Jimmy Kimmel’s 2024 Oscars hosting gig saw everything from a controversial aim at Robert Downey Jr.’s sobriety to an improvised quip at former US President Donald Trump.
But it was John Cena appearing nude with an envelope covering his crotch to present the best costume design award that Kimmel says earned him the most ‘scrutiny’.
In his latest Jimmy Kimmel Live! monologue, the Oscars host claimed none of his other hosting gags have received as much ‘commotion’ as Cena’s naked onstage stunt.
“It was very funny, but getting this on the air… of all the times I’ve hosted the Oscars or the Emmys or anything, no comedy bit has ever received more scrutiny than this one,” Kimmel admitted.
Watch the video above.
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“There were meetings and side meetings, there were emails and texts and phone calls. There were people were sweating; somebody was crying,” he continued.
“Then, once they realised we weren’t gonna take no for an answer, there were intense discussions about the size of the envelope and whether we needed to Velcro it to John’s body.”
Kimmel then brought out a much larger envelope, which prompted the audience to laugh.
“Very rarely does an idea literally push the envelope, and this one did,” he added, then sharing executives were “terrified” when it came time for Cena to walk out.
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The comedian finished up by apologising to the crowd for “nearly killing our department of standards and practices”
At the start of his monologue, Kimmel explained the hilarious stunt was a nod to the time a streaker stormed the stage for the Best Picture announcement in 1974.
“We wanted to do something to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Oscars streaker,” the host said.
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At the 46th Academy Awards, right as David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor, a man unexpectedly ran across the stage with no clothes on.
“Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” Kimmel said during this week’s Oscar ceremony before Cena suddenly popped out on stage, sans clothes.
Kimmel later wrapped Cena in a toga made from a curtain so he could be clothed to present the Best Costume Design award.
While he appeared to be completely in the nude, backstage photos later revealed the star had a piece of beige fabric adhered to his crotch and rear, hidden beneath the envelope.