Robert Opel (né Oppel; October 23, 1939 – July 7, 1979) was an American photographer and art gallery owner most famous for streaking during the 46th Academy Awards in 1974.

In March 1978, Opel opened Fey-Way Studios, a gallery of gay male art, at 1287 Howard Street in San Francisco.

[2][3] The gallery helped bring such erotic gay artists as Tom of Finland and Robert Mapplethorpe to national attention and showed others, such as Dom Orejudos, Domino,[4] Bill Schmeling, Al Shapiro, Chuck Arnett, Olaf Odegaard, and Rex.

[7] On April 2, 1974, Opel apparently posed as a journalist to gain entry to the stage at the 46th Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

After breaking into laughter momentarily, Niven regained his composure, turned to the audience and quipped, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen...

In addition to narration and reenactments by Oppel, the film includes interviews with John Waters, Divine, Daniel Nicoletta, Mark Thompson, Jack Fritscher, and others.

[7] Opel was honored as part of the 2017 San Francisco South of Market Leather History Alley, named on a bronze bootprint.