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Dwayne Johnson Laments Oscar Snub for “Smashing Machine”

6/12/2026

Summary

Johnson Laments Oscar Snub

Dwayne Johnson said he was disappointed not to receive an Oscar nomination for his role as Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.”
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, won the Silver Lion and received a 15-minute standing ovation.
Johnson told Esquire the snub “lit a fire in my spine,” prompting him to return to work.
He is slated for “Lizard Music,” “Jumanji: Open World,” and Disney’s live-action “Moana.”

Summary

Jordan Wins Oscar

Actor Michael B. Jordan won the Oscar in March, defeating nominees Actor Timothée Chalamet, Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor Ethan Hawke, Actor Wagner Moura and Actor Dwayne Johnson, whose nomination was a snub.
Dwayne Johnson disclosed a recent cancer scare that prompted medical examinations.
Dwayne Johnson confirmed he will star in the new film “Fast Forever.”
The Oscar nominations and Michael B. Jordan’s victory sparked discussions about Hollywood’s award dynamics.

History

Historical Context

The 68th Academy Awards on March 25 1996, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, marked a turning point when Leaving Las Vegas earned its sole Oscar amid five Best-Actor nominees, illustrating how unexpected wins can reshape campaigning. This pattern echoes today’s debates over snubs, as studios recall past upsets for their campaigns.

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Johnson Laments Oscar Snub

Dwayne Johnson said he was disappointed not to receive an Oscar nomination for his role as Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.”
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, won the Silver Lion and received a 15-minute standing ovation.
Johnson told Esquire the snub “lit a fire in my spine,” prompting him to return to work.
He is slated for “Lizard Music,” “Jumanji: Open World,” and Disney’s live-action “Moana.”

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