Phantom of the Oscars: Banksy to Make an Appearance at the Academy Awards (in Disguise)

When graffiti god and art world crasher Banksy was nominated for Best Documentary at this year’s Academy Awards for his film “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” it struck us as a little odd, since the film is a really terrific and incredibly cool story, but utter fiction. Not that it matters one bit, because the prospect of Banksy crashing Hollywood’s biggest night was way too interesting to pass up.

Then came reports saying that the artist had indeed confirmed his desire to attend the event, but only if he was allowed to do so in disguise. The Academy apparently declined, citing the possibility of impostors infiltrating the awards ceremony. Impostors? Drat!

Then “The Hills” star Lauren Conrad tweeted some pics (to the left) of some very recently tagged graffiti in the greater Los Angeles area that’s either from Banksy or a damn fine impostor (maybe they're onto something). Ladies and gentlemen, Banksy is in the neighborhood.

Now comes news that Banksy will, in fact, be allowed to show up to The Academy Awards in disguise wearing whatever he pleases. I mean hell, if Lady Gaga can hit the Grammys rocking out inside of an egg, what’s a mask or two gonna hurt, right?

Academy President Tom Sherak told New York Magazine’s Vulture that, despite earlier reports, he’s not about to stop the famously anonymous cultural icon from appearing at the show in a disguise.

"Listen, he’d run right over me," Sherak said. "I’m not gonna stand up to stop him. Nobody is, that’s not what we do. Would this be fun? I guess to some people. I get it.”

Whether he wins the Best Documentary award or not, we’ll be pulling for a Banksy appearance at the Oscars. The man is an utter genius at creating true art from popular culture, and The Academy Awards would be the biggest canvas he’s ever had access to.

Don’t know who this Banksy character is? Check out his website or watch the trailer to “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”

Watch the trailer Banksy did for "The Simpsons"