John Cena appeared on stage at 2024's Oscars almost fully nude in a funny nod to the 50th anniversary of a real incident that happened in the show's past.
This shocking moment began when Oscar's host Jimmy Kimmel was discussing the infamous moment during 1974's Academy Awards when a naked man went streaking on stage while David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor.
A naked John Cena and Jimmy Kimmel bicker on stage at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/1JYd5qth6F
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024
As he was repeating, "Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?," Cena appeared behind a wall behind him. He was supposed to go streaking, but he was having second thoughts. He said he changed his mind because this was such an "elegant event" and that Kimmel should be ashamed for "suggesting such a tasteless idea." According to Cena, the "male body is not a joke."
After Kimell poinoted out that he always wrestled naked, Cena rebutted by saying, "I don't wrestle naked! I wrestle in jorts!"
He was finally convinced to come out on stage and the only thing covering his body was the winner's envelope for Best Costume Design. It was the perfect category for this bit, as he then said, "Costumes... They are so important. Maybe the most important thing there is."
Cena couldn't even open the envelope because then he really would have nothing covering himself. In reality, however, People reported some backstage pics that prove he at least had some protection in the front and back. Either way, it was a hilarious moment that got many laughs.
Oppenheimer was the big winner of the 96th Academy Awards as it won Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Actor in a Leader Role (Cillian Murphy), Actor in a Supporting Role (Robert Downey Jr.), Cinematography, Music (Original Score), and Film Editing. You can check out the full list of Oscar 2024 winners right here.
Image Credit: Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty Images
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Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
