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Los Angeles Times
February 12, 2003

It’s the gifts that count
Well-wishers shower nominees with
congrats ranging from personal notes
to things platinum.

By Michael Quintanilla, Times Staff Writer

You’d think that being nominated would be honor enough.

But when Tuesday’s Oscar nominees were announced, it quickly became clear that friends, acquaintances and – especially – those whose businesses benefit from the conferred status of celebrity patronage, felt a need, well, to kiss up.

So, in addition to the coveted nod from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, nominees were instantly deluged with congratulatory gifts. A gold-monogrammed journal from Harry Winston. A $3,000 makeup-filled vanity case. Designer stilettos. Platinum and 24karat gold sunglasses. Flowers, cookies, chocolates and gushing notes from just about everyone.

Still, even in the more-is-more world of Hollywood, simple gestures are best. At least, that’s what one etiquette expert says.

" The best thing to send is a note of loving congratulations," says decorum diva Letitia Baldrige on the phone from Washington D.C., minutes after the nominations were announced. "Of course it’s nice to address all the whoopee about being nominated in the note and send some sort of gift like a leather-bound scrapbook for news clippings because, while there are five nominees in each category, there will ultimately be one winner. So it’s important to give the nominees praise now." …

Customized caring

… Kinara Spa in West Hollywood sent nominees gift certificates for facials, body treatments, a massage and lunch at the spa’s café. Even after Oscar night, it’s not over for the gifted. The day after, winners and losers alike are invited to de-stress with what the spa has dubbed the "Red Carpet Detox," an organic meal followed by a facial, a detox wrap and deep tissue massage.

Copyright 2003 • Los Angeles Times