Oscar nominees gifted 1 sq metre of Australian scrub – but they can’t ‘use’ the land

Academy Awards gift bag includes a symbolic souvenir' of pieces of Queensland, which sell on company website for $79.95

Oscar nominees are set to receive 1 sq metre of land in outback Australia in their gift bags this year, but green organisations have questioned the environmental mission of the company whose property they say is in the heart of a coal seam gas field.

Pieces of Australia is one of a number of brands to pay $4,000 to secure a spot in the hamper that 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.