A24
Dwayne Johnson’s First Golden Globes Nomination for The Smashing Machine Is a Tribute to “The Fight in Everybody”
After starring in more than 60 films, global superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has finally earned his first Golden Globes nomination—a milestone that has stunned both Hollywood and his worldwide fanbase. Johnson is nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s intense wrestling drama The Smashing Machine, produced by A24.
The recognition marks a defining moment in Dwyane Johnson’s career as he shifts from blockbuster action hero to transformative dramatic actor—delivering what is widely considered his most powerful performance yet.
A Story About Addiction, Recovery and Resilience
For Dwayne Johnson, the nomination is far more than an industry accolade. In an interview, he reflected on the deeply emotional journey behind Mark Kerr’s story—a man who “had it all and lost everything” before fighting his way back to sobriety.
The Rock shared that the role carries personal meaning, especially in the context of addiction-related losses within the wrestling and MMA community.
“Over the last years, I’ve lost 15 friends who were wrestlers and fighters to addiction,” Johnson said. “Some OD’d, some couldn’t take life anymore. This film is a love letter to them.”
This raw emotional undercurrent is what he believes makes the nomination so meaningful. The Smashing Machine is not simply a sports drama—it is a tribute to the real-life fight many endure silently.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine
The Physical and Emotional Transformation
To embody Mark Kerr, Dwayne Johnson undertook the most extreme physical transformation of his career—gaining 32 pounds and wearing 23 prosthetic pieces crafted by Oscar-winning artist Kazu Hiro. Beyond the physical metamorphosis, Johnson revealed that the emotional weight of portraying real people with living histories was the toughest challenge.
Dwayne Johnson Responds to “The Smashing Machine” Flop: ‘You Can’t Control Box Office Results’
Alongside Emily Blunt, who plays Mark Kerr’s former partner Dawn Staples and also received a Golden Globe nod, Johnson immersed himself in a volatile, vulnerable relationship dynamic inspired by the acclaimed documentary that first brought Kerr’s story to light.
View this post on Instagram
A New Creative Era for The Rock
The Rock credits the seven-year journey to make the film to listening to “the little voice behind your rib cage” urging him toward creative risks.
“It represents believing in that voice, stepping outside your comfort zone, and surrounding yourself with people chasing the same challenge,” he said.
Benny Safdie’s film draws visual influence from classics like Raging Bull and emotional depth from It’s a Wonderful Life, balancing visceral fight scenes with intimate, heartbreaking moments at home.
An Awards Season to Watch
With the Golden Globes set for January 11, industry insiders are already speculating whether Johnson’s dramatic breakthrough could lead to his first-ever Oscar nomination. Regardless of the outcome, The Smashing Machine has already redefined his legacy—and become a symbol of strength for anyone battling their own demons.
