Despite being an Academy member and starring in best picture nominee Hugo, word is that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences have pulled Sacha Baron Cohen's tickets to this Sunday's 84th Academy Awards unless they are assured "nothing entertaining is going to happen on the red carpet". This comes about over fears that Cohen, known for appearing at ceremonies in character, will appear as his newest creation, General Aladeen, from the upcoming comedy The Dictator.
Cohen will be there as part of the Paramout contingent due to his involvement in Hugo, and will not be presenting an award. His plan was to appear as General Aladeen to promote the movie on the red carpet, then to change into his tuxedo for the ceramony itself. The Academy wasn't happy with this arrangement, saying "The red carpet is not about stunting". Event though South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone cross dressed as J-Lo and Gwyneth Paltrow when entering the awards in 2000. So far, Cohen has refused to give any assurances that he won't dress up, so it looks unlikely he will appear.
This isn't the first time he has had a run in with the Academy. He didn't attend the Oscars in 2007, after his idea to present an award as another creation, Borat, was refused.
The Dictator, described as "the heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy will never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed", is released 11th May (U.S.)/ 18th May (U.K./IRE)
Source: Deadline
