Wrestling legend and actor John Cena took the stage in a nearly naked appearance for a humorous “streaker skit” during the 2024 Academy Awards. This entertaining incident was a nod to the 50th anniversary of a historic Oscars moment when an actual streaker, identified as Robert Opel, ran across the stage during the presentation of an award in 1974.
In Cena’s comedic version, he joined host Jimmy Kimmel for the playful skit before presenting the award for best costume design. Kimmel set the stage by asking, “Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” Prompting Cena, seemingly undressed, to reply with a comical twist, “I changed my mind, I don’t want to do the streaker bit.” The crowd erupted in laughter.
Cena, in a witty move, eventually appeared fully naked, holding an oversized envelope over his private parts. With careful and humorous movements, he showcased his well-built physique while attempting to cover up. The audience was delighted as Cena, maintaining the comedic spirit, was later draped in a toga-like robe with a tasseled rope belt, emphasizing the importance of costume design.
Reflecting on the incident, columnist Rhonda Garelick noted the unexpected humor of a chiseled male body on stage.
“An exactingly chiseled, naked male body onstage is only funny because it is unexpected — because, that is, it does not belong to a woman”
“Seeing a naked woman on stage at the Oscars could never be funny, simply because it’s the norm to see female bodies in various states of revealing dress on the red carpet, and in movies as well.”
However, backstage photos revealed that Cena wasn’t entirely nude; he wore a beige-colored protective garment resembling underwear, covering both front and back. The supposed nude moment paid homage to the 1974 Oscars streaker incident, adding a modern and entertaining twist to Oscars history.
