Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivered a career-defining performance at the Venice Film Festival for his upcoming sports biopic, The Smashing Machine. On September 1, 2025, the actor received a 15-minute-long standing ovation for his portrayal of former UFC legend Mark Kerr, leaving him visibly moved to tears. The ovation, attended by co-star Emily Blunt, director Benny Safdie, and Mark Kerr himself, was the longest at this year’s festival, breaking the previous record of 13 minutes held by Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Johnson now shares the record with Amanda Seyfried, who received the same duration of applause for The Testament of Ann Lee.
The overwhelming audience response has already sparked Oscar buzz for Johnson, highlighting his dramatic transformation and commitment to stepping outside his usual action and comedy roles. The Smashing Machine, set for release on October 3, 2025, delves into the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, both inside and outside the MMA ring, and marks a bold, emotionally intense chapter in Johnson’s acting career.