Dwayne Johnson’s acclaimed Venice role in 'The Smashing Machine' sparks Oscar discussion

Dwayne Johnson’s acclaimed Venice performance in 'The Smashing Machine' fuels Oscar talk despite mixed film reviews.

Dwayne Johnson has entered the awards season spotlight following the premiere of The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival, where his performance drew widespread acclaim despite mixed reactions to the film overall.

Directed by Benny Safdie, the biopic follows the rise of mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, charting both his career in the early days of the UFC and his personal battle with opioid addiction. Johnson underwent a major transformation to embody Kerr, with prosthetic work by two-time Academy Award winner Kazu Hiro.

Critics largely highlighted Johnson’s performance as the film’s strength. Owen Gleiberman of Variety described it as “extraordinary,” noting how Johnson channels Kerr’s hidden struggles. Damon White of Deadline called his portrayal “truly remarkable,” emphasising how convincingly Johnson disappears into the role. IndieWire’s Ryan Lattanzio labelled it “the most layered work of the actor’s career.”

However, not all responses were positive. Kevin Maher of The Times wrote that the project resembled “the awards season equivalent of a fugazi diamond,” arguing that despite Johnson’s effort, the film lacked authenticity. He also critiqued Emily Blunt’s role as Kerr’s girlfriend, suggesting the screenplay offered her limited scope compared to similar characters in past biographical dramas.

Bilge Ebiri of Vulture shared a similar perspective, calling the film “the softest, gentlest movie you’ll ever see about a dude whose job is to beat the crap out of other dudes,” while noting that Blunt’s character was underdeveloped.

Despite reservations, Johnson’s performance has fuelled speculation about a potential Oscar run. The Smashing Machine, Safdie’s first solo directorial project, continues to attract attention as the festival season unfolds.