We often hear from prize contenders that “It’s an honor just to be nominated” when they emerge from their respective packs to square off against their contemporaries. I have usually had a hard time believing them, wondering who, truly, would want to go home empty-handed. But I also realize that even having one’s name chosen from a pool of polished performers can have amazing benefits, such as increased credibility, enhanced creative potential and a heightened career trajectory. Based on a report by The Hollywood Reporter, I can add “improved style” to the boons, as aspirants for the 90th Academy Awards wondered why their Feb. 5 luncheon did not include the customary distribution of sweatshirts commemorating their nominee status.
My favorite part of investigating why Oscar nominees didn't get swag sweatshirts (yet) is when one nominee told me this: "I didn't get one. Only a cookie." (They will get their sweatshirts at a secret event soon. Not sure about more cookies tho.)https://t.co/NmHGuGphGK
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 15, 2018
The Beverly Hilton-situated gathering united more than 175 hopefuls, who, although possibly on pins and needles as they approach the March 4 ceremony at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, had certainly expected for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to extend a tradition that The Hollywood Reporter says is at least 30 years old. Featuring the Oscar logo and “nominee” written on it, the congratulatory garment cannot top an Oscar statuette as the ultimate element of the whole Academy Awards experience, but the goodie’s absence 10 days ago had the publication quoting an unnamed distinction seeker as saying “I didn’t get one. Only a cookie.”
The individual and everyone else needed to settle for grub over garb, as the Academy intends to give out the shirts and other commemorative items at an upcoming Oscars-affiliated event. Since only 17 days remain until Jimmy Kimmel takes to the Dolby stage for his second hosting gig, it will be interesting to see how much longer the powers that be will make the nominees sweat to receive their sweatshirts. Giveaways always add extra glitz and glamour to an assortment of awards shows, so it is interesting that at a time when companies often look to expand their profiles through the gifting of high-tech and newfangled products, a sweatshirt’s absence registered among the luncheon’s attendees. Perhaps that can serve as a reminder that that which is tried-and-true is set to remain so.
