VIDEO: Sacha Baron Cohen Rips the Academy as THE DICTATOR, Academy Producers Answer Back!
Sacha Baron Cohen is a comedic genius, a fact made apparent in the way he is dealing with possibly being banned from the Oscars.
As we reported earlier this week, Baron Cohen was supposedly banned from the Oscars after it was revealed that he planned to attend the ceremony as his newest character, Admiral General Shabazz Aladeen.
And how do you respond to such an action? By appearing on “The Today Show” early this morning in full character!
General Aladeen spoke to Ann Curry on the phone about the incident, revealing, among other things, that he delayed 30 executions to do the interview, and he received all the medals adorning his military clothing by performing “great acts of bravery” and “impregnating over 13,000 women.” Oh yeah…and concerning the Oscars:
“Those jokesters at the Academy have banned me, and normally I would be impressed by an act of cowardice by a faceless regime, but this is personal. You know, I have issued them an ultimatum. They have until midday on Sunday to give me my tickets back…If they do not, they will see and face unforeseen and unimaginable consequences. By the way—how is your family?”
Baron Cohen also issued an amazing video statement, which you can watch below, expressing his outrage at being banned by the “Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Zionists,”
But what do the producers, themselves, say? Access Hollywood spoke to Don Mischer and Brian Grazer, and the pair said that not only is Baron Cohen welcome…he already has a part!
“We absolutely respect him as an artist and he’s allowed to come…He’s coming. In fact, he’s even part of the, there’s a piece — he’s part of the show… as himself.”
Personally, I say let the guy have the moment! Don’t be so stuffy! It’s going to be hysterical either way! And I don’t think Baron Cohen is so disrespectful that he’ll do anything too drastic, especially since everyone knows who he is this time around (and can hold major grudges). On the other hand, I could be completely wrong…
Check out Baron Cohen’s full video statement below. THE DICTATOR, described by Aladeen as “the story of a great and benevolent leader who fights to stop democracy from ruining the lives of his people,” hits theaters on May 11.