Bruno, aka Borat, Ali G and Sacha Baron Cohen, has been snubbed by the Academy and banned from being the Oscar host at this year’s ceremony.

According to the Academy Awards night co-producer, Adam Shankman, the comedic English satirist was a potential liability despite being the first choice as host under the original event plan. Fears still exist over Baron Cohen’s tendency to wind-up Americans, with few understanding his patronizing satire, and fewer finding it funny as evidenced by the public reaction to Borat and Bruno.

Shankman had wanted the comedian for the Kodak Theatre event on March 7 but was dissuaded by higher authorities. The idea was shot down by movie big-wigs who deemed Baron Cohen – himself nominated three times in the past for an award – too great a wild card. Seems the self-deprecating Cambridge educated wit of the fiancé of Isla Fisher was just too clever by half.

The lukewarm reaction to fellow Brit Ricky Gervais’ hosting performance at last month’s Golden Globes is also thought to have worked against Bruno. Gervais made a habit of bringing up the shortcomings of his audience in his attempt at comedy which did not sit well with the audience, especially targets Mel Gibson and Paul McCartney – for their drinking and divorce problems respectively. Collin Farrell also found himself referred to as a drunken, expletive laden hellraiser.

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will now host the event as it was decided that it was best to stick with what American’s know.