Borat won’t present Oscar

But what about Borat?

Much to the relief, no doubt, of ABC’s standards department, Sacha Baron Cohen will not be a presenter at this year’s Academy Awards.

“He was asked,” Oscar broadcast producer Laura Ziskin said Friday, “but he declined.”

Baron Cohen has been reluctant to make appearances as himself, preferring to do interviews as Borat Sagdiyev, star of the faux documentary, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.”

Still, there had been speculation that the comedian’s participation in the show would bring a welcome shot of adrenaline to the broadcast.

Baron Cohen’s acceptance speech when he won an acting award at the Golden Globes was a homage to costar Ken Davitian’s naked backside, a feat hard to imagine at the more solemn Academy Awards.

“Borat” is up for an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, so even though he won’t be presenting, Baron Cohen could still wind up taking the stage, along with four other writers, as a winner.

And then all bets are off.