The Israeli government is offering Oscar nominees a trip to the Holy Land worth $55,000.
In every goodie bag this year, alongside an expensive e-cigarette, a fitness retreat and a year's worth of unlimited Audi car rentals, Oscar nominees will find a voucher for a 10-day trip to Israel, including first-class flights for two and accommodation in a 5-star hotel.
This is the brainchild of Israeli tourism minister Yariv Levin, who said that the initiative was intended to allow Hollywood’s “opinion-formers” to “experience the country first hand and not through the media”.
He said: “These are the most senior people in the film industry in Hollywood and leading opinion-formers who we are interested in hosting. Their visit will have enormous resonance among millions of fans and followers, including social media.”
The initiative would cost the Israeli government around £1m if all those offered the trip decide to take it up.
Potential lucky recipients of the holiday include Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jennifer Lawrence, Sylvester Stallone, Christian Bale and Kate Winslett.
