Borat (2006)

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is a mockumentary comedy film directed by Larry Charles. It was written and produced by and stars the British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen in the title role of a fictitious Kazakhstani journalist, journeying through the United States recording real-life interactions with Americans. It is the second film built around one of Cohen's characters from Da Ali G Show, following Ali G Indahouse, which also featured a cameo by Borat. Despite an initial limited release in the United States, it was a critical and commercial success. Cohen won the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor: Musical or Comedy as Borat while the film was nominated for Best Motion Picture in the same category. Borat was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 79th Academy Awards but lost to The Departed. Controversy surrounded the film even before its release. It has been objected to for having a protagonist who is sexist and antisemitic (although the director, and both producers, including Cohen are Jewish), and some of those who appeared in the film later spoke against, and even sued, its creators. All Arab countries, except for Lebanon, banned it, and the Russian government discouraged cinemas there from showing it. It was released on DVD March 5, 2007 (a day later in Region 1 countries).