Entertainment Desk: Dwayne Johnson delivered the most emotional moment yet at this year’s Venice Film Festival as his new film “The Smashing Machine” earned a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation on Monday night, sparking immediate Oscar buzz for the actor.
Johnson, 53, sobbed uncontrollably as the audience at the Lido rose to their feet, applauding his performance as Mark Kerr, the troubled UFC heavyweight champion.
Director Benny Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt joined Johnson on stage, embracing him as the ovation carried on. The real Mark Kerr, in attendance, was also seen in tears during the screening.
The actor underwent extensive prosthetics to embody Kerr, making him nearly unrecognisable in the role.
Speaking to Variety earlier, Johnson said he was drawn to Safdie’s unflinching storytelling. “I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain.
The screening was charged with festival electricity, with one fan shouting Johnson’s iconic WWE line, “Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?” before the film began.
“The Smashing Machine” marks Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut, following his acclaimed collaborations with brother Josh on “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems”. The film reunites Safdie and Blunt after their memorable turn in “Oppenheimer”, and brings Johnson and Blunt together again after Disney’s “Jungle Cruise”.
