John Cena wore the most daring outfit to the 2024 Oscars — his birthday suit.
The “Suicide Squad” actor stepped out on stage without clothes while ironically presenting the award for best costume design to the 2023 film “Poor Things” starring Emma Stone.
Originally, he was supposed to pay homage to the 1974 Oscar streaker with host Jimmy Kimmel but backed out last minute.
John Cena stepped out in his birthday suit while presenting the award for best costume design at the 2024 Oscars Sunday. AFP via Getty Images
The planned bit with Jimmy Kimmel was intended to pay homage to the 1974 Oscar streaker. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
Kimmel, 56, set up the skit, explaining the awards show was the “50th anniversary of what used to be the craziest moment in Oscar history.”
“At the 46th Academy Award 1974, David Nivin was in the middle of introducing Elizabeth Taylor when a nude man ran across the stage,” the comedian said.
“Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” he continued, seemingly giving Cena the “go” to run across the stage sans clothes.
The actor was originally supposed to run out on stage without clothes. AFP via Getty Images
However, he couldn’t fully commit. Getty Images
After a moment of silence, he tried again: “I said, can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn’t that be crazy.”
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Cena, 46, then propped his head out from behind the stage set with his face full of regret.
Calling Kimmel over to him, the actor said, “I changed my mind, I don’t want to do the streaker bit anymore.”
“I changed my mind, I don’t want to do the streaker bit anymore,” Cena told Kimmel. Getty Images
“I just don’t feel right about it. It’s an elegant event,” he continued. Getty Images
“I just don’t feel right about it. It’s an elegant event. Honestly, you should feel ashamed right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea,” he quipped.
After going back and forth with the late-night talk show host, Cena finally agreed to present the award.
Grabbing the envelope from Kimmel, the professional wrestler covered his private parts, which appeared to be covered with a modesty garment, as he slowly inched toward the microphone in the middle of the stage.
Despite his hesitation, the “F9” star still walked onto the stage to present the award. AFP via Getty Images
Cena was later clothed with a golden-colored toga. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
The audience cheered for the “F9” star as he quipped, “Costumes. They are so important. Maybe the most important thing there is.”
Hesitating to lift the envelope and read the nominees, he said, “I can’t open the envelope.”
A seemingly annoyed Kimmel then returned to the stage to take over Cena’s job. Meanwhile, assistants were seen in a behind-the-scenes video posted to Twitter putting a gold-colored toga around the actor.
Cena then presented the award to “Poor Things” before walking off stage.
