For years, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, has been Hollywood’s very own blockbuster machine. Be it racing cars in ‘Fast and Furious‘, or showing off the strength in ‘Black Adam’, we’ve always flocked to him for the popcorn fun. Now, he is ready with his most compelling performance yet in MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s biopic, ‘The Smashing Machine.’
As it turns out, our macho guy has a completely different side to him hidden away that might now line him up for the Oscars. The Rock actually shed tears over his latest film.
‘The Smashing Machine’ Garners Spectacular Response In Venice
Dwayne Johnson graced the glamorous Venice red carpet for the premiere of ‘The Smashing Machine.’ But who knew, the action hero we know so well would turn out to be a sobbing softie? Once the lights went down, we saw a very different Dwyane onscreen. As the film hit the screen, we saw Johnson disappear into the role of UFC legend Mark Kerr, a fighter not just inside the cage but against his own demons.
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It’s not something we have ever seen him do before. And then came the moment that had everyone talking. As the credits rolled, the audience jumped to their feet. The applause didn’t stop. It went on and on and on. For 15 minutes, the room roared. Johnson, overwhelmed, broke down in tears. Director Benny Safdie hugged him tight. Emily Blunt, his co-star, joined in the waterworks. Even Kerr himself was sobbing.
The Rock was seen in tears whilst receiving a 15 minute standing ovation for his new movie ‘The Smashing Machine.’
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 1, 2025
pic.twitter.com/ng2fv9CX27
While everyone was busy getting emotional, the rest of the world started speculating what could be next for Johnson. Remember Brendan Fraser crying in Venice after ‘The Whale?’ That ovation carried him straight to an Oscar win. So, it’s only a reflex to wonder if our favorite action hero will follow the same path, too.
Why The Role Is So Special To Dwayne Johnson
Part of the magic here is the film itself. Benny Safdie, one-half of the Safdie brothers, makes his solo directorial debut with The Smashing Machine. If you’ve seen his past work, you’d know his favorite genre is ‘nerve-jangling realism,’ and now, it seems like Johnson has leaned all the way into it.
In case you missed it: Dwayne Johnson Undergoes Shocking Transformation To Play Mark Kerr In Gritty MMA Drama ‘The Smashing Machine’
For most of Johnson’s career, six-packs and catchphrases have supported him to a great extent in his roles. But as Kerr, the external features have only such a little role to play. It’s about a man at war with himself. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champ who battled drug addiction, personal chaos, and the brutal toll of fighting. It wasn’t easy for Johnson to slip into the Mark Kerr role, though. Not only did he sit through heavy prosthetic sessions to resemble Kerr, he completely stripped away the ‘The Rock’ persona he’s so popular for.
After seeing our hero bend himself 360 degrees for the role, the comparisons of The Smashing Machine to Fraser’s The Whale comeback are impossible to ignore. Both men were known as action-adventure stars. Both were underestimated when it came to “serious” roles. And both found themselves standing on a Venice stage, tears streaming down their faces as audiences wouldn’t stop applauding.
We all know how Fraser’s story ended, with a golden statue on Oscar night. Could Johnson be aiming for the same? But obviously, no Oscar campaign happens without some serious muscle behind the scenes, and all thanks to the indie powerhouse A24 for that. After a long list of wins, they’re now backing up The Smashing Machine, which is scheduled for a November release. That’s prime awards-season timing. Now that Venice has already given Johnson his emotional breakout moment, it’s up to A24 to give it the much-needed momentum.
However, awards season is crowded, and the Academy can be picky. But the fact that we’re even talking about Johnson and the Oscars in the same breath is already a huge thing!
