four Good Days)
Not a bad guy: Billie Eilish and brother FINNEAS earned Best Original Song for No Time To Die from the James Bond film of the same name
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Audible
Lead Me Home
The Queen of Basketball – WINNER
Three Songs for Benazir
When We Were Bullies
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Ascension
Attica
Flee
Summer of Soul (Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) – WINNER
Writing with Fire
VISUAL EFFECTS
Dune – WINNER
Free Guy
No Time To Die
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Epic: Dune swept the technical awards as Greig Fraser is shown accepting the Best Cinematography gong
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Dune (Greig Fraser) – WINNER
Nightmare Alley (Dan Lausten)
The Power of the Dog (Ari Wegner)
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Bruno Delbonnel)
West Side Story (Janusz Kaminski)
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