In an unassuming home in Hollywood, cardboard boxes and black suitcases wait in the front hall. “Congratulations, Benedict Cumberbatch” reads a laminated card on top of a suitcase. A similar one for Judi Dench sits atop a box, ready for shipping to the UK. All around the house, luxury products – moisturisers, sunglasses – are cluttered on tables. The place has the feel of Santa’s grotto on Christmas Eve.
This is the home of the fabulously named Lash Fary, the Father Christmas behind the annual unofficial Oscars gift bag, which is officially the biggest gift bag the nominees receive. Gift bags, actually: there are enough items to fill a large suitcase and carrier bag, and they get sent to what Fary describes as “the top nominees” – : best actor, best actress, best director, best supportings.
