SACHA BARON COHEN will not be a presenter at Sunday's Academy Award ceremony (25FEB07), because he could not appear as his famous character BORAT SAGDIYEV. Baron Cohen has been reluctant to make appearances as himself, preferring to do interviews as the star of the faux documentary BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN. Oscar broadcast producer LAURA ZISKIN tells the Los Angeles Times, "He was asked, but he declined."

There had been speculation that the comedian's participation in the ceremony would bring a welcome shot of excitement to the broadcast. Baron Cohen's acceptance speech at the Golden Globe ceremony last month (JAN07) was one of the most talked-about events of the night. When he won an acting award, he paid homage to his co-star KEN DAVITIAN's naked backside, which was part of a memorable moment in the film.

Although Baron Cohen passed on presenting, he could still appear on stage if the film wins for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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