That's usually the case, but it would seem in 2009 the unwanted tentacles of the global financial crisis have extended as far as the Oscars and the associated celebrations.
One of the features of the Academy Awards is the "Goody Bags" attendees get to pick up.
These bags are normally packed full of free promotional products, such as skin care items, cosmetics and even watches, in the hope some celebrity will be snapped on the red carpet or at one of the numerous after parties with gifted product in hand.
However, this year, because of the downturn, the bags have been scaled down with a lot less product in them. In addition, the area where the bags are handed out in 2009 has a charity booth where attendees can make spur-of-the-moment donations to a good cause.
Looks like we can't even use the movies to escape reality right now.
