Hasta La Ideas

The saga of “Banksy Meets the Oscars” continues. You might recall that we reported that the Academy Awards producers were concerned that the faceless-yet-famous street artist, whose Exit Through the Gift Shop is a nominee for a Best Documentary award, would show up to redeem his prize wearing a disguise, perhaps his familiar monkey mask, something they weren’t to pleased about. As was reported immediately after, the Academy apparently eventually struck up a deal with the artist that, should his film win, his co-producer, Jamie D’Cruz, would accept the award on behalf of both of them. Now, following a few weeks of Banksy-esque art popping up on Los Angeles streets, possibly to help wage a campaign for the win, it’s come out that the Academy has flat out refused the artist’s entry into the ceremony. The same story prevails, that they do not want a mysterious man in a mask among the crowd, let alone storming the stage. Fortunately for the producers, Banksy seems comfortable in obliging their “stay away!” demands. Here’s what he told the Guardian:

When his nomination was announced, Banksy called it a “big surprise.”

“I don’t agree with the concept of award ceremonies, but I’m prepared to make an exception for the ones I’m nominated for,” he said, adding: “The last time there was a naked man covered in gold paint in my house, it was me.”

However, the paper also hints that “reports suggest he will be in the vicinity.” So Joan Rivers, please keep an eye out.

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