Gregory Ellwood

Sacha Baron Cohen responds to Oscar ban as 'The Dictator'

Please rise. The not-so-honorable Admiral General Aladeen has a message for the Oscars. Controversy-magnet Sacha Baron Cohen couldn't ask for a better chance to promote his new film "The Dictator," in which he plays the Middle Eastern tyrant Aladeen, dictator of the fictional Republic of Wadiya. When the Academy Awards so rudely revoked Cohen's ticket to the Oscars, the British comedian took to the interwebs to issue this statement, in-character.

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2012
2012 Independent Spirit Awards Predictions: 'The Descendants,' Michael Shannon and ?

Predicting the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards. "The Descendants," Michael Shannon, Michelle Williams and who else? Can "Drive" pull off a best feature film win?

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2012
Sacha Baron Cohen addresses Oscar controversy as his 'Dictator' character

Sacha Baron Cohen has addressed the controversy surrounding his alleged Oscar banning by posting a statement from "Admiral General Aladeen", his character from "The Dictator", on the film's official website.

Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2012
Natalie Portman and last year's acting winners to present at Oscars

Last year's Oscar-winning actors and actresses -- Natalie Portman, Colin Firth, Melissa Leo and Christian Bale -- are returning to this year's Academy Awards as presenters.

Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2012
Tyler Perry admits he didn't enjoy the long days on 'Alex Cross'

Prolific filmmaker Tyler Perry reveals his inspiration for his latest melodrama "Good Deeds" and talks about how difficult it was to be just an actor in the action thriller "Alex Cross."

Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2012
UPDATED: Academy spokesperson claims Sacha Baron Cohen NOT banned from Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has not, in fact, banned Sacha Baron Cohen from attending the 2012 Oscars for fear he will show up at the ceremony in the guise of his character from "The Dictator", according to a spokesperson for the organization. Nevertheless, they went on to say that AMPAS doesn't believe a publicity stunt would be "appropriate".

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012
Leonardo DiCaprio helps 'Wizard of Oz' slippers find their way home to the Academy

There's no place like home...even for a pair of shoes. With Leonardo DiCaprio and some other "angel donors" leading the way, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has acquired Judy Garland's legendary ruby slippers from 1939's "The Wizard of Oz" -- possibly the most famous footwear in film history -- for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012
'The Campaign' co-stars Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis to present at Oscars

Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, co-stars in the forthcoming political comedy "The Campaign" (formerly known as "Dog Fight"), will be presenting at the 2012 Academy Awards.

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012
Watch: Mike Myers teaches Kevin Kline some Oscar etiquette in Funny or Die clip

Can't wait the inevitable "Austin Powers 4"? Oscar's latest attempt at humor -- starring Mike Myers and Kevin Kline -- may be enough to tide you over. Fair warning: Only die hard Myers fans need apply.

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012
Deadline day for Oscar voters: Will they surprise us?

With Academy Awards ballots due just hours from now a look at some of the key takeaways that few weeks of guild wins and campaigning have told us about who is going to win the major honors at this year's big show.

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012