This awards season, the swag we received from various studios could have filled a small warehouse. While studios are prohibited from sending promotional items to AMPAS members, the end goal of greasing the palms of critics and other voting bodies is the same: to make Oscar voters take notice. It’s a roundabout process, and it works like a charm, which may explain why the items sent for each film are increasing in number, as well as in weight.
This year, I received nothing more than a screener, digital or otherwise, for three of the films nominated in this category. For Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, I received a book about the film’s making and a Perrito plush toy. Netflix, which pulls out all the stops to promote their films, didn’t waste any expense when it came to pushing Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, sending out a hardcover copy of Gina McIntyre’s Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio: A Timeless Tale Told Anew, a leather-bound copy of the film’s screenplay, CDs of Alexander Desplat’s score and the song “Ciao Papa,” a wooden figurine, a copy of the film on Blu-ray, a print of the poster art autographed by visual artist James Jean, and a Black Rabbit Funko figurine.
Oh, and get this. Just prior the Critics Choice Association announcing its nominees for its 28th annual film awards and voting closing, I received a framed copy of Jean’s poster art for the Guillermo del Toro film, along with some other swag for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery that did not include, surprisingly, the original Mona Lisa. Both films would go on to win awards from the Critics Choice Association, including Pinocchio for animated feature. We’re not saying that you can buy your way to an Academy Award, but we’re not not saying it.
Will Win: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Could Win: Marcel with the Shell On
Should Win: Turning Red
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