It’s been 50 years since a speedster sensationally disrupted the Oscars – the organizers of the 2024 Oscars used this strange anniversary as an opportunity to put together what was probably the most amusing bit of the evening.
Jimmy Kimmel recalled what had happened back then: At the awards ceremony in 1974, David Niven was about to introduce Elizabeth Taylor – she was supposed to give the award for Best Picture – when suddenly a naked man flashed across the stage, who not only a peace sign showed: It was the then 33-year-old artist and photographer Robert Opel.
John Cena was supposed to recreate this moment, but he didn’t really dare to come out from behind the scenes. However, he should also announce the nominees for “Best Costume”:
Margot Robbie in particular could hardly contain herself from laughing – and many others in the Dolby Theater also celebrated John Cena’s courageous performance:
When the nominees were read out, John Cena needed some help from Jimmy Kimmel; he didn’t dare lift the card either. The host rushed over and while the nominees appeared on the screen, an elegant sash was thrown over Cena so that he could finally open the envelope with the winner:
Oscars: What was the background to the famous speedster incident from 50 years ago?
After the short but impressive appearance at the Oscars, the original speedster Robert Opel gave a press conference in which he also commented on the reasons for his controversial appearance. He explained at the time that he believed “people shouldn’t be ashamed of being naked in public.” But Opel also admitted that it was a “damn good start to his career”.
The tragic end of Robert Opel
Among other things, Opel opened a gallery in which the works of art by homosexual artists were exhibited. However, Robert Opel’s life ended tragically. In 1979 he was shot by two drug dealers during a robbery. It emerged later during the trial that he had owed the men money.