Dwayne Johnson, Oscar Contender? ‘The Smashing Machine’ Stuns Venice.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s dramatic transformation in Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” has ignited significant Oscar buzz, positioning him as a potential awards season frontrunner. This career-defining role could mark a pivotal shift for Johnson, showcasing his range beyond action and comedy. The film’s Venice premiere has made waves in Hollywood, and the early reception suggests a substantial impact on Johnson’s standing as a serious actor, with Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera stating he “wouldn’t be surprised” to see both Johnson and Emily Blunt among next year’s Oscar nominees. The buzz surrounding this film emphasizes Johnson’s **Dramatic Transformation**.

Venice Film Festival Stunner

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival witnessed the world premiere of “The Smashing Machine” on Monday, September 1, 2025. The biographical sports drama, directed by Benny Safdie, immediately garnered attention for Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament winner and MMA fighter. The film’s debut in the main competition section of the festival has amplified the Oscar speculation, with many considering this Johnson’s most challenging and rewarding role to date. According to the Associated Press, the film is slated for a North American theatrical release on October 3, 2025.

The Team Behind the Transformation

The film boasts a strong cast and crew. Emily Blunt stars alongside Johnson as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then-wife. Benny Safdie, known for his work on “Uncut Gems,” is the writer, director, and co-producer of the film. Johnson credited both Blunt and Safdie with encouraging him to take on the challenging role. Safdie, in his director’s statement, aimed to create a film that would allow viewers to empathize with Mark Kerr and Dawn Staples, and to exist as a memory for everyone who watches it.

A Transformative Role

Johnson’s commitment to the role is evident in his physical transformation. He reportedly spent three to four hours daily in the makeup chair for prosthetics to accurately embody Kerr. This dedication underscores his desire to move beyond his established action hero persona and delve into more complex and demanding characters. Johnson himself stated that a “little voice inside” pushed him to explore more challenging roles.

Plot and Themes

“The Smashing Machine” delves into the turbulent career and personal struggles of Mark Kerr. The film explores Kerr’s dominance in the world of MMA, as well as his battles with addiction to painkillers and opioids. It aims to provide a raw and unflinching look at the life of a fighter grappling with both the physical and emotional toll of his profession. According to information available on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is a biographical sports drama.

Addiction and Personal Struggles

A central theme of the film is Kerr’s struggle with addiction. The film does not shy away from portraying the darker aspects of his life, including his reliance on painkillers and opioids to cope with the pain and pressure of his career. This element adds depth and complexity to Johnson’s performance, allowing him to showcase a vulnerability not often seen in his previous roles.

Oscar Buzz and Impact

The early Oscar buzz surrounding “The Smashing Machine” is significantly impacting Johnson’s standing in Hollywood. Venice has historically served as a launchpad for Best Actor Oscar winners. Brendan Fraser for “The Whale” and Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist,” were both also released by A24, the distributor of “The Smashing Machine”. The positive reception at the Venice Film Festival suggests that Johnson is now being viewed as a serious dramatic actor capable of delivering Oscar-worthy performances. As reported by Yahoo News UK, Alberto Barbera expressed confidence in Johnson’s potential for Oscar recognition.

Venice: A Launchpad for Success

The Venice Film Festival has a proven track record of identifying and showcasing films that go on to achieve critical acclaim and awards success. The festival’s recognition of “The Smashing Machine” is a strong indicator of the film’s potential to make a significant impact during the upcoming awards season. According to Wikipedia, the Venice International Film Festival is one of the world’s oldest film festivals and is considered one of the “Big Three” film festivals, alongside the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.

The Road Ahead

With its North American theatrical release scheduled for October 3, 2025, “The Smashing Machine” is poised to continue generating buzz and building momentum as the awards season approaches. The film’s success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike, and to maintain the positive momentum generated by its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The Associated Press notes the film’s wide release could further solidify Johnson’s position as a serious contender.

Conclusion

Dwayne Johnson’s performance in “The Smashing Machine” represents a significant turning point in his career. The film’s positive reception at the Venice Film Festival, coupled with the early Oscar buzz, suggests that Johnson has successfully transitioned into a new phase of his career as a respected dramatic actor. The film’s exploration of complex themes, such as addiction and personal struggle, further solidifies its potential to resonate with audiences and critics alike, making “The Smashing Machine” a film to watch closely as the awards season unfolds.