Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, was moved to tears at the Venice Film Festival after his film The Smashing Machine received a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation. The biographical drama, in which Johnson portrays legendary ’90s fighter Mark Kerr, left both the actor and the audience deeply emotional following its screening.
Johnson, visibly overwhelmed, was joined on stage by his co-star Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie. The real Mark Kerr, who was also present, shared in the touching moment as the audience applauded the raw and heartfelt storytelling. Fans further electrified the evening by greeting Johnson with his iconic wrestling catchphrase: “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!”
Critics have praised Johnson for stepping away from his usual blockbuster persona to deliver a transformative performance. Nearly unrecognisable under prosthetics, he immersed himself in Kerr’s turbulent journey. “This is the kind of storytelling that’s raw and real,” Johnson told Variety, reflecting on the experience.
Emily Blunt also shone in her role as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s girlfriend, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The A24 release, scheduled to hit theatres in November, is already generating strong Oscar buzz, with many suggesting it could redefine Johnson’s career.
The powerful reception drew comparisons to Brendan Fraser’s emotional comeback with The Whale at Venice in 2021, hinting at a similar awards-season trajectory for Johnson. With Kerr himself witnessing the audience’s outpouring of appreciation, the film’s debut was not only cinematic but profoundly personal.
As the Venice Film Festival continues, The Smashing Machine has firmly positioned itself as one of the most talked-about films, marking a pivotal moment in Dwayne Johnson’s evolution as an actor and a serious awards contender.
