Good thing Sacha Baron Cohen wasn't banned from the Oscars ... because he just had the highlight moment of the night.
Cohen showed up in costume as "The Dictator" and, while being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest, poured what he said were the ashes of Kim Jong-il all over him!
Check out the hilarious moment above.
Cohen was ushered away after the incident, leaving Ryan covered in white powder -- and forcing him to explain the situation to stars like Antonio Banderas and Tina Fey after.
For the record, Ryan said he believed the powder was actually Bisquick.
