News - Oscar Producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic openly declared that they wanted Sacha Baron Cohen (SBC), aka Bruno, aka Ali G, aka Borat, to host the US film awards show on 7th March. But other powers that be at the academy have blocked the British comic in favour of the safe option Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin (sigh).

SBC has been nominated for three Oscars in the past, but was considered too much of a wild card for the major event. This may be in part due to Ricky Gervais's luke-warm reception after the Golden Globes, where he managed to insult most of the attendees.

What a shame we won't get to see what Bruno would have made of the fashion faux pas on the red carpet, or indeed the golden phallic award that is Mr Oscar himself!