John Cena reflects on naked appearance at the the Oscars
Sometimes, a joke requires a high level of embarrassment. John Cena learnt that the hard way at the Academy Awards, when a skit he did while presenting saw the actor go naked in front of a room of the most famous and respected people in the film world.
The Oscars is a glitzy affair. For one night, the biggest names in cinema are in one place, including some of the most renowned and respected directors in history, the most popular actors around and the important people that rule the industry from behind the scenes. Usually people are talking about what amazing outfits everyone is wearing as the red carpet is an event in itself. However, in 2024, Cena skipped the dress code to go nude instead.
Host Jimmy Kimmel started the joke when he said, “Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn’t that be crazy?” From the side of the stage, Cena popped his head out and said, “I changed my mind. I don’t want to do the streaker bit anymore. … You should feel ashamed right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea.”
“It’s supposed to be funny,” Kimmel responded before Cena retorted, “The male body is not a joke.” To that, the host added, “Mine is.”
When Cena came out to present the award for ‘Best Costume Design’, he was stripped down to nothing but the results envelope containing the winning name.
In a new interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, Cena discussed his fear over the joke. “I walk out in front of a room of my peers — many of which I’ve never met because I haven’t worked my way up to meet [them],” he said, seeming genuinely embarrassed about the joke.
“I have the most decorated performers, producers, directors in one room, and I’m gonna go out there, with my balls in the wind, with an index card covering my stuff like, ‘Hey guys, is this funny? Are we good?’” he continued.
Cena wasn’t fully naked but was wearing a flesh-coloured sling. He was also given a drape to cover up during the winner’s speech to be respectful. But in a room of seriously famous people on one of the most serious and respected nights in the cinema calendar, it’s easy to see why Cena was so nervous about his full-frontal prank on such a prestigious audience.
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