HOLLYWOOD—The Hollywood elite will be gathering this Sunday for the 88th Academy Awards ceremony. The Oscars will take place on February 28, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The host, Chris Rock, 51, will have the honor of balancing humor, diversity, politics and celebrating movies. I’m sure he will pull it off, since he has been silent during the diversity uproar over the 20 all-white actors nominated this year.
Besides the rhetoric going on, the A-list celebrities will crown their most treasured thespian with the gold trophy, while some losers and winners alike will also get the goodie bag worth more than $230,000. Every year the gift bags get bigger for each contender in the best actor, actress, supporting actress, and director categories. Last year’s goodie bag was worth $160,000; in 2014 it was worth $80,000.
It’s definitely worth being an actress. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is suing Distinctive Assets, the marketing company behind the goodie bag that “specializes in product promotion through celebrity integration.”
I have read some of the items, which may seem a bit inappropriate for some A-listers. Here are some items that are listed for best/actor/actress, best supporting actor/actress and best director-they will get things like a lifetime supply of Pu-erh Tea Nourishing cream and Pu-erh Tea Cleansing Bar ($31,200), a private 15-day walking tour of Japan ($54,000), a year’s worth of Audi car rentals from Silvercar ($45,000), a three-night stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy( $5,000), a three-night stay at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy ($5,000), a Vampire Breast Lift ($1,900), 740 Park plastic surgery ($5,530), personalized M&Ms ($300), Joseph’s Toiletries toilet paper ($275) and of course to moisture the lips, chapstick ($6). Many more gifts including wine, vodka and Chocolates Drunken Fig Cake Bites.
So it’s really not that bad, if you lose. However, if you win, please have a prepared , memorable acceptance speech. Don’t try to wing it, like many superstars, if they only knew how awkward they look when they don’t have a strategy. Be prepared, a Hollywood superstar doesn’t want to blank out and stare at the audience, or look for the little piece of paper of “Thank You’s.” Every year, I mention this in hopes that these superstars read this column and prepare the acceptance speech. The winners shouldn’t appear annoying or arrogant.
You want to be funny, sweet and touching. Please, no Marlon Brando rejection, when the late actor rejected his Oscar through a spokesperson, saying he was declining because of the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans. Don’t use the stage where millions of people are tuned in from all over the world, to embarrass the Academy with a searing political point. It’s a night to honor the works of thespians. If the emotions get the best of you and you do blank out, and forget your speech, turn on the waterworks. It works everytime, and it makes you seem human.
Rose’s Scoop: Kesha thanks fans for support over her record contract case against Dr. Luke. His real name is Ukasz Gottwald and he denies allegations of rape and sexual harassment. Several Hollywood stars have lent their support to the 28-year-old star, like Taylor Swift who donated $250,000 to Kesha to help her pay for legal fees. The hashtag #FreeKesha began trending on Twitter and stars including Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson and Demi Lovato have also backed her.Last but not least, good luck to all the nominees at the Oscars!
