Dennis RomeroBanksy has had his L.A. artwork vandalized and even taken down and crumpled up like trash, and now he must endure a non-invitation to the Academy Awards, where his documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, is up for an Oscar.
The news, broken at The Wrap and The Hollywood Reporter, seems to have snowballed into a frenzy Thursday: Will the British guerrilla artist show for the ceremonies at the Kodak in Hollywood?
The problem?
Banksy likes to disguise his identity and has been known to show up at events in a mask or among an entourage of costumed people.
Banksy was here; he probably can't wait to go home.; Credit: Ted Soqui
Academy executive director Bruce Davis gave The Wrap this quote:
“The fun but disquieting scenario is if that film wins and five guys in monkey masks come to the stage all saying, 'I'm Banksy!' Who the hell do we give it to?”
Fair point.
But jeez. They say L.A. is a tough city. (The old adage: You'll hate it here for your first year). But talk about rolling up the red carpet. Literally. Sort of.
The Beverly Hills-based Academy and the artist seem to have struck an agreement whereby the documentary's co-producer, Jamie D'Cruz, would accept, should it win. (Banksy directed).
The Guardian newspaper suggests that Bansky will “be in the vicinity” during the awards. Maybe he'll pretty up some of those illegal billboards near the Kodak. Oh yeah, they've been taken down.
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