Full Breakdown
Dwayne Johnson’s Oscar Snub Ignites New Drive
6/12/2026, 4:17:57 AM
The Snub: No Oscar Nomination for “The Smashing Machine”
In the 2025 awards cycle, Dwayne Johnson’s transformative portrayal of former UFC fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s biographical drama “The Smashing Machine” was omitted from the Academy Award nominations. Johnson confirmed the omission in an Esquire interview, noting that while the lack of a nod was disappointing, it sparked renewed determination to continue working.
Festival Triumph and Awards Landscape
“The Smashing Machine” premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where it earned a 15-minute standing ovation and won the Silver Lion. The film also secured Golden Globe nominations for Johnson (Best Actor) and Emily Blunt (Best Supporting Actress). Despite festival acclaim, the Academy did not include the performance among its nominees.
Production Team and Cast
The film was directed and co-written by Benny Safdie, known for his gritty storytelling. Johnson starred alongside Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s wife Dawn, and former mixed-martial-arts athletes Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk, who appear in supporting roles.
Reception vs. Box-Office Performance
Critics praised Johnson’s physical and emotional commitment, describing the role as his most demanding to date. However, trade reports indicated that the movie underperformed commercially, “bombing” at the box office despite its positive reviews and festival honors.
Official Statements & Responses
Johnson’s interview emphasized Oscar talk rarity and his belief that the recognition mattered, while he resolved to “go back to work.” Director Darren Aronofsky called the performance “fearless,” and Martin Scorsese called Johnson “one of a kind.” The Golden Globe nominations were noted as an industry acknowledgment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree the film earned a Silver Lion and Golden Globe nods, yet the Academy excluded it from nominations. No explanation was offered, leaving Oscar criteria unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar.” — Dwayne Johnson, Actor
- “But in no uncertain terms did I ever think, ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter.’ I always thought it mattered. And it has lit a fire in my spine, which is: ‘Let’s go back to work.’” — Dwayne Johnson, Actor
- “This is a man who’s never allowed to disappear, and it’s so moving for me as his friend, and as an actor, to watch someone discover what they’re capable of.” — Emily Blunt, Actress
- “We get this film to Venice. I’m wondering, ‘Are they gonna clap for us? I don’t know.’ And before the credits even rolled that group stood up and that entire audience stood up for almost 17 minutes, and I’m so moved that I’m crying like a — what’s that word? — oh, ‘b—h.’” — Dwayne Johnson, Reflecting on Venice ovation
What’s Next for Johnson
Following the Oscar snub, Johnson is slated to reunite with Safdie on “Lizard Music” and appears in upcoming releases including “Jumanji: Open World,” Disney’s live-action “Moana” remake, and the action film “Fast Forever.” He indicated that the experience will inform his future role choices.
