Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Receives 15-Minute Ovation at Venice

Dwayne Johnson's new film, The Smashing Machine, which chronicles the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr, premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival to a 15-minute standing ovation, marking a significant milestone in Johnson's acting career. Johnson's transformative portrayal of Kerr, including his struggles with addiction and identity, earned him emotional applause and tears alongside co-star Emily Blunt, director Benny Safdie, and Kerr himself. The film, produced by A24 and directed by Safdie, has been praised for its raw, authentic storytelling and is already generating strong Oscar buzz. Critics have described the film as hard-hitting, heartfelt, and stirring, with a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Johnson expressed that this role allowed him to push beyond his usual blockbuster projects to explore deeper, more meaningful characters. The Smashing Machine is set for theatrical release on October 3, 2025.