Dwayne Johnson Receives Standing Ovation at Venice Film Festival

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival for his transformative role in the biographical sports drama “The Smashing Machine,” where he portrays UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson emotionally responded to the overwhelming audience appreciation, wiping away tears alongside his co-star Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie, with the real Mark Kerr also moved by the film. The actor underwent a significant physical transformation, losing 60 pounds and adopting a stripped-back performance style to capture Kerr's complex, vulnerable character, marking a departure from his usual blockbuster roles. Johnson described the role as a long-awaited opportunity to explore deeper, more intense emotions and hopes it could redefine his acting career, which has yet to receive an Oscar nomination. Additionally, Johnson opened up about his personal life, revealing a strained relationship with his late father, wrestling legend Rocky 'Soulman' Johnson, and expressed regret over unresolved issues before his father's passing in 2020. The film is set to be released in U.S. theaters on October 3, already generating Oscar buzz for Johnson.