Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could be looking at an Oscar nomination after playing a UFC legend.
The WWE superstar-turned-actor took on one of the biggest challenges of his career thus far with his new MMA film, ‘The Smashing Machine’.
Produced by A24, the biopic tells the story of UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr: his wins, his losses, a battle with opioid addiction and a turbulent relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, The Devil Wears Prada).
With the help of prosthetics, Johnson saw an unreal and almost unrecognizable transformation into Kerr.
‘The Smashing Machine’, which is set to release on Oct. 3, held its worldwide premiere in Venice on Monday.
Johnson was simply overwhelmed by the reception to the film.
Photo by Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImageDwayne Johnson tears up during 15-minute standing ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine’
As the credits rolled for the premiere, the star-studded cast of ‘The Smashing Machine’ received a 15-minute standing ovation from those in attendance.
Johnson and director Benny Safdie were brought to tears as the crowd continued to clap.
Dwayne Johnson weeps during the 15-minute #Venezia2025 standing ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine.’ This was the most emotion we’ve since on the Lido since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign here four years ago for ‘The Whale.’ pic.twitter.com/BzAjB4v6uk
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 1, 2025
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“This was the most emotion we’ve since on the Lido since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign here four years ago for ‘The Whale.’” Variety’s Ramin Setoodeh posted on X.
Brendan Fraser won best actor in a leading role for ‘The Whale’ back in 2023. There’s a chance Johnson will be up for an Oscar nomination for his performance as UFC heavyweight tournament winner Mark Kerr.
‘The Smashing Machine’ debuts at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
The reviews are in for ‘The Smashing Machine’
Still a month out from its worldwide release, the film debuted with a rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Johnson won over the critics with what they’re calling an extraordinary performance.
“Johnson, shifting his whole aspect (he seems like a new actor), invests that silent, moody, hidden side of Mark with a quality of mystery. He gives an extraordinary performance,” Variety’s Owen Gleiberman reviewed on Rotten Tomatoes.
“This is the most raw and vulnerable that Johnson has ever been on screen. Once you’ve seen him this exposed, you won’t watch his typical action movie stunts in quite the same way ever again,” Geoffrey Macnab wrote in their review.
“Johnson owns the whole thing with his truly remarkable work as fighter Mark Kerr, disappearing so fully underneath Kazu Hiru’s astonishing prosthetics,” Deadline’s Damon Wise reviewed.
As of this writing, The Smashing Machine stands at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.