The 82nd Venice Film Festival was abuzz on September 1, 2025, as Dwayne Johnson—known to millions as The Rock—delivered a performance that left not just the audience but the actor himself in tears. The world premiere of "The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie and starring Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr, became the talk of the Lido after the film received a thunderous and emotional 15-minute standing ovation—one of the longest in the festival’s recent memory, according to Variety.
Johnson, age 53, was visibly overcome with emotion as the applause echoed through the grand hall. He sobbed uncontrollably, joined by his co-star Emily Blunt, director Benny Safdie, and even Mark Kerr himself, whose life story inspired the film. The scene, reminiscent of Brendan Fraser’s tearful moment for "The Whale" four years ago, signaled the arrival of a new Oscar contender and a profound career milestone for Johnson.
Before the film even started, the mood was electric. As Johnson and Blunt arrived on the red carpet, fans lined up for autographs and selfies. One particularly enthusiastic supporter shouted Johnson’s iconic WWE catchphrase, "Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?!"—prompting laughter from Johnson and a sense of camaraderie among the crowd. According to The Brag, this playful moment set the tone for an evening that would prove both joyous and cathartic.
But the red carpet also showcased a different side of Johnson. Known for his imposing physique in blockbusters like "Jumanji," "Fast & Furious," and "Black Adam," Johnson appeared noticeably slimmer, a transformation that sparked a flurry of comments on social media. Some fans dubbed him "The Pebble," marveling at his new look. "Damn, he’s half of what he was!" wrote one user, while another chimed in, "Wow, nice transformation." The change was not just physical; it was emblematic of Johnson’s desire to break free from the box office mold and tackle more challenging, human roles.
At the press conference earlier that day, Johnson spoke candidly about this evolution. "When you’re in Hollywood—as we all know, it had become about box office," he explained, as reported by The New York Post. "And you chase the box office, and the box office can be very loud and it can become very resounding and it can push you into a category and into a corner." Johnson continued, "I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, ‘What if there is more and what if I can?' A lot of times, it’s harder for us—or at least for me—to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been pigeonholed into something."
The opportunity to play Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight champion and former amateur wrestling star, was, in Johnson’s words, a dream realized thanks to Safdie and Blunt. "Sometimes it takes people who you love and respect, like Emily and Benny, to say that you can," he said. "I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity." Johnson’s commitment to authenticity extended to his appearance: he underwent hours of makeup and pounds of prosthetics to become nearly unrecognizable as the beefy fighter—an impressive feat noted by both Variety and The Brag.
Emily Blunt, who co-stars as Kerr’s now-ex-wife Dawn Staples, brought her own star power to the project. The film marks a reunion for Blunt and Johnson, who previously shared the screen in Disney’s "Jungle Cruise." It also reunites Blunt with Benny Safdie, after their memorable scene together in Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer." Blunt, known for her versatility in films like "The Mummy," lent gravitas and emotional depth to the role of Dawn, adding to the film’s critical acclaim.
Benny Safdie, making his solo feature directorial debut after acclaimed collaborations with his brother Josh on indie hits like "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems," was visibly moved by the reception. During the ovation, he embraced both his stars and joined them in tears. Safdie’s approach to storytelling—marked by a willingness to explore raw, real, and sometimes uncomfortable truths—was a major draw for Johnson. In an interview with Variety, Johnson praised Safdie as someone who "continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real; characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting."
The presence of the real Mark Kerr at the premiere added a poignant layer to the evening. As the credits rolled and the applause stretched on, Kerr stood with the cast, openly weeping in recognition of his own tumultuous journey being honored on the big screen. The film delves into Kerr’s struggles, both in and out of the ring, and Johnson’s performance has been lauded as a career-defining turn—one that explores "humanity, struggle, and pain," as Johnson himself described it.
The Venice Film Festival, renowned as the official launchpad for awards season, was already packed with A-list celebrities this year, from George Clooney to Julia Roberts and Emma Stone. Yet, the emotional resonance and star wattage of "The Smashing Machine" made it a standout event. The 15-minute ovation not only signaled widespread acclaim but also sparked immediate Oscar buzz, with critics and festivalgoers alike speculating that Johnson could be headed for his first Academy Award nomination.
The film’s November release by A24 is highly anticipated, with industry insiders pointing to its powerful performances and deeply human story as potential game-changers for both Johnson and Safdie. The director’s brother, Josh Safdie, is also set to make his solo feature debut this year with "Marty Supreme," a sports drama starring Timothée Chalamet, indicating a banner year for the Safdie siblings.
For Johnson, "The Smashing Machine" represents more than just another movie—it’s a leap into uncharted territory, a bid to be seen as more than just an action hero. As he stood on the Lido, tears streaming down his face alongside his collaborators and the man whose life he portrayed, it was clear that this was a moment of transformation. In the words of Johnson, "I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain." Judging by the response in Venice, he has done just that.
As awards season looms, all eyes are on Johnson, Safdie, and their remarkable film—a testament to the power of reinvention, collaboration, and the enduring appeal of stories that cut to the heart of what it means to be human.
