Sacha Baron Cohen, Ryan Seacrest: Actor Turns Oscars Red Carpet Upside Down
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Chris Pizzello/AP Photo
Only Sacha Baron Cohen dressed as a General Aladeen from his upcoming film “The Dictator” could manage to upstage Hollywood’s most beautiful people on the Oscar red carpet.
Arriving in perhaps the longest limo of the evening and flanked by two women wearing short skirts and red berets, Cohen caused a big commotion in his brief appearance on the red carpet. Carrying what appeared to be an urn, Cohen “accidentally” poured what he called the ashes of deceased North Korean leader Kim Jong Il on Ryan Seacrest during an interview with Seacrest for E!
Seacreast appeared a bit surprised and even a little put off by the stunt.
Cohen, as his alter ego, explained that it was his friend Kim Jong Il’s dream to have his “ashes sprinkled on the red carpet and Halle Berry’s chest.” As he leaned toward Seacrest, the urn tilted over and spilled ashes over Seacreast’s tuxedo.
Security soon whisked Cohen and his entourage off the carpet, while members of the Los Angeles fire department swept up the ashes, forcing some reporters on the red carpet to cut their interviews short.
Click here to see photos from the red carpet
Cohen was at first banned from appearing as the fictional Middle Eastern ruler before the Academy agreed to allow him to walk the carpet as his alter ego.
“We’re thrilled to have him and he’ll be on the red carpet dressed as ‘The Dictator,’” Oscar producer Brian Grazer told entertainment television show “Extra” Saturday.
Earlier, Cohen spoke out against the Academy’s reported attempt to ban him from appearing in character.
In a video posting on his “official government website,” Cohen as Aladeen, the ruler of the fictional nation of Wadiya, blasts the “Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Zionists,” fumes that he’s “outraged” at the ticket snub, and warns there will be “unimaginable consequences” if the Academy doesn’t “lift its sanctions” and give him his tickets back. “Furthermore, it is an act of aggression that no Wadiyan films have been recognized by the academy,” he adds. “Where are the nominations for such classic movies as ‘When Harry Kidnapped Sally,’ ‘You Got Mailbomb,’ and ‘Planet of the Rapes?’”
In character, Cohen also skewers Hilary Swank’s recent PR misstep in which she claims she unknowingly took $2 million from a suspected war criminal to attend his birthday party, and director Brett Ratner’s anti-gay comments, which led to him stepping down as the producer of the Oscar telecast.
In closing, he screams: “Death to the West! Death to America! And good luck, Billy Crystals!,” before asking someone off-camera, “How was that? Did I sound crazy enough?”
In reality, Cohen — the actor, not the faux dictator — has a reason for being at the Oscars this year. He’s a member of the cast of this year’s most nominated film, “Hugo.”
Cohen also called into NBC Friday to plead his case, saying he had to delay “30 executions” and said the Academy has until midday Sunday to return his tickets.
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Honestly, is there anyone who actually thinks these antics are funny?
Posted by: Aunt Ruth | February 26, 2012, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
The jerk is a disgrace to the human race. There is absolutely no reason that he
should be called an actor, comedian or whatever. The ashes might as well be
what is left of his little brain.
Posted by: michael | February 26, 2012, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
How dumb.
Posted by: Ann | February 26, 2012, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
How funny!!! I love that Ryan Sechrest got punked!!! I’m sure the stiff’s at the academy will have issue with this whole stunt, but I thought it was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Foxy Boxy | February 26, 2012, 8:36 pm 8:36 pm
Yes, some of us do think it is hilarious. Sacha Baron Cohen is one of the few living comedians who are genuinely in character. Personally, I thought it was great. Well done!
Posted by: M. Montaigne | February 26, 2012, 8:46 pm 8:46 pm
Sacha Baron Cohen is easily one of the funniest comedian alive today, if not THE funniest. Agree with Ann, these stuck up academy folks needed some loosening up
Posted by: James | February 26, 2012, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
I hate that man. I love the musical “Les Miserables” and was sooooo disappointed to find out he’d be playing Monsieur Thenardier in the movie version. :(
Posted by: Amy | February 26, 2012, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
I remember Ali G. I thought he was funny. Over several years a pattern in Cohen’s work emerged for me. I had married a woman from the middle east. My perspective changed. If you know ANY people at all from ANY of the countries which he satirizes then, I think you will begin to see the pattern too. When I was growing up watching B&W TV , I absorbed many of the American movie norms. Things we were exposed to included . . . Mexicans are lazy; women will let you kiss them, if you force them to: everybody takes tranquilizers and everyone gets home from work and pours a strong drink from the mini-bar which everybody has, anyone will betray for a few dollars more, etc etc.. Well I never noticed that stuff way back then. BUT I DO NOW. The Academy knows Cohen well. The spin of a ‘loose-cannon’ Cohen going one step too far; the picture of a red-faced academy; Search for his lesser known works, then look on Maps for the countries he has had fun with. Notice something? Then, if you dare, think ( but don’t breathe a word ) of what the cultural-political elephant in the room might be.
Posted by: pier | February 26, 2012, 10:00 pm 10:00 pm
He’s hildarious!! Way to go Sacha, spice it up a little.
Posted by: Doug kell | February 26, 2012, 10:06 pm 10:06 pm
As the mother of two sons actively serving in our military, I do not find any humor in Mr. Cohens’ antics, and I take great umbrage to his remarks particularly his saying ‘death to America’.
Posted by: Mary | February 26, 2012, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
Mary, thanks to your sons for their service. As a veteran myself, I applaud Mr. Cohen and his expression of freedom. With so much to truly worry about in the world, people’s tendencies to be sucked into discussions of my values are better than your values is truly disappointing. Be glad that you live in a country that chooses to embrace people like Sacha Baron Cohen expressing themselves with only the fear of being whisked off the red carpet vs. imprisonment or worse.
Posted by: Jeff R | February 26, 2012, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm
Lame, from the phoney drama up of being banned to the actual appearance. This is the sort of adolescent schtick that middle school kids do at lunch and when the teacher is out of the classroom.
Posted by: MyTake | February 27, 2012, 12:03 am 12:03 am
Wake up loser! You’ll get attention if you make better movies Sacha! The Academy made a mistake giving into his stupidity. Clever? no
Posted by: Kelly | February 27, 2012, 12:35 am 12:35 am
Personally, I don’t find Cohen sustainably funny for more than a few moments, but I thought this bit was pretty good for several reasons. First, “Hollywood” takes itself far too seriously with all the many self-aggrandizing awards shows, yes, it generates a lot of money and entertains many people; but loosen up a bit. Second; that Ryan Seacrest (Mr. a Hair Dare Not Be Out of Place) got Bisquick all over him on such a grand stage is pretty darn funny.
Posted by: Chris N. | February 27, 2012, 12:51 am 12:51 am
@Mary. It is not like your sons had to go to military for the love of the country. They get paid around four thousand dollar a month and they choose to do that. And what is your rationale? Because your sons go to military now you own the freedom of speech? And people should only say and do thing that pleases you? You can take as much umbrage as you like. He is not even an American comedian. Or maybe you think because your sons are actively serving in military, the whole world should respect you? You are a funny mother.
Posted by: payam | February 27, 2012, 1:33 am 1:33 am
He bought the party. Cohen is the funniest man alive.
Posted by: co | February 27, 2012, 1:35 am 1:35 am
This was great! Finally a reason to watch this nonsense. BTW people commenting get a sense of humor. He guy is funny!
Posted by: Wesyde | February 27, 2012, 1:42 am 1:42 am
Sacha is freekin’ hilarious and all you uptight Republicans can stuff it!! I mean pull the pole out of your ….
Posted by: Nunya Bidness | February 27, 2012, 2:03 am 2:03 am
Me, me, me… look at me!! Pathetic. What an idiot!! NO class!!!
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Posted by: Emma | February 27, 2012, 2:31 am 2:31 am
I agree with Jeff R. Didn’t find this funny at all. The Oscars was certainly not the appropriate place for him to do such a childish thing. This is the kinda stuff a five year old does in class. Come on, grow up. I get people think that Hollywood need to loosen up, but to dump “ashes” or dust all over the host was completely innapropriate. He’s an idiot.
Posted by: Abbey | February 27, 2012, 3:40 am 3:40 am
I just want to know who the two chicks are by his side..
Posted by: Riz | February 27, 2012, 4:33 am 4:33 am
Hee-larious. What a marketing coup, bit and old-fashion shaker upper to those stuffy stiffs!
Posted by: Jon | February 27, 2012, 6:14 am 6:14 am
Not sure what’s more funny, the context of the movie character here, doing like Gadaffi and having the hot women bodyguards or the people are so uptight and worse they don’t get he is making fun of dictators.
To all those people, I say watch Ali G.
Sacha isn’t just funny, he’s damn funny. See the clip for the movie and tell me you did didn’t laugh out loud.
Posted by: Da Horsey | February 27, 2012, 6:23 am 6:23 am
For some people on that Red Carpet it was a big night, an important millstone in their lives. This idiot comes along and throws the whole thing on it’s ass for a laugh? Grow up! Maybe he could pull that crap at the next jersey shore season premiere and be he-larious but show a little class once and awhile. Everytime I see this fool he’s acting out! Oh and I’m not republican, I’m repsectful!
Posted by: Lar | February 27, 2012, 7:06 am 7:06 am
I did not find his stunt funny at all. Totally inappropriate.
Posted by: Christina | February 27, 2012, 7:38 am 7:38 am
People should just calm down. Like seriously. He’s a joker, and he’s known for being one. I think its wrong that the academy took his tickets away. So he deserves to get a little “revenge”. Love that man! So funny!<3 can I marry him? :D
Posted by: soli | February 27, 2012, 8:06 am 8:06 am
People, get a grip. It was planned and the Academy knew about. For instance, Cohen was whisked away by security, but to an area where press photos could be taken. Hmmm…press photos, wouldn’t the Academy have just thrown him out of the place without the photo session. Additionally, while Seacrest was not in on the act, his co-hosts obviously were as during the commentary they were not shocked and were talking to Seacrest as if they had insight into the stunt and partially defended the stunt. Funny, just not for Seacrest.
Posted by: GeneralFunny | February 27, 2012, 8:13 am 8:13 am
I’ve never found him funny in anything he’s ever done. He’s a tool.
Posted by: TheSpin | February 27, 2012, 8:29 am 8:29 am
It wasn’t planned (show producer Brian Glazer insisted on meeting with him directly afterwards to ensure nothing else was going to happen), and it was tacky and tasteless – the ONLY reason he did it is because he’s desperate for attention and because his more recent work is not getting the kind of praise that Borat did.
But even if you think it was planned, that the Oscars are a joke, and that he’s funny – Seacrest not only was significantly inconvenienced, but so were other interviewers… and that in my book is why it crossed the line.
Posted by: Bec215 | February 27, 2012, 9:17 am 9:17 am
The only people I know who think this guy is funny are those who still think underarm farts, whoopee cushions and fake dog poo are also funny….
Posted by: Working_Class | February 27, 2012, 9:38 am 9:38 am
A dumb stunt. Why do guys like this get a pass to make movies? It’s simply not funny.
Posted by: Mark | February 27, 2012, 10:05 am 10:05 am
Hil-Freak-larious! Everyone up here thinking how inappropriate this is for the Oscars needs to understand that the Oscars is just another Hollywood party and show for the big time Actors and Actresses to pat themselves on the back. I’m glad someone has the B@lls to make light of the situation and put their career on the line to do something like this……….And TRUST the me the Academy is enjoying all the press!
Posted by: Iassume | February 27, 2012, 10:24 am 10:24 am
So annoying. I totally agree with @BEC215…
Posted by: DKD | February 27, 2012, 10:44 am 10:44 am
(Sigh) There’s always one.
Posted by: msyellarose | February 27, 2012, 11:09 am 11:09 am
The guy is pretty funny and he has guts to pull the stunts he does. I’m not too upset that Ryan Seacrest has some ash on him. No one was hurt and it was funny. Lighten up people.
Posted by: michael1_4 | February 27, 2012, 11:33 am 11:33 am
Still find it funny some people don’t understand Satire, especially the ones who are offended when he’s making fun of the ignorant minded thought approach by the people who think such stereotypes are really the way people are from places such as Kazakhstan. I mean I got tired of his brand of comedy, but still I was never like “Oh my god! thats so offensive it makes me cry and get angry.”.
Posted by: Kyser | February 27, 2012, 11:38 am 11:38 am
I think this Baron guy should be barred from all future Oscar or awards events and as punishment, his pictures should not be shown here in the US.
Posted by: blueoctober | February 27, 2012, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
I will say that Cohen is great at getting free publicity. He got attention for doing Borat and the Pam Anderson gig, took to the MTV movie awards to pull a prank on Eminem to get attention for Bruno and this is just his latest PR gig to gain attention to his new movie. Going to the well one too many times shows you’re not funny. Your just an intelligent marketer at best, but your antics are as old as Tom Green. Kind of like how Will Farrell is only funny when he is obnoxious? Maybe, I just have an obscure taste in comedy. But acting stupid, foolish and obnoxious doesn’t make me laugh and only shows me how immature I am when I do find it funny.
Posted by: brian | February 27, 2012, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
Ryan Sechrest should have broke this guy’s jaw!
What an idiot!
Surely Ryan can take this guy!
BREAK HIS NOSE, MAN!
Posted by: Michael Mabe | February 27, 2012, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
What a complete jerk to do this to someone else. Boycott his stupid, offensive movies.
Posted by: sierrabloom | February 27, 2012, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
Sacha Baron is a British Jerk. His plan is cheap and any kid can do it. He’s no genius. Oscars is a special event and should never let ignorance people like British Jerk to enter. Shame on Oscars not to do anything about this stupid British. Boycott his stupid movie unless you want your kids to learn how to behave like this stupid British.
Posted by: honesty | February 27, 2012, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
@Payam — As the daughter of an army vet, I think your post is ignorant. I’ve never known anyone to enlist in the military because of the money. Is $4,000 enough money to be put in harm’s way and be separated from friends and family for months, even years? There are some people who DO love their country and want to serve.
@Mary — tell your sons that many Americans, including myself, are deeply grateful to them.
I believe in free speech, but as for Sasha Baron, he’s more obnoxious than funny. I consider him a half step above Adam Sandler.
Posted by: MST | February 28, 2012, 11:01 am 11:01 am
Strange how many think this was absurd or funny, but few think it could affect our country’s already shaky relationship with North Korea when it doesn’t take much to inflame that country’s ire.
Idiots!!!
And all for a joke, and a lame one at that.
Posted by: Hea | February 28, 2012, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm
So amazingly funny :) Honestly, if your offended because your sons are in the military, lemme clear something up for you : A man in character isn’t going to kill your sons. The fact that they joined the military just might kill them, but this man will not. Stop whining about what Sasha does and go do something productive. If you can’t laugh at this, it’s just not your kind of joke. If you get angry at this, pull the stick out of your rear end and try to not be a stuck up, sour grump. Be extremely grateful that your living in a country that supports human rights, and allows such individualism. Pushing against his rights turns you into the damn dictator, and that’s where we start to have our first real problem.
Posted by: Logan | April 1, 2012, 6:08 am 6:08 am
As much as some of you may find this funny, and as many of you will think that I have a stick up my ass, there is NO REASON to make a joke on “Planet of the Rapes.” It is inappropriate, awful, and in poor taste. He’s making fun of something that destroys lives. If any of you support him in making that kind of ugly joke, you need to rethink your relationships with women.
Posted by: Cecilia | May 10, 2012, 2:01 am 2:01 am