What John Cena Really Wore During His Oscars Appearance Is Weirder Than Nudity

In a callback to the streaker incident at the 1974 Oscars, John Cena was seemingly naked at the 96th Academy Awards. During the comedic bit, Cena used an envelope to seemingly hide his genitals as he "reluctantly" shuffled across the stage to the mic to present the Oscar award for best costume while stating things like: "The male body is not a joke."

Overall, the stunt was met with praise and shock on social media — with some users calling it "degenerate" while others deemed him a "national treasure" — and served as one of the night's most memorable events and chief among the most jaw-dropping Oscars moments. However, it turns out Cena wasn't actually naked on stage.

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As shown in a couple of backstage photos shared by People, Cena sported a skin-colored piece of cloth both in front and behind to conceal his most intimate areas should anything go awry during the stunt. The irony of presenting the winner in the best costume design category while nearly naked wasn't lost on him. Cena remarked, "Costumes ... they are so important, maybe the most important thing there is." In the morning following the stunt, Cena even poked more fun of himself by posting an image of the muscular and naked alien from "Prometheus" on Instagram.

But how did this costume change happen? It's all thanks to a speedy set crew! While audiences at home were treated to a 20-second video showcasing the nominees for best costume design, Oscars attendees saw a team of people rush onstage and quickly dress John Cena into something more appropriate for the formal event. Even host Jimmy Kimmel lent a hand, tying a tassel around the "Suicide Squad" actor's waist just in time for him to announce the winner — not to mention blocking Cena's body as he dressed for the announcement.

What you didn't see on TV: John Cena's quick change. pic.twitter.com/h9tXdZXd1g

— Vulture (@vulture) March 11, 2024

Many on social media praised the team for helping Cena out. "The crew deserves a special award," shared X, formerly known as Twitter, user @Bryanauthor62. "Imagine helping dress him for this quick change being your job," expressed @palpabletamago. "I love show biz." This isn't the only "risqué" stunt the actor has pulled recently — Cena just started an OnlyFans account (but it's not what you think).

Ok, but who won the award for best costume? Well, the honor went to Holly Waddington (2016's "Lady Macbeth"), the costume designer of "Poor Things" — a production also known for comedically baring it all on set. Waddington received the award dressed in a formal gown that looked as ornate as Cena's flowing toga dress. No, Cena wouldn't have known who the award would go to ahead of time. Still, several viewers on X pointed out the pitch-perfect nature of its results, like one user who wrote: "John Cena in a dress giving an Oscar to Poor Things is everything."

"Poor Things" follows Emma Stone's Bella Baxter's evolution from a toddler-like adult to a calculating estate owner — but not before several trysts, sex scenes, and campy gothic romance set pieces. Notably, the film also interrogates what feminity means throughout its runtime with plenty of luscious dresses, poofy sleeves, and jabs at people's discomfort over nakedness. 

Before her win, Waddington told WWD that it was a joy to work on the movie, stating, "One of the great things about working with Yorgos [Lanthimos, director] is that he isn't somebody who comes to you with a finished sense of what things should be. He very much encourages a rich, creative process for each of his collaborators." Congrats, team!