Samuel L. Jackson only attended the Oscars to get a free goody basket.

LaTanya Richardson and Samuel L. Jackson

LaTanya Richardson and Samuel L. Jackson

The 68-year-old actor explained that one of the biggest attractions of attending the ceremony was collecting the famed free gifts, but Jackson was frustrated to find they are no longer handed out to presenters.

The 'Pulp Fiction' star - who was among the presenters at the annual awards bash in Los Angeles on Sunday (26.02.17) - said: "You always go for the goody basket.

"They stopped giving them to presenters. They just give them to people who are nominated. So, I'm done with that. It's all about the basket."

Jackson also rubbished the notion he shouldn't accept free gifts simply because he's a well-paid actor.

He told talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres: "Everybody likes free stuff. What's the best thing about being famous? Free stuff."

Jackson recalled one particular Oscars ceremony at which Jack Nicholson gave his free gifts away.

He shared: "Years ago, it used to be (worth) a lot of money.

"The first time I went, I remember going to rehearsal and they'd give you your basket at rehearsal. Jack Nicholson was nominated that year and he came out with his basket and actually gave it to someone in the crowd that was in the back waiting. There was lots of great stuff in there."

Meanwhile, Jackson has revealed his determination to reclaim his crown as the highest-grossing actor of all time.

Jackson lost the title to Harrison Ford in early 2016 - but he is intent on rising to the top once again over the coming months.

He said: "Harrison is still ahead of me because of ['Star Wars: The Force Awakens'] last year.

"I think my assistant told me I was maybe 150 million or so behind him, but I got a chance to grab him with either this movie '[Kong: Skull Island'] or ['xXx: Return of Xander Cage'] is doing really well in China, so I might catch him soon."