At the Oscars on Sunday, John Cena, star of “Argylle,” made a daring impression that grabbed the audience’s attention. The 46-year-old wrestler-turned-actor seemingly took the stage wearing only his birthday suit as he presented the Best Costume Design award at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Clutching a large manila envelope with ‘Costume Design’ emblazoned across it, Cena showcased his chiseled six-pack abs and robust legs, all while donning brown slide sandals.
Despite the apparent nudity, meticulous safety measures were in place, with behind-the-scenes photos revealing Cena wore a flesh-toned covering over his private areas and posterior. The theatrical stunt reached its climax as Cena humorously covered up in a gold toga during the act.
Host Jimmy Kimmel’s Nod to Oscar History Sets the Stage
Host Jimmy Kimmel set the stage for Cena’s unconventional appearance by recounting a historical moment from the 1974 Academy Awards. During that ceremony, a streaker disrupted the proceedings, racing across the stage just as actor David Niven was preparing to introduce Elizabeth Taylor. In a bid to recreate the streaking episode’s 50th anniversary, Kimmel proposed the idea to Cena, who declined, citing concerns about the event’s elegance. After a brief exchange, Kimmel relented, instructing Cena to proceed with presenting the award. Cena, known for his role as the voice of Barbie, took center stage amid laughter, expressing the significance of costumes before announcing Holly Waddington as the winner for Poor Things’ costume design.
Oscar Audience Laughter Contrasts with Home Viewer Criticism
While Cena’s fellow actors seemingly enjoyed the light-hearted presentation, the bit didn’t resonate as well with viewers at home. Criticism flooded Cena’s Instagram page, with one fan expressing concern that Cena had hit “rock bottom” with the unconventional act, calling it a “humiliation ritual.” Another comment suggested that powerful individuals may have leverage over Cena, raising questions about the actor’s choices and motivations. The divisive performance sparked a discussion about Cena’s commitment to his artistic pursuits and the toll such antics might take on his reputation.
Nikki Bella’s Reaction and Social Media Commentary
Notably, Cena’s ex-fiancée, Nikki Bella, now using her birth name Nikki Garcia, was present in the audience during the Oscar ceremony. Social media buzzed with reactions to Bella’s potential response, with some speculating that she must have cringed at Cena’s on-stage antics. Others suggested that the incident served as a reminder of why Bella ended her relationship with Cena in 2018. Despite the attention on Cena’s personal life, Nikki Bella herself commanded attention in the audience, stunning in a plunging gold gown with her black hair elegantly styled in a long bob. She has been married to “Dancing with the Stars” coach Artem Chigvintsev since 2022, while Cena tied the knot with Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020.
In the aftermath of Cena’s Oscar moment, the actor finds himself at the center of a polarized public response, with discussions ranging from the boundaries of artistic expression to the impact of personal choices on one’s public image. As the social media discourse unfolds, Cena’s unconventional appearance continues to spark curiosity and debate, reflecting the complexities of celebrity culture in the digital age.
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