Actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen appeared as his most well-known character Borat at The 45th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. But unlike most of his on-screen appearances in the nation’s capital, Baron Cohen was invited to perform as Borat.
The 51-year old Baron Cohen was introduced over the public announcements as his character, “journalist and cultural attache from Kazakhstan, Borat Sagdiyev.”
“I’m told the President of U-S and A is here,” Baron Cohen said as Borat. “Where are you Mr. Trump?”
A mix of laughter and “ohhs” emanated from the black tie crowd. “Oh you don’t look so good. Where have your glorious big belly gone? And your pretty orange skin have become pale.”
President Joe Biden sat with his hands clasped with a big smile on his face. Next to him, First Lady Jill Biden shook her head with a smile.
In his feature films and television show, the Borat character despises Jews (one of many of his despicable and boorish personality traits). Bear in mind, it’s all satire—Baron Cohen, is a proud and practicing Jew.
In the four minute segment in front of the star-studded Kennedy Center audience, Baron Cohen cracked wise about Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks this past fall. Then directing his attention at rock band U2, who were among the honorees that night, Baron Cohen sang a parody of their 1987 hit song, “With or Without You,” by changing the lyrics to “With or Without Jews.”
You can watch the segment on the Jewish Journal’s Instagram:
The other honorees for 2022 were actor George Clooney, singers Amy Grant and Gladys Knight, and classical composer Tania León.
The Kennedy Center Honors event took place on December 4th and aired on CBS on December 28.
The mission is to “celebrate artists recognized for their contributions to American culture through the performing arts — whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures, or television.”
Past honorees include singer Carole King (2015), actor Dustin Hoffman (2012), singer Neil Diamond (2011), comedy legend Mel Brooks (2009), singer Sammy Davis Jr. (1987), and Leonard Bernstein (1980). The inaugural class in 1978 honored singer Marian Anderson, dancer Fred Astaire, choreographer George Balanchine, composer Richard Rodgers and pianist Arthur Rubinstein.
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