The 96th Annual Academy Awards, held on March 10, showcased not just the achievements of actors and filmmakers but also featured some unexpected theatrics. In a humorous segment that deviated from the stunning fashion moments, John Cena made headlines with a playful stunt.
The Oscars host for the night, Jimmy Kimmel, set the stage for a memorable event referencing the 50th anniversary of the infamous streaking episode by photographer Robert Opel during the awards five decades earlier. In the original incident, Opel made his way across the Oscars stage while David Niven was presenting with Elizabeth Taylor.
Kimmel poked fun at this historical moment, suggesting a repeat performance to the delight of the audience. “Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” Kimmel mused, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Amid the laughter, John Cena made an unexpected appearance without a shirt, causing a stir. Cena was supposedly set to mimic the streaking act, yet he retracted his willingness on stage. Cena, recognized for his role as Mermaid Ken in 2023’s Barbie, voiced his discomfort with the prank, citing the Oscars as an “elegant event.”
What followed was a witty exchange between Kimmel and Cena regarding the male physique’s comedic value, the appropriateness of attire – or the lack thereof – and a mock standoff that concluded with Cena presenting the next award.
Exhibiting his improv skills, Cena used some clever positioning to maintain his modesty while he crab-walked across the stage with the award envelope.
Amid much laughter and applause, Cena, now humorously claiming the high importance of costumes, received assistance from Kimmel and the backstage team to don a makeshift toga. This quick adaptation allowed him to confidently announce the winner of the Best Costume Design category—Poor Things, acknowledging the skilled costume designers of the film.
With Kimmel’s contribution and a few laughs, the segment concluded, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the star-studded evening.
FAQs About John Cena’s Oscars ‘Streaking’ Incident
Q: Did John Cena actually streak at the Oscars?
A: No, he didn’t. The moment was a staged skit that involved him pretending to be set to streak across the stage.
Q: What role did John Cena play in the movie Barbie?
A: John Cena played the character Mermaid Ken in the 2023 film Barbie.
Q: Who won the Best Costume Design award at the 2024 Oscars?
A: The film Poor Things won the award for Best Costume Design.
Q: Has there been an actual streaking incident at the Oscars before?
A: Yes, in 1974, photographer Robert Opel famously streaked across the Oscars stage.
Conclusion
The 2024 Oscars, while celebrating cinematic brilliance, also enjoyed moments of comic relief. John Cena’s playful act, set against the backdrop of an elegant red carpet affair, reminded viewers that the Oscars can entertain in more ways than one. This humorous stunt will surely become part of the event’s lore, joining the ranks of memorable Oscar moments. Cena’s amiable wit and Kimmel’s comedic timing undoubtedly brought additional charm to an already enchanting evening.