The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnson in TEARS as film gets 15-min OVATION during Venice screening; fans say 'see you at Oscars'

Benny Safdie's debut feature film as a filmmaker was unveiled by Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Safdie on Monday at the Venice Film Festival. After its global premiere, the film on the renowned MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who was also there, earned a 15 1/12-minute standing ovation upon its screening. Johnson, widely known as The Rock, was moved to tears following the spectacular moment. Not only Johnson, but the screening also left the audience in tears.

Audience greet Johnson with...

Johnson's famous wrestling catchphrase, "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!" was used by fans to greet him, which increased the vibe of the event.

The Smashing Machine review

International reviews indicate that Johnson abandoned his usual blockbuster image in order to explore Kerr's complicated existence. Johnson's essence, almost unrecognisable behind prostheses, reflected the difficulties faced by the fighter. "This is the kind of storytelling that's raw and real," he shared with Variety.

Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, stars of "The Smashing Machine," attend the #VeniceFilmFestival premiere with one fan shouting, "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking!" pic.twitter.com/TKvSX8wqm3

EmilyBluntSource (@Blunt_Source) September 1, 2025

Emily Blunt brings grace

Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt, gave the story additional depth. Industry insiders are already debating Oscar possibilities for the film, which is set to be released by A24 in October 3.

Dwayne Johnson tipped for Oscars?

The 53-year-old might receive his first Oscar nod for his role in The Smashing Machine, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Johnson stated that playing UFC fighter Mark Kerr in the film had "certainly changed my life," and that the shift was something he was "really hungry to do."

He told reporters, "I've been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity to do this."

How fans reacted to The Smashing Machine?

One wrote, "@therock so excited to see this! I'm ready to see you at the Oscars!" Another commented, "We get to see the rock in his first acting role."

A third wrote, "Can't wait to see this!!"