Fans were in awe of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s performance at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Johnson was moved to tears when his most recent film, The Smashing Machine, a documentary on the life of MMA legend Mark Kerr, received a heartfelt 15-minute standing ovation. The reaction was evidence of the film’s impact and of Johnson’s commitment to telling emotional, relatable tales outside his action-packed performances.
Johnson plays Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, a fighter whose mixed martial arts career is just as interesting outside of the ring as it is inside. The movie explores Kerr’s ascent to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s in great detail, as well as his vulnerabilities and personal hardships that influenced him. Johnson vividly depicts Kerr’s narrative through painstaking research and an emotional performance, highlighting both the personal struggles that fans frequently overlook and the ferocity of combat sports.
The audience’s response at the Venice Film Festival was swift and forceful. It is rare to have a 15-minute standing ovation, and the moment’s emotional resonance underscored the movie’s impact. His ability to inhabit a character with emotional depth was demonstrated by Johnson’s performance, which went beyond physicality and demonstrated that his skills go well beyond blockbuster action. According to industry experts, Johnson’s chances of winning an award might be greatly enhanced by this kind of reception, which could put him in a position to receive considerable nominations during the next award season.
The audience’s response at the Venice Film Festival was quick and forceful. It is rare to have a 15-minute standing ovation, and the moment’s emotional resonance underscored the movie’s impact. His ability to inhabit a character with emotional depth was demonstrated by Johnson’s performance, which went beyond physicality and demonstrated that his skills go well beyond blockbuster action. According to industry experts, Johnson’s chances of winning an award might be greatly enhanced by this kind of reception, which could put him in a position to receive considerable nominations during the next award season.
In addition to receiving praise, The Smashing Machine is famous for its complex and sympathetic depiction of mixed martial arts. This biopic highlights the personal difficulties that lie behind the headlines—the victories, setbacks, and vulnerabilities that define players’ lives—despite the fact that combat sports are sometimes reduced to spectacle. The video bridges the gap between athleticism and emotion, providing an intimate peek into a fighter’s life for fans of MMA, movies, or both.
It is evident that Dwayne Johnson is dedicated to delivering stories that have a deeper impact. In addition to celebrating Mark Kerr’s legacy, he demonstrates the ability of film to delve into the complexity of the human condition in The Smashing Machine. Audiences are eager to see Johnson take on dramatic, serious roles with the same passion that earned him a worldwide action star, if Venice is any guide.
