Venice 2025: Dwayne Johnson moved to tears as ‘The Smashing Machine’ receives 15 minute ovation
Dwayne Johnson was moved to tears after his latest film The Smashing Machine received a 15 minute standing ovation following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
In the film, Johnson uses his own personal experience as a professional wrestler to play the role of the UFC pioneer Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt, who plays his girlfriend Dawn Staples.
Following the premiere in Venice on September 1st, the actor was seen hugging the movie’s director, Benny Safdie, while Blunt stood smiling next to them. Subsequently, Johnson was then visibly moved to tears as the film received a standing ovation lasting a quarter of an hour.
For the former wrestler, The Smashing Machine marks a new foray in his acting journey, as he spoke at the press conference prior to the film screening about how he had a “burning desire” to create a more serious film such as this, compared to the Hollywood blockbusters he is typically accustomed to.
Explaining how he wanted to avoid becoming “pigeonholed”, the actor added: “I made those movies, and I liked them. They were fun. Some were really good and did well. And some not so much. But what I did realise is that I had this burning desire, and a voice in my head that said, ‘What if there is more?’”
With a major physical transformation – which reportedly involved Johnson losing up to 60 pounds and using facial prosthetics in order to make himself look more like Kerr – alongside his performance, there is now buzz that he could be in line for an Oscar nomination when the nods for 2026 are released.
The Smashing Machine will be released in cinemas on October 3rd.
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