The Smashing Machine sparks Oscar buzz for Dwayne Johnson: What to know
Dwayne Johnson delivers a career-best performance as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, sparking Oscar buzz at Venice. Credit: A24
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has stunned critics and audiences alike with his most daring role yet. Premiering at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, The Smashing Machine not only showcases Johnson in a raw, unrecognizable light but has also ignited serious Oscar buzz, marking what could be a career-defining moment for the Hollywood superstar.
From Action Star to Awards Contender
For decades, Johnson has been one of Hollywood’s most bankable names, dominating the box office with blockbuster franchises like Fast & Furious and Jumanji. Yet, despite his commercial success, he has often been overlooked in the conversation for prestigious awards.
The Smashing Machine changes that narrative. In portraying MMA fighter Mark Kerr, Johnson abandons his trademark superhero physique and delivers a vulnerable, emotionally charged performance that critics are calling the best of his career.
A Bold Transformation That Shocked Fans
To embody Kerr, Johnson shed his iconic muscle-bound image, sparking widespread concern among fans when he appeared noticeably leaner at Venice. But this transformation was no accident, it was a deliberate artistic choice to capture the physical and emotional toll of Kerr’s life, marked by both legendary victories in the cage and devastating battles with addiction.
This willingness to dismantle his polished, larger-than-life persona underscores Johnson’s commitment to serious acting, positioning him for recognition far beyond the blockbuster realm.
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Standing Ovation and Early Oscar Buzz
The film, directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt as Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples, received a thunderous ovation at Venice. Critics praised Johnson’s restraint, depth, and ability to channel Kerr’s fragility while still capturing his fighter’s spirit.
Variety described the performance as a “career reset,” while the Associated Press highlighted Johnson’s surprising vulnerability. Industry insiders are already predicting that The Smashing Machine could land Johnson his first Academy Award nomination, a milestone that would redefine his legacy in Hollywood.
Why This Role Could Define Johnson’s Career
Unlike his previous roles that relied on charisma and spectacle, The Smashing Machine demands subtlety and emotional honesty. By taking on such a risky role, Johnson proves he can move seamlessly into dramatic territory, joining the ranks of action stars who reinvented themselves as serious actors.
If awards season momentum continues, Johnson could cement himself not just as a global superstar, but as a legitimate dramatic talent.
A Turning Point in Hollywood’s Perception of The Rock
For fans, critics, and the industry, The Smashing Machine is more than just a sports biopic, it’s a statement. Johnson’s performance shows that he is capable of growth, risk, and reinvention at a time when many believed his career path was already set.
Whether or not he ultimately wins gold at the Oscars, his Venice triumph has already reshaped the conversation about his abilities, marking The Smashing Machine as the defining chapter in his storied career.