Is Golden Globes Swag Waning in the Recession?

As the Golden Globes draw nearer, a host of gifting suites are getting ready to open their doors around town. But Variety reports that the offerings may be scaled back this year, or at least have a softer tone. Organizers such as On 3 Productions, GBK Productions, and Kari Feinstein PR are seeing a decline in paid sponsor participation and feeling the need to associate their events with charity tie-ins during the economic downturn, during which the exchange of goods for, well, nothing, might seem distasteful. The charity component is not new this award season, and has been steadily picking up speed in recent years, as we've reported.

Golden Globes organizers told Variety that between last year's strike and this year's economic calamity there's always some issue surrounding the show. Feinstein's partner Mike McGuiness told the Hollywood trade, "This year the pain in the ass is equal but different."