PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL<br/> <br />Sacha Baron Cohen rankles the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.<br/> <br />The over the top actor intended to attend the Oscars as his character from the upcoming comedy "The Dictator."<br/> <br />But the Academy swiftly vetoed his idea.<br/> <br />Although Cohen hasn't been officially banned, the Academy informed him and the film's studio Paramount that he is not welcome to turn the Oscars red carpet into a publicity stunt for his movie.<br/> <br />The Academy says he's welcome to attend as a cast member of best picture nominee Hugo if he behaves himself.<br/> <br />The actor is responding to the criticism in typical Cohen-fashion - with another publicity stunt.<br/> <br />On "The Dictator" website he addresses the controversy.<br/> <br />NATS<br/> <br />Cohen has a history of using awards shows and other big events to hype his movies.<br/> <br />At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, he came as the fashionista Bruno - to promote the film of the same name.<br/> <br />"The Dictator" is scheduled to march into theaters on May 11.<br/> <br />Alicia Powell, Reuters.
