Wrestler and actor John Cena makes the most memorable cameo at the 96th Academy Awards. He practically stole the Oscars show with his witty presence, that too without getting an award or a nomination.
Cena was at the awards night to present the trophy to the winner of the Best Costume Design segment. But the highlight was that he went nearly nude on stage.
Naked John Cena Shocks Everyone
The former professional wrestler, who is now a celebrated Hollywood actor, made an eye-popping entry onto the stage. The comedy piece was an ode to the 1974 Oscars incident where a streaker disrupted the event. Back then, the presenter was David Niven, and perhaps the host of this Academy Awards night, Jimmy Kimmel had okayed this idea.
John Cena went clothes-free (nearly) and played the comic role of Merman Ken. It is a nod to “Barbie” movie’s Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. Oddly enough, the department in which he was presenting the award was for costume design. This ironic overlap was to indicate how crucial costume designers are in a film and how they should get their due. Well played!
What Happened
Jimmy Kimmel brought up the 1974 streaking incident when actor John Cena peeked from behind the curtain. He expressed some concerns about going through with Jimmy’s skit as planned. Kimmel disses him, calling him “the worst,” and hands out the envelope containing the winner’s name.
Helpless John then comes onto the stage, shocking everyone by revealing what he is wearing. The Dolby Theatre erupted in laughs, and Margot Robbie’s reaction upon seeing him went viral. “Costumes,” Cena pauses before continuing, “they are very important.” As the nominations were announced, they dimmed the lights.
When the lights came back on, Jimmy was helping John get into a toga-style ball gown of sorts. Now there is no need to hide behind the envelope, and John Cena announces the winner for the Best Costume Design. Holly Waddington won it for “Poor Things,” and Cena went backstage, beaming.
The funny appearance of Cena made it look as if he was wearing nothing, but in fact, he had a modest pouch like in the movies. A modesty pouch is a tiny cloth used to cover up intimate parts while filming sex scenes.
Other Interesting Moments
Arnold Schwarzenegger teamed up with Danny DeVito to present awards for Best Film Editing and Best Visual Effects. They played Twins in the Batman franchise, and this reunion was unexpected. “Oppenheimer” star Emily Blunt and “Barbie” actor Ryan Gosling ribbed each other about their alleged Barbenheimer rivalry. Gosling also performed “I’m Just Ken.”
Al Pacino’s disorganised speech and “Anatomy of a Fall” Messi the Dog’s cameo were some other interesting moments. Jimmy Kimmel’s addiction joke aimed at Robert Downey Jr. attracted flak. But nothing compares to John Cena’s gingerly walk in the buff. Fans say that the envelope was floating in the air, a reference to Cena’s line “You Can’t See Me” at the WWE.