Sacha Baron Cohen pulls Oscar stunt for The Dictator

Sacha Baron Cohen was escorted off the Oscars red carpet after a publicity stunt for his new film, The Dictator.

The British comedian arrived in character as a middle eastern leader and claimed to be carrying the ashes of former North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il.

In an interview with US TV host Ryan Seacrest, he said it was Kim's dying wish "to be sprinkled over the red carpet and over Halle Berry's chest."

He then tipped the urn over the host, covering his tuxedo in white dust.

Baron Cohen, who is known for outrageous publicity stunts in films like Borat and Bruno, was bundled off the red carpet by security guards.

Turning to the camera, Seacrest said: "Anything can happen and it most certainly did, all over my lapel.''

Baron Cohen's film is expected to be released in March. He was invited to the Oscars as a cast member of Martin Scorsese's multiple award nominee Hugo.

There had been reports during the week that he had been forbidden to attend the ceremony after asking to arrive in character as Admiral General Aladeen - which the Academy denied.

In response, the comedian posted a statement to General Aladeen's Twitter account.

"VICTORY IS OURS! Today the Mighty Nation of Wadiya triumphed over the Zionist snakes of Hollywood.

"Evil and all those who made Satan their protector were vanquished and driven into the Pacific Sea. What I am trying to say here is that the Academy have surrendered and sent over two tickets and a parking pass! TODAY OSCAR, TOMORROW OBAMA!"

After the red carpet stunt, Moneyball actor Jonah Hill, who is up for best supporting actor, said: "I guess the Oscars isn't the best place to sell your movie. I think he's a funny guy, though."

Piers Morgan commented it was "just another day in Hollywood".

30 Rock actress Tina Fey saw the funny side, and crossed herself over the ashes as she walked past.

Speaking to BBC 5 live, US chat show host Jay Leno said, "only in Hollywood does that dictator override Libya" as a major news story. "And somehow that's more shocking.

"It's certainly worse than anything Gadaffi or Assad could possibly have done."

It is not the first time Baron Cohen has used industry events to promote his movies.

In 2006, the actor arrived at the Toronto International Film Festival dressed as Borat, the main character from the hit comedy.

Three years later he went to the MTV Video Music Awards as flamboyant fashion critic Bruno, to promote his movie of the same name.

During the show he was launched into the air wearing a harness and landed in the lap of US rap star Eminem, who stormed out - although it was later reported that the musician had been in on the joke.

British comedy actor Sacha Baron Cohen turned up on the red carpet dressed in a white military uniform