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Whether it’s a presenter announcing the wrong winner (Remember the Moonlight/La La Land debacle?) or a host delivering a particularly biting zinger (we tip our hats to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s Clooney and James Cameron bits), juicy moments are what make an awards show. But on the whole, the real action—Gossip! Snubs! Outlandish demands!—happens backstage.
For presenters and nominees at this weekend’s 77th Emmy Awards, part of that behind-the-scenes action will include shopping while the telecast is in full swing (and by “shopping” we mean cruising for gifts). Backstage, the official Emmys Giving Suite will be open for talent to pick up tens of thousands of dollars in products and experiences—everything from engraved water bottles and vegan handbags to non-invasive hair restoration from Dr. Jacquiline Hakim and custom florals from Blooms by Maison d’Emilie.
At the helm is Distinctive Assets, a marketing company that has arranged nearly a hundred celebrity gift lounges over the past 26 years—and is ready for anything. “At one of our past events, a massive musical genius required the gift lounge be vacated to the bare number of people possible, the lights turned down, the decibel level be set very low, and no one address him directly or look him in the eyes,” says Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary. “We accommodated the request, only to have him be stricken with a sudden headache as he brisked past our entrance.”
Fary isn’t expecting such demands at this weekend’s event. “Television stars are among the most grounded and ‘real’ people,” he says, adding that the vibe at such suites is typically more “kids in a candy store,” with stars excited to share the wealth. Not only do they pick up items for their friends and family, they contribute to give back initiatives.
“This year, Giving Suite guests will have the opportunity to sign an original artwork by David Krovblit to be auctioned on Charity Buzz in benefit of the Television Academy Foundation‚” Fary says. More than a dozen such donations, including a signed luxury handbag from Angela Bassett’s closet, will raise funds for the foundation’s education and internship programs.
Meanwhile, Distinctive Assets will also spoil nominees and presenters with $25,000 gift bags stocked with fine art valued at five figures, more than $2,000 in personal training sessions from Training Loft, Desaur Spa gift cards, and so much more. Below, find a smattering of the items nominees will receive, even if they don’t nab a statute.
