Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine earns a 15-minute ovation in Venice, fueling Oscar buzz ahead of its Toronto screening and October release.
Emotional Premiere in Venice
Dwayne Johnson’s latest film The Smashing Machine received a rousing 15-minute standing ovation during its world premiere Monday at the Venice Film Festival. The 53-year-old actor grew emotional as the audience applauded his dramatic transformation into UFC champion Mark Kerr. The response marked the longest ovation for any film at this year’s festival so far.
Johnson’s Career Shift
Known for blockbuster action and comedy roles, Johnson said the project represented a long-awaited personal challenge. “The transformation part was something I was really hungry to do,” he told reporters, reflecting on his desire to push beyond Hollywood’s expectations.
Why the Role Matters
The film, directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, portrays Kerr’s rise as a two-time UFC tournament winner alongside his struggles with addiction in the late 1990s. Johnson described the performance as a chance to channel life experiences into a deeply personal role, encouraged by Blunt and Safdie.
A Full-Circle Moment
Johnson’s connection to Kerr stretches back to the late 1990s when he was rising in professional wrestling. A third-generation wrestler, his father Rocky Johnson was born in Nova Scotia, making the role resonate even more for Canadian fans. Johnson called the project “a full circle moment,” bridging his wrestling roots with Kerr’s fighting legacy.
Festival Impact and Awards Buzz
Venice has been a launchpad for past Oscar-winning performances, including Brendan Fraser in The Whale. With A24 distributing The Smashing Machine, industry observers are already speculating about Johnson’s chances at next year’s Academy Awards. Festival director Alberto Barbera praised his work as “absolutely amazing.”
What’s Next for the Film
Following Venice, the film will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival this week, bringing Canadian audiences an early look before its North American release on October 3. Competing against major titles like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia, the film’s Venice reception positions Johnson as a serious contender in the awards race.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
