Sacha Baron Cohen Will Attend Oscars As 'The Dictator'

'We're thrilled to have him,' Academy Awards producer Brian Grazer says.
By Ryan J. Downey


Sacha Baron Cohen as General Aladeen in "The Dictator"
Photo: Paramount

Action heroes like Rambo may not give in to threats, but Oscar producers caved to "The Dictator."

Of course, it's all in good fun. In an interview with "Extra," producer Brian Grazer confirmed Sacha Baron Cohen will arrive at the Academy Awards on Sunday as his character from his forthcoming political satire, contrary to earlier reports.

"We're thrilled to have him and he'll be on the red carpet, I guess, dressed as the 'dictator,' " he told "Extra." Grazer, a producer on movies like "A Beautiful Mind" and "Apollo 13," is also producing this year's Oscars.

In "The Dictator," Baron Cohen adds the totalitarian leader of a fictitious country to his list of alter egos, which already included Ali G, Borat and Bruno, all of whom have headlined feature films since launching on "The Ali G Show." He played a supporting role in Best Picture nominee "Hugo" but was insistent about attending the awards show in character as Admiral General Shabazz Aladeen. Earlier on Friday (February 24), the English actor and comedian called in to the "Today" show (as Aladeen) to address his alleged ban from awards.

The "Today" interview came on the heels of a video message on the website for "The Republic of Wadiya," in which the dictator made a number of threats. "On behalf of the nation of Wadiya, I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Zionists," General Aladeen said in the video. "While I applaud the Academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions and give me my tickets back by 12 p.m. on Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences."

Back in 2007, Oscar producers wouldn't allow the actor to appear in character as Borat. At press time, a spokesperson for the Academy told The Hollywood Reporter she had not heard about the plans for Cohen for Sunday.

"The Dictator" arrives in theaters May 11.

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and head to Next Movie for a printable Oscar ballot. On Sunday, tune into MTV.com at 5 p.m. ET for our two-and-a-half-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night's big winners. To join the live conversation, tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679910/sacha-baron-cohen-attends-oscars.jhtml

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Victoria Beckham Glams Up 2012 GREAT British Film Reception

Toasting their countries Academy Award hopefuls, the GREAT British Film Reception to honor the British nominees of The 84th Annual Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles, CA on Friday (February 24).

Held at the British Consul-General Dame Barbara Hay?s Hancock Park residence, the red carpet festivities drew out former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, Best Actor in a Leading Role nominee Gary Oldman, who showed up with wife Alexandra Edenborough, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role hopeful Kenneth Branagh.

With the gathering also marking the Los Angeles launch of the GREAT Campaign, other guests on hand included Sophie Winkleman, Jeremy Hunt, Lucy Walker, Julian Sands and Rupert Wyatt.

Of the recognition received by English actors at the 2012 Oscars, UK Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt proudly said, "The UK has a truly world-class film industry, with amazing people both in front of and behind the camera. This not only contributes to the enormous success of Hollywood film studios but has a hugely positive impact on the British economy. As the UK gears up for The Queen?s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there?s no better time to celebrate the best Britain has to offer in film and creativity.?

Meanwhile, host of the GREAT British Film Reception, HM Consul General Dame Barbara Hay, added, ?The wealth of creative talent in Los Angeles is well-known. Our GREAT campaign, which this event launches in Los Angeles, will highlight the breadth and depth of the creative talent in Britain, as well as offering a fantastic opportunity for the world to re-discover the unique qualities that make Britain such a compelling destination ? for business and tourism, for innovation and entrepreneurship, and for study and culture.?

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/academy-awards-2012/great-british-film-reception-honors-2012-oscar-nominees-589088

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Gerard Butler In Rehab [Update]

12:04 PM PST -- Gerard's manager, Alan Siegel tells TMZ, "Gerard left Betty Ford early this morning and he's healthy."----------------------------------------------------------Gerard Butler is being treated for substance abuse at the Betty Ford…

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/02/24/gerard-butler-rehab-addiction-prescription-drugs-alcohol-cocaine/

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy -- Screw the Rumors ... I'm Returning to 'Dancing with the Stars'

Despite rumors he's quitting ... TMZ has learned, "Dancing with the Stars" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy is COMING BACK TO THE SHOW -- and we got the video to prove it!!!Maksim touched down in LAX yesterday for his first practice -- he didn't say much…

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/02/25/maksim-chmerkovskiy-dancing-with-the-stars/

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Video: 2012's Cutest Award Season Duos - Brad and Angelina, Michelle and Busy, and More!

Oscar Sunday will serve as date night for several of Hollywood's romantic couples and pairs of friends. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will be arm in arm for the big event, but he'll also be meeting up with his good pal George Clooney, who has Stacy Keibler by his side. Michelle Williams has had sidekick Busy Philipps for award season support, and The Artist's director and leading lady make a sweet scene. As the big event gets closer, we're once again teaming up with UStream to bring you ALL the action. Watch all of the Academy Awards red carpet LIVE right here on PopSugar Network starting at 5:30 p.m. EST/2:30 p.m. PST, and make sure to follow PopSugar and The Academy on Twitter. For now, we've got a sweet look at this year's cutest award season duos - enjoy!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/popsugar/~3/BMLWpod8ORU/Hot-Couples-Award-Season-2012-21904415

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Eye Love London

Yesterday was a very fun, fully touristy day for David, Sarah and me here in London. Altho David and I have visited this amazing city before, there is still a LOT of stuff that we didn’t get to see … and will not get to see this time either. But, we decided yesterday would be [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/q8SnHJ6MgQM/

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Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth's Patys Breakfast Date

Kicking off their morning with a workout and yummy breakfast, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth were spotted at Patys Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA on Friday (February 24).

The ?Party in the USA? singer was clad in an all-black ensemble paired with a bright yellow purse while her hunky beau sported shorts and a sweaty grey t-shirt.

Joined by a male friend, the couple enjoyed a sunny meal together on the patio before Ms Cyrus headed off to go about her day.

Yesterday, the sneaky paparazzi caught up to the self-proclaimed ?stoner? as she and a gal pal were spotted leaving a Sherman Oaks marijuana dispensary called Therapeutic Health Care.

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/miley-cyrus/miley-cyrus-liam-hemsworths-patys-breakfast-date-589059

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