Dwayne Johnson Cries at Venice Ovation for New Film

Dwayne Johnson broke down in tears as his new movie, The Smashing Machine, earned a massive 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2025. The emotional moment came during the world premiere, sparking early Oscar buzz for the actor’s powerful performance as MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

Emotional Premiere Lights Up Venice

The crowd at the Venice Film Festival went wild for The Smashing Machine, cheering and clapping for a full 15 minutes after the screening ended. Johnson, known to fans as The Rock, hugged director Benny Safdie and shared smiles with co-star Emily Blunt amid the applause.

This reaction marks one of the longest ovations at this year’s festival, tying with another film that also hit the 15-minute mark. Fans even shouted Johnson’s famous WWE catchphrase, “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?” before the show started, adding to the excitement.

Johnson later shared that the response overwhelmed him, calling it a career highlight. He wiped away tears while the audience chanted his name, showing how much the project means to him.

Johnson’s Big Change for the Role

To play Mark Kerr, a real-life UFC pioneer and two-time heavyweight champion, Johnson transformed his body and look. He dropped about 60 pounds from his usual 300-pound frame to reach around 240 pounds, closer to Kerr’s fighting weight.

Facial prosthetics helped Johnson match Kerr’s appearance, making him almost unrecognizable. This shift from action hero roles to a gritty drama shows Johnson’s push for deeper stories.

Early reviews praise his acting, with critics saying it could land him his first Oscar nod. The film explores Kerr’s battles with addiction and fame, based on a 2003 HBO documentary of the same name.

Johnson said in past interviews that he wants films that dive into real human struggles. This role fits that goal, as he trained hard to capture Kerr’s intense life in MMA and beyond.

Behind the Scenes of The Smashing Machine

Benny Safdie, who co-directed Uncut Gems, wrote and directed this A24 production. It follows Kerr’s rise in UFC, his wins in tournaments like the World Vale Tudo Championship, and his personal demons.

Emily Blunt stars as Kerr’s wife, adding star power to the cast. The movie blends action with emotional depth, focusing on the toll of combat sports.

Production wrapped after Johnson committed to the demanding role. Safdie aimed for raw, authentic storytelling, which shines through in the film’s intense scenes.

Here are key facts about Mark Kerr’s career that inspired the movie:

• Won two UFC Heavyweight Tournaments in the late 1990s.
• Competed in Pride FC, facing top fighters worldwide.
• Nicknamed “The Smashing Machine” for his brutal ground-and-pound style.
• Struggled with painkiller addiction, highlighted in the original documentary.

Festival Buzz and Oscar Talk

The Venice Film Festival in 2025 has seen several big ovations, but The Smashing Machine stands out. For comparison, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein got 13 minutes, while another thriller broke records with even longer applause.

This buzz positions Johnson as a serious awards contender. Experts note his shift from blockbusters like Jumanji to dramatic roles could earn him best actor nods.

Fans and critics alike are talking about how this film changes Johnson’s image. It comes at a time when actors like him seek more meaningful work after years in big franchises.

What Fans Can Expect Next

The Smashing Machine is set for a wider release later in 2025, with A24 handling distribution. Trailers show intense fight scenes mixed with personal drama, promising a gripping watch.

Johnson’s weight loss and dedication have fans excited. Many see this as his best work yet, moving beyond wrestling and action flicks.

As awards season heats up, keep an eye on Johnson. His tears at Venice might just lead to golden statues.

What do you think of Johnson’s transformation and the film’s buzz? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to fellow fans.