Baron Cohen's 'Dictator' Responds to Oscar Ban, Dubs Academy 'Zionists'

Sacha Baron Cohen can turn just about any setback into a shrewd marketing vehicle for his comic creations.

The man who foisted “Borat” on us is back with “The Dictator,” a new comedy about a Middle Eastern leader landing on American soil. To hype the film, Baron Cohen wanted to walk the red carpet on Oscar night in character.

Nothing doing, said the folks behind the annual ceremony.

Now, Baron Cohen’s Dictator is having the last word, courtesy of YouTube:

On behalf of the nation of Wadiya, I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Zionists,” says Cohen. “While I applaud the Academy from 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.

The British comedian may never equal the madcap genius tapped in “Borat,” but it’s clear his knack for self-promotion remains unrivalled.