Dwayne Johnson Stuns with Transformative Role in “The Smashing Machine” at Venice Film Festival 2025
- Taylor Lynn
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 4
The Rock’s Raw, Emotional Performance as MMA Legend Mark Kerr Earns 15-Minute Standing Ovation and Sparks Oscar Buzz
Dwayne Johnson’s performance as Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” was met with overwhelming acclaim at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where the film’s world premiere earned him a remarkable 15-minute standing ovation and ignited widespread Oscar buzz.
A Transformative, Emotional Performance
Johnson, best known for his charismatic action roles and wrestling persona as “The Rock,” underwent a significant transformation for the role of MMA legend Mark Kerr, both physically and emotionally. Donning prosthetics and adopting a new accent, Johnson presented a vulnerable and deeply raw version of himself, capturing Kerr’s struggles with addiction and the pressures of professional fighting. Critics and audiences described his performance as the most powerful and daring of his career, with onlookers in Venice recounting how Johnson, Kerr, and the film’s team were moved to tears by the prolonged ovation.
Reception and Career Significance
The reception in Venice has drawn comparisons to Brendan Fraser’s festival triumph in 2022’s “The Whale,” which also began with an emotional standing ovation and ended in Oscar gold. Variety and other outlets noted that Johnson’s “raw, vulnerable turn as Kerr” is already generating early chatter about major awards consideration for Best Actor. Johnson himself expressed how meaningful and transformative the project was, saying he felt challenged to go deeper and more intense than ever before, describing the opportunity as a pivotal moment in his career.
Collaboration and Directorial Vision
Directed by Benny Safdie in his acclaimed solo debut, “The Smashing Machine” also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s ex-wife, Dawn Staples; both Safdie and Blunt were visibly emotional at the premiere’s response. The film, distributed by A24, has been widely praised for its authenticity and the dedication of its leads, described as “extraordinary” by critics.
Cultural Impact
This Venice premiere marks not only a new high point for Johnson’s acting but also a shift in his screen persona—from the blockbuster hero to a contender for serious, Oscar-caliber drama. With the film’s October release approaching, “The Smashing Machine” is already positioned as one of the year’s most anticipated and significant films, and Johnson’s arresting, heartfelt performance has redefined the boundaries of his talent.
Venice Film Festival 2025
The Venice International Film Festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia and officially recognized by the FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations), is the world’s oldest film festival, held annually on the Lido di Venezia. The festival’s goal is to raise awareness and promote international cinema in all its forms as art, entertainment, and industry, in a spirit of freedom and dialogue. The 82nd edition runs from August 27 to September 6, 2025, featuring world premieres, restorations, and a range of competitive and non-competitive sections that spotlight the finest achievements in global cinema.