26 February 2012

Academy Nixes Appearance by James Franco

Franco, in character as “The Host”

HOLLYWOOD -- The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has refused to permit an appearance at tonight’s Oscar ceremony by actor James Franco, in character as his “Host” persona.

The last time Franco made such an appearance, many were baffled, unsure whether he meant to be funny or offensive. “I just didn’t know whether to take him seriously,” complained one person who attended the 2011 ceremony, actress Anne Hathaway. “He kept waving his butt at me.”

Franco’s managers had requested permission to make the appearance in character as part of a promotion for his upcoming film, Hey, I Wrote, Directed, and Starred in This Movie in 15 Minutes … While Cleaning My Oven!

“While we wish Mr. Franco all the best, we must remind him that the Oscars™ are not about shameless self-promotion, much less bizarre stage acts that make the audience wish we’d hurry up and hand out another technical award,” said an Academy spokesperson. “If and when Mr. Franco is prepared to take this sacred ritual seriously, we will be happy to welcome him back.”

Through his own spokesperson, Franco released a brief statement: “Ranunculus.” Seasoned Franco analysts were at a loss to explain.


6 comments:

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Anonymous said...

Hello / Bonjour

This picture above is not James Franco in uniform, but Sacha Baron Cohen.

Bruno / Paris

William V. Madison said...

C'est exact, Bruno! In Paris you may have missed the many, many news reports that we Americans endured, regarding the Academy's fraught decision whether to allow Sacha Baron Cohen to appear in character as the Dictator at this year's ceremony. The consensus was that Cohen pushed things too far when he appeared as the gay character Brüno a while back.

Ultimately, Cohen was allowed to appear, or perform, or whatever one calls it — but I didn't see that part of the show.