Sacha Baron Cohen Releases Video, Calls Today, Demanding Academy Let Him Attend Oscars
Posted 02.24.12 by Chris
Update:Apparently, being a dictator means you get your way. According to the The Hollywood Reporter, Sacha Baron Cohen is invited to attend the Oscars this year dressed as Admiral Gen. Shabazz Aladeen. "We're thrilled to have him and he'll be on the red carpet dressed as The Dictator," said Oscar producer Brian Grazer.
If the Academy thought Sacha Baron Cohen wouldn't make a spectacle out of him not being allowed to attend the Oscars in character, they obviously haven't seen Borat or Bruno.
After being told he couldn't attend the Oscars dressed as Admiral Gen. Shabazz Aladeen, the character from his upcoming The Dictator, Cohen released a video from Aladadeen giving the Academy an ultimatum.
I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Zionists (Sciences). While I applaud the Academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanction and give me my tickets back by 12 p.m. on Sunday, you will face unforeseen and unimaginable consequences.
Aladadeen also berates the Academy for not recognizing Republic of Wadiya movies such as You Got MailBomb, When Harry Kidnapped Sally, and Planet of the Rapes.
Of course, this is just the latest publicity stunt for the movie. It all started when the Academy informed Paramount that while Cohen is not banned from the red carpet or the award show, he is not welcomed to attend in character and turn the Oscars into a promotional stunt for the movie.
Cohen Aladadeen also called into The Today Show, pleading his case. He told Carl Quintanilla and Ann Curry that "normally I would be impressed by an act of cowardice by a faceless regime" and threatened to raise oil prices if he doesn't get to attend. He also called Al Roker an eunuch.
And here is the Today Show interview.
Next Showing: The Dictator opens May 11