Exit Through the Gift Shop and Mr. Brainwash are Real, Says Mr. Brainwash

While the question of whether or not Banksy will be allowed to show up at the Kodak Theater on Sunday night to possibly collect the Best Documentary Feature award for Exit Through the Gift Shop remains up for debate, it appears one lingering doubt about the street art sensation has finally been answered. By one of Banksy's co-conspirators. Or maybe Banksy himself.

In a lengthy sit down with the Los Angeles Times, Thierry Guetta -- the Exit Through the Gift Shop star who some believe is actually Banksy -- says both he and the film are real. And he's not Banksy.

"This movie is 100% real," Guetta said over McDonald's french fries (how gauche!). "Banksy captured me becoming an artist. In the end, I became his biggest work of art. [...] He gives me a brush and a can, and he took the camera. [Banksy said] 'Go make your own show and have people filming it.'"

As for Guetta's questionable background, that checks out as well. The Times found public records about his life in Los Angeles which confirm that he wasn't a Borat-like creation made specifically for the film. Unless Banksy thought ahead and forged those public records in an effort to add even more credence to his hoax. Be honest: The dude would be that thorough.

Plot thickens or case closed? Judge for yourself.

· Getting at the truth of 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' [LAT/The Envelope]