Entertainment Movies John Cena Wasn't Actually Naked at the 2024 Oscars — See the Backstage Pics That Prove It The wrestler and actor stripped down to nothing but Birkenstocks on stage Sunday night in honor of the film industry's costume departments By Kelly Wynne Kelly Wynne Kelly Wynne has been a TV writer at PEOPLE digital since 2021. Her work has been seen in Newsweek, where she acted as a reality TV and true-crime writer, Atwood Magazine and her mental health blog, The Chronically. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 15, 2024 04:20PM EDT John Cena made sure he didn't show too much on the 2024 Oscars stage. The Suicide Squad actor appeared to be fully naked as he presented the award for best costume design. He certainly wasn't wearing much, but Cena, 46, had some precautions in place to avoid any dramatic wardrobe malfunction. Behind-the-scenes photos show Cena standing in an Oscars hallway wearing nothing but a modesty pouch to cover his most personal parts. The coverage was basically a pair of underwear that pocketed Cena both front and back. So, while it looked like the pro wrestler could flash the audience any moment, the Oscars wardrobe team made sure that wouldn't happen. John Cena pictured backstage at the 2024 Oscars. Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Cena took the stage with nothing but an oversized winner's envelope to cover his groin area...and a pair of Birkenstocks. It was all an homage to one dramatic Oscars moment past. "At the 46th Academy Awards, 1974, David Niven was in the middle of introducing Elizabeth Taylor when a nude man — a streaker — ran across the stage," Host Jimmy Kimmel said as he was introducing Cena. "Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?" Well...Cena fit the bill, though he wasn't trying to become the next Hollywood streaker. The pair joked Cena was supposed to streak when Kimmel offered the "what if", but got cold feet at the last second. "Honestly, you should feel shame right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea," Cena quipped to Kimmel, adding, "The male body is not a joke." John Cena backstage at the 2024 Oscars. Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Cena then reported to center stage with the large presenter's envelope to announce the award — which went to Poor Things — though he couldn't lift the envelope to share the nominees." Costumes… they are so important. Maybe the most important thing there is," Cena said — referencing his nudity. "I can’t open the envelope." Kimmel offered aid and announced the nominations so Cena could stay fully covered. Jimmy Kimmel and John Cena take the stage at the 96th Annual Academy Awards. Kevin Winter/Getty Images By the time the nominee montage ended, Cena was clothed in a makeshift toga, which looked like it was fashioned out of an Oscars stage curtain and tassel. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, are airing live on ABC Sunday from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.