Sacha Baron Cohen reprised his role as wannabe gangster Ali G during the Oscars to bring a hint of diversity to the awards show Sunday.
The British comedian joined actress Olivia Wilde on stage, wearing the fictional character’s signature tinted sunglasses and red beanie hat. “I know what you was thinking when I walked on: ‘Here comes yet another token black presenter,’” he said. Baron Cohen is of European Jewish heritage but his character Ali G is a white Londoner who thinks he is black.
Cohen joked, saying there should be an Oscar for the “very hard-working little yellow people” before adding that he was talking about the beloved Minions. The revival of Ali G comes amid criticism of the all-white Oscar acting nominations.
Get The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.
