I’m sure we were all wondering just what exactly would happen if English Artist/Vandal/Genius Banksy actually won the Best Documentary Oscar for his acclaimed debut film Exit through the Gift Shop. Would he appear on stage wearing his trademark monkey mask? Would a producer or another suit take the credit instead? Or, in classic Banksy style, would he have organised some kind of hilarious and awkward artistic event to take place that would go down in Oscar history? I’m sad to report we may not ever know.

According to an interview Banksy did with UK Newspaper Metro, the elusive street artist was asked if he would be allowed to appear at the Oscars and accept his gong in disguise. Out of fear of troublemaking imitators, the Academy bosses have denied this request.

When Banksy first found out about his nomination he stated that “This is a big surprise. I don’t agree with the concept of award ceremonies, but I’m prepared to make an exception for the ones I’m nominated for. The last time there was a naked man covered in gold paint in my house, it was me.”

We love you Banksy. Interestingly enough, there have been various reports stating that Banksy-styled artworks have been popping up around the city of Angels in preparation for the big night, Sunday February 27th. Australian audiences can watch the Oscars ceremony live from midday Monday morning on Channel 9.

A full list of the nominees for the 83rd Academy Awards can be found here.