[Watch] Dwayne Johnson Uncontrollably Cries During Standing Ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine’
Dwayne Johnson was moved to tears during the world premiere of The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival on Monday. The audience on the Lido gave the film a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest at this year’s festival, according to reports.
Johnson stars as Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. Emily Blunt plays his wife, Dawn Staples. During the ovation, director Benny Safdie joined the actors on stage, hugging them and shedding tears alongside Johnson. The real Mark Kerr also attended and celebrated the story of his life with the cast.
Dwayne Johnson cries during the 15-minute standing ovation for his new movie ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 1, 2025
Read our review: https://t.co/ejtQIs1Usz pic.twitter.com/17pQYebeat
To portray Kerr, Johnson underwent extensive prosthetics, making him nearly unrecognizable. He previously said that he was drawn to the project because Safdie “continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real; characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting.”
Johnson also reflected on why he took on the role. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain,” he said.
The Smashing Machine is a 2025 biographical sports drama written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Benny Safdie.
Alongside Johnson and Blunt, the cast includes Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles. The film also features Lyndsey Gavin, Satoshi Ishii, James Moontasri, and Whitney Moore, among others.
The movie had its world premiere in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, and was nominated for the Golden Lion. It will also screen at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8. A24 is set to release the film in the United States and Canada on October 3, 2025.
Critics have responded positively so far. On Rotten Tomatoes, 94% of 16 reviews are favorable, with an average score of 7.5/10. Metacritic reports a score of 75 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
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