John Cena made a surprise appearance on the Oscars stage wearing a very interesting outfit. Or lack thereof.
Host Jimmy Kimmel noted that this year’s event is the 50th anniversary of a streaker who famously ran across the stage.
At the 46th Academy Awards in 1974, right as David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor, a naked man unexpectedly ran across the stage.
Watch the video above.
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Kimmel referenced the memorable moment, joking: “Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?”
He left an awkward pause as the audience laughter died out before repeating his question a second time.
“I said, can you imagine if a naked man ran across the stage today,” Kimmel said.
John Cena’s head then appeared, popping up around the corner from backstage, and from what the audience could see it seemed he wasn’t wearing any clothes.
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“Psst, Jim,” he whispered, as Kimmel turned to look at him.
As the audience erupted into laughter, Cena explained to Kimmel he didn’t “want to do the streaker bit anymore.”
“I don’t feel good about it,” he said. “It is an elegant event. You should feel shame right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea.”
Kimmel was then heard explaining that it was meant to be a joke to which Cena responded, “the male body is not a joke.”
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Eventually Cena was coxed out from behind the set to reveal he really was wearing nothing other than a pair of Birkenstocks and an envelope.
He took to the stage to announce the winner for Best Costume design, “Costumes they are so important,” he quipped. “Maybe the most important thing there is.”
He then struggled to open the envelope without revealing anything as the audience continued to laugh at the unexpected bit.
Cena announced Poor Things costume designer Holly Waddington as the winner before quickly scurrying backstage, probably to put some clothes on.