Cena was presented with the Academy Award for Best Costume Design at the 2024 Oscars
John Cena, aged 46, wasn’t nude during his viral moment at the 2024 Oscars.
Cena joined host Jimmy Kimmel on stage to present the Oscar for Best Costume Design, appearing to be unclothed and using the winner’s envelope to cover his genitals.
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However, backstage photos revealed that “The Suicide Squad” actor was covered up. The Oscars team ensured there wouldn’t be any accidental exposure on television by providing Cena with a nude-colored pouch to conceal his private parts and backside from view nationwide.
“At the 46th Academy Awards in 1974, David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor when a nude man, a streaker, ran across the stage,” Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel informed the audience before introducing Cena. “Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?”
Rather than streaking, Cena appeared almost nude to present the award for costume design.
“Honestly, you should feel ashamed for suggesting such a tasteless idea,” Cena responded to Kimmel. “The male body is not a joke.”
Kimmel had to announce the nominees for costume design himself because Cena refused to move the envelope away from the private area it was concealing.
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“Costumes… they’re incredibly crucial. Maybe the most vital aspect,” Cena quipped. “I can’t open the envelope.”
As Kimmel listed the nominees, Cena draped himself in a toga.
The Oscar for best costume design went to “Poor Things,” which features Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Ramy Youssef.
Stone also won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Bella in the film.
“Oh my God, I’m completely… Okay, the other night I was freaking out, as you can probably tell, it happens a lot… that maybe something like this could happen,” Stone said during her acceptance speech. “And Yorgos said to me, ‘Please take yourself out of it,’ he was right because it’s not about me.
“It’s about a team that came together to create something greater than the sum of its parts,” she continued. “And that’s the best aspect of making movies – all of us working together. I am incredibly honored to share this with every cast member, crew member, and person who poured their love, care, and brilliance into making this film.”