The Rock eyes his first Oscar with The Smashing Machine

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson could be very close to getting his first Academy Award thanks to *The Smashing Machine*, the biopic directed by Benny Safdie that explores the tense and emotional journey of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film has already generated strong expectations during its presentation at festivals and could position itself as one of the standout contenders in the upcoming Oscar race, or at least that's what several expert film media outlets in the United States are reporting.

So far, Johnson has never been nominated for or won an Oscar. However, this project represents a radical shift in his career: leaving behind the action blockbusters and usual comedic tone, the actor immerses himself in a deeply human and tormented character, in a production that has already garnered praise for his acting transformation.

The teaser has been promising. Johnson's physical transformation, with prosthetics and a wig, makes him almost unrecognizable as Mark Kerr. The trailer shows moments of brutality in the octagon, but also deep dramatic scenes that expose an internal struggle against dependency and emotional wounds.

The Venice Film Festival recognized the film's value for the awards season. Alberto Barbera, artistic director, admitted that he initially didn't see it as a strong contender until he was impressed by the performances of Johnson and Blunt. Additionally, A24 (the American independent film production and distribution company behind The Smashing Machine) has a solid track record at the Oscars (Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All At Once) and is likely to strongly push the campaign for this title.

If the Academy chooses to recognize his work, The Smashing Machine could become the pathway for Dwayne Johnson to finally make the leap into the realm of major awards, achieving his well-deserved nomination - or even his first Oscar - in an unexpected role.

The film will have its world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2025, before its release in US theaters on October 3, 2025. In addition to Johnson in the lead role, the cast includes Emily Blunt playing Dawn Staples, alongside Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk, completing a cast that mixes figures from both cinema and sports.