Sign up for our breaking news emails to get free, real-time breaking news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for our free emails with breaking news
John Cena has reflected on his decision to appear completely naked on stage at the Oscars.
The Blockers The actor and former wrestler surprised viewers at the 2024 Academy Awards in March when he presented the award for Best Costume Design naked.
In a comedy sketch, Cena stepped out from the wings of the stage, looking embarrassed, his genitals covered only by his winner’s envelope. “Costumes are… so important,” he sighed. “Maybe the most important thing of all.”
Looking back on the experience, however, Cena wondered if the scene was actually funny.
In conversation with former NFL player Shannon Sharpe on his talk show Club Shay ShayCena recalled the embarrassment he felt when he realized he was performing naked in front of Hollywood stars he had never met.
“I have the most decorated artists, producers and directors in a room and I walk out there with all the stops on my stuff and I’m like, ‘Hey guys, is this funny? Are we good?'” he said.
He continued, “I have all the people behind the camera, but then I step in front of a room full of colleagues, many of whom I’ve never met because I haven’t worked my way up to get to know (them).”
The Peacemaker The star said the idea for the sketch came about when host Jimmy Kimmel called him and asked him to make a cameo.
“Jimmy Kimmel called me personally and said, ‘I need you at the Oscars.’ And he said, ‘I’ll just send you the clipping.’ And he sent it on paper and I called him back and said, ‘When do you need me there?'” he explained.
Cena explained that nude tape was used to conceal his private parts, even though he originally expected to be “more naked.”
However, he said the tape did not improve his situation. “That was even more embarrassing,” he said. “To go out there with a taped up asshole? That’s tough.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled.
Try for free
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled.
Try for free
At the time, fans were surprised by Cena’s performance, but praised him for his commitment.
“No matter what anyone says, John Cena HAS STARTED HIMSELF,” one person wrote on X/Twitter.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS JOHN CENA DOING??!?” wrote another.
“The naked John Cena performance might be the best Oscar performance ever,” noted another.
At the end, Cena appeared in a bronze toga costume and presented the award to The poorwhich won the award for best costume design.
