Speculation surrounding Dwayne Johnson's potential Oscar nomination has intensified following the overwhelming response to his role as wrestler Mark Kerr in the film "The Smashing Machine." Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson's performance was met with a rousing 15-minute standing ovation, marking one of the longest applauses at this year’s festival. This reaction has sparked discussions about the possibility of an Academy Award nod for the 53-year-old actor.
During the emotional screening, Johnson was visibly moved, shedding tears as the audience on the Lido celebrated his performance. The film's director, Benny Safdie, joined Johnson in this moment of joy, embracing his stars while the audience continued to cheer. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the emotional premiere of Brendan Fraser's film "The Whale," which significantly contributed to Fraser's Oscar campaign four years prior.
Adding to the heartfelt moment, Mark Kerr, the real-life inspiration for the film, was also seen in tears as the credits rolled. The palpable emotion surrounding "The Smashing Machine" has set a high bar for this year's awards season, establishing it as one of the most significant premieres at the festival.
In "The Smashing Machine," Johnson undergoes a remarkable transformation to portray the two-time UFC Heavyweight champion, Mark Kerr. The actor is nearly unrecognizable, thanks to extensive prosthetics that enhance his physical appearance. Johnson, who previously gained fame as the WWE star known as The Rock, expressed his desire to take on more challenging roles that delve into the complexities of human experiences.
Speaking to Variety, Johnson emphasized his commitment to exploring authentic and raw stories, stating, “I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and struggle.” His dedication to pushing his acting boundaries signifies a shift in his career, moving away from commercial hits like "Black Adam," "The Mummy," and "Baywatch."
The 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival has proven to be a star-studded event, featuring notable celebrities such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Emma Stone. Johnson and his co-star, Emily Blunt, added to the festival's glamour, which is now recognized as the official launch of the awards season.
Blunt plays Kerr’s girlfriend, Dawn Staples, in the film, marking another collaboration between the two actors after their previous work in Disney’s action-adventure film "Jungle Cruise." Their connection with director Benny Safdie, known for his previous collaborations with his brother Josh on indie hits like "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems," adds an intriguing layer to the film.
As the buzz around Dwayne Johnson and "The Smashing Machine" continues to grow, many are eagerly anticipating the film's release by A24 in November. With its emotional depth and powerful performances, the film is poised to make a significant impact during the upcoming awards season. Will Johnson secure his place among the nominees? Only time will tell, but the Venice Film Festival has certainly set the stage for a compelling Oscar campaign.
