Sacha Baron Cohen was escorted off the red carpet at the Academy Awards tonight, in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated publicity stunt for his new film, The Dictator.

At the ceremony, which is taking place in Hollywood tonight, Baron Cohen appeared in costume flanked by two female "bodyguards", carrying a golden urn supposedly containing the ashes of North Korean premier Kim Jong-il. Baron Cohen then emptied the urn over red-carpet reporter Ryan Seacrest.

Baron Cohen was then asked to leave from the red carpet, but was allowed to pose for photographs before making his leisurely exit.

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."

Baron Cohen had been engaging in a war of words with the Academy all week, after they objected to his plan to appear in character at the awards ceremony. Baron Cohen responded by accusing them of being "Zionists" on a filmed appearance on NBC.

Our Oscars coverage continues on our liveblog.