It's no surprise that British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen showed up at the 2012 Oscars in character, as the actor is known for his public antics. While the Academy initially banned him from the awards show when he revealed his intentions to pull a stunt, Cohen was ultimately allowed to hit the red carpet dressed as "The Dictator" from his upcoming film of the same name. But the Academy is probably regretting that decision.

[ Photos: Stars walk the Oscars red carpet ]

Flanked by two sexy female bodyguards, Cohen came in full dictator regalia, complete with military suit, Castro beard and Kim Jong-Il'esque sunglasses. But his most important accessory was a fake gold funereal urn that is supposed to be holding the late North Korean dictator's ashes.

While being interviewed by E!'s red carpet golden boy Ryan Seacrest, Cohen began to fumble with the urn and proceeded to dump ashes all over Seacrest's suit. Cohen fumbled yet again, pouring even more ash on the visibly annoyed host. Keeping his cool, Seacrest could only reply, "I had a feeling something was coming." After interviewing Cohen, Seacrest had to explain his Oscars outfit fiasco to his next interviewees, telling actor Antonio Banderas he the ashes are really Bisquick, and getting sympathy from "American Idol" colleague Jennifer Lopez.

"I figured he might try something," Seacrest told Yahoo! "When you see someone dressed as a dictator and talking about Kim Jong-Il, you have to expect the unexpected."

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For an outrageous stunt like this, Cohen is sure to be greeted with some backlash from the Academy, and perhaps from E! and Seacrest as well. For the chic, yet historically stiff event, the prank may come as a little beacon of humorous light for many viewers.

--Reporting by Martin Rogers

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