The Rock’s Oscar Buzz: Emily Blunt & Dwayne Johnson Shine in The Smashing Machine
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Could “The Rock” Land His First Oscar? Emily Blunt Shines in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine
With a Venice Competition premiere on September 1 and an A24 theatrical release set for October 3, 2025, Benny Safdie’s Mark Kerr biopic is igniting serious Oscar talk—especially for Dwayne Johnson’s transformative lead and Emily Blunt’s emotionally exacting turn as Dawn Staples.
Venice 2025 A24 Awards Buzz
The Prestige Pivot: Johnson’s Most Dramatic Role Yet
Dwayne Johnson stars as MMA legend Mark Kerr, embracing an unglamorous, fully inhabited character study that departs from his franchise persona. Early festival chatter and the film’s competition slot suggest a serious play for Best Actor consideration, a career first for Johnson according to Variety.
Emily Blunt’s Crucial Counterweight as Dawn Staples
Emily Blunt portrays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then-wife. The role isn’t merely supportive; it’s the spine of the film’s emotional stakes. Expect a nuanced performance that maps the turbulence of love under the spotlight: the euphoria of victory, the volatility of loss, and the collateral damage of addiction and injury. Blunt’s track record—most recently capped by an Oscar for Oppenheimer—positions her for prominent recognition again, potentially in Supporting Actress, depending on category placement.
Why Awards Pundits Are Paying Attention
- Top-tier launch pad: World premiere in Venice Competition—a proven incubator for Oscar campaigns.
- A24 machine: The distributor’s awards pedigree (from Moonlight to Everything Everywhere All at Once) often translates festival heat into nominations.
- Art-house credibility: Writer-director Benny Safdie steers the film toward raw, intimate drama over spectacle.
- Transformations that voters notice: Johnson’s physical and psychological immersion; Blunt’s layered, volatile partner dynamic.
Key Dates & Credits
World Premiere: September 1, 2025 (Venice, Main Competition)
U.S. Release (A24): October 3, 2025
Director/Writer: Benny Safdie · Runtime: 123 minutes
Cast: Dwayne Johnson (Mark Kerr), Emily Blunt (Dawn Staples), Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
Early Read on Categories
Best Actor: Johnson enters the chat with a transformative lead anchored in vulnerability.
Best Supporting Actress: Blunt’s screen time and pivotal dramatic beats could make her a major factor.
Below-the-line: 16mm cinematography (Maceo Bishop) and editing (Safdie) may surface in craft conversations if momentum builds.
Bottom Line
The Smashing Machine is engineered for festival impact and year-end lists. If the Venice reception matches the anticipation, Johnson could secure his first Oscar nomination—while Blunt adds another heavyweight turn to her awards résumé.
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