Cohen can't go to Oscars as 'Dictator'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Sacha Baron Cohen is not allowed to attend the Oscars in Los Angeles dressed as a character from his film "The Dictator," organizers said.

The British comedian and actor, known for his outrageous publicity stunts, is a cast member of Best Picture Oscar contender "Hugo," Martin Scorsese's first family flick.

The Hollywood Reporter said this week Cohen plans to attend the film industry's biggest night, dressed and acting like the bearded, Middle Eastern totalitarian ruler he plays in his upcoming comedy "The Dictator."

The academy subsequently reached out to Cohen's representatives and Paramount, the studio behind both "Hugo" and "Dictator," asking if Cohen really intends to walk the Oscar red carpet in character.

"We don't think it's appropriate," an academy spokesman told The Hollywood Reporter.

"But his tickets haven't been pulled. We're waiting to hear back," the spokesman said. "We haven't banned him."