In the sort of move we’ve come to expect from Sacha Baron Cohen, the shape-shifting actor has threatened to show up at Sunday’s Academy Awards dressed as the character from his new film ‘The Dictator.’ Not surprisingly, Academy officials balked at the idea and said Baron Cohen would only be allowed to attend if he promises to show up as himself.

At first, the Academy allegedly revoked Baron Cohen’s tickets. “The red carpet is not about stunting. It’s not about putting on a zoo,” said a spokesperson.

But later, they reversed their decision and said Baron Cohen could attend as long as he promises he won’t be in costume. “We haven’t banned him,” the spokesperson said. “We’re just waiting to hear what he’s going to do.”

This isn’t the first time Baron Cohen has raised the hackles of the Academy. In 2007, he was asked to be a presenter, but declined after being told he couldn’t appear as his outrageous Kazakhstani character Borat. Check out the trailer for ‘The Dictator’ below. Has Sacha Baron Cohen gone too far this time?

More From Q92