Oscar nominees awarded a trip to Israel

Фото: Depositphotos

The American Film Academy and the Israeli government awarded the 2016 Oscar nominees a trip to the Holy Land.

The directors and actors were given vouchers for a 10-day trip for two people worth $55. This is the most expensive gift from the so-called “Oscar package” with a total value of 200 thousand dollars, which is received by applicants for the award in the acting and directing categories.

Actors and directors who agreed to accept the gift will be paid first-class flight to Israel, as well as accommodation in five-star hotels. Voucher valid for a year.

The gurdian points out that in this way the Israeli government is trying to counter negative reviews about the country in foreign media.

Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said that such a gift would allow the most famous people who have an influence on public opinion to personally visit Israel. This, he said, is better than getting to know the country from publications in the media. He expressed the hope that fans will follow the example of their Hollywood idols.

According to the newspaper The Marker, Israel, the invitation of Hollywood stars will cost 1,5 million dollars, provided that they all agree to accept the gift.

Israeli site Nana10 reported on February 10 that the "Oscar package" had angered pro-Palestinian groups, which had written to nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jennifer Lawrence, Sylvester Stallone, Christian Bale and Kate Winslet to refuse the gift. “Israel is trying to resist international isolation through bribery,” the publication quotes pro-Palestinian activist Omar Barghouti.

In addition to the trip to Israel, this year's Oscar package includes a one-year unlimited Audi rental from Silvercar ($45), a 15-day backpacking trip in Japan ($45), and three private lessons with fitness expert and host of ABC's I Eat Better Than You, Jay Cardiello. Nominees can also receive a $5530 laser skin tightening treatment, a lifetime supply of Lizora creams worth $31200, and a fitness channel subscription worth $6250.

As ForumDaily wrote earlier, after determining the nominees for the Oscar, around the awards inflamed scandal: black actors were outraged by the “white” cast. There were no black applicants in any of the four acting categories, the second year in a row that this has happened.

In this regard, there were calls for a boycott of the ceremony. Some black directors and actors, including Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith, are already refused from participating in it. In turn, the head of the American Film Academy recognized the mistake and promised to update the composition of the film academy.

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