Oscar nominees gifted one square metre of Australian scrub – but they can’t ‘use’ the land

Academy Awards gift bag includes ‘a symbolic souvenir’ of pieces of Queensland, which sells on company website for $79.95 for one square metre

Oscar nominees are set to receive one square metre of land in outback Australia in their gift bags this year, but environmental organisations have questioned the environmental mission of the company.

“Pieces of Australia” is one of a number of brands to pay $4,000 to secure a spot in the hamper which is unaffiliated with the Academy but sent by the company Distinctive Assets to the acting and directing nominees.

With additional reporting from Sian Cain and Jonathan Barrett.