So, here's a funny story: it looks like Sacha Baron Cohen, who would've been attending the Oscars as a cast member of Hugo, has been asked not to attend by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, according to Deadline. The brouhaha started circulating earlier this morning, as word spread of Cohen's request to attend the red carpet premiere as his character from The Dictator; word was that he would pose for photos outside, then change to a tuxedo for the actual show.
The Academy, of course, likes to not have people use its show to promote upcoming films that almost definitely won't be garnering any kind of Academy Award nominations next year, and said no. They obviously can't control who he shows up as, and without some kind of guarantee that there wouldn't be some kind of nasty fight over his entrance to the show on the day it happens, they've apparently decided to pull his tickets and ask that he not attend at all.
Honestly, I would have no problem believing that SBC would play the situation up for a laugh and arrive on an elephant or something, even if that meant he'd never be invited back for the ceremonies ever again. I'm betting the Academy members believe the same thing, and are hedging their bets by asking him to stay at home this Sunday. Not much more information is available at the moment, but we'll update when anyone involved has official word on it.
At first I thought this was shitty of the Academy, but then I thought about the slippery slope effect a "stunt" like this might have.
Looks like we're in one boring Oscars this year. SBC could really provide some entertainment but I guess the Academy just wants to bore us to death. Also he should have hosted this years' Oscars instead of no longer relevant and largely forgotten Billy Crystal.
I like Bruno and Borat, but that trailer made me hate Sacha Baron Cohen. Nothing i liked about those movies was present in the trailer, and everything i hate about comedy movies was. maybe it will be good. maybe not.
The movie does not look good at all, but I would love to see him in the Oscars dressed like that. At least it will be the ONLY thing worth watching.
@Milkman said:
that's kind of funny but it sucks to be the unwanted one even if I'm not sold on the dudes ability
Can't even have fun on the red carpet :/
Well, he was respresenting HUGO. And it was pretty clear he was advertising his movie. And he has been known to say and do shocking things that could be hurtful to the academy. Then again, it seems a little harsh. I probably agree with the Academy though.
How dare he make a mockery of the Oscars, now excuse me while we put a wig and lipstick on Billy Crystal for his opening skit.
@psychpunk said:
What would this lead to? People having fun at a meaningless award show. The whole idea of the slippery slope effect is bullshit.
Unless you're talking people showing up just to promote their films cause well hate to break it to you but that's kinda what the Oscars is for.
I remember Matt Stone and Trey Parker showing up in dresses and nothing really happened. They also went on acid. So yeah, how bad could this really be.
Now that sounds totally unfair. :(
@Bigheart711: Why? The Oscars look down on all the self promotion and would rather not allow it.
@Milkman said:
@dvdhaus: Since that's the case, it was reasonable after all. Self-promotion is good up until it hits a breaking point, after all.
THE OSCARS ARE SERIOUS BUSINESS!
[UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter spoke to the Academy who said "We haven't banned him, we're just waiting to hear what he's going to do." Which is a nice way of saying, he can come if he doesn't dress as The Dictator.]