Oscars Producer Gives 'Dictator' OK for Red Carpet Walk
After a few days of controversy, Brian Grazer, producer of the 84th Academy Awards, said today he is open to the possibility that Sacha Baron Cohen can show up on the red carpet Sunday as the lead character in his upcoming movie, The Dictator.
"We're thrilled to have him and he'll be on the red carpet, I guess, dressed as the Dictator," Grazer told Extra. Cohen was also set to take part in the program as himself, Grazer said.
Some reports had earlier asserted Cohen had been banned from appearing at the awards show.
In statement released this afternoon on the character's Twitter channel @RepublicWadiya, "General Aladeen" claimed victory:
"VICTORY IS OURS! Today the Mighty Nation of Wadiya triumphed over the Zionist snakes of Hollywood. Evil and all those who made Satan their protector were vanquished and driven into the Pacific Sea. What I am trying to say here is that the Academy have surrendered and sent over two tickets and a parking pass! TODAY OSCAR, TOMORROW OBAMA!"
The character had previously decried the possibility he would be banned.
Watch Grazer discussing plans for Oscar night and Cohen's appearance:
