Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson admits he wanted an Oscar nomination for his role as Mark Kerr in 2025’s The Smashing Machine—after the film’s Golden Globe buzz and a strong critical reception, but a box-office stumble. Though Johnson missed out on a 2026 Academy Aw
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson knew The Smashing Machine had a real shot at bigger trophies. The film—directed by Benny Safdie and released in 2025—was widely seen as one of the highest-rated films of Johnson’s career, even as it tanked at the box office.
Still, the praise didn’t vanish. Both Johnson and his co-star Emily Blunt received several nominations for their work, with the Golden Globes standing out as the most memorable moment. But when the 2026 Academy Awards nominations were announced, Johnson’s name wasn’t among them.
In the wake of that Golden Globes loss, Johnson had penned a heartfelt note. Now, speaking to Esquire about The Smashing Machine’s Oscar opportunity, he opened up about what it felt like to fall just short of the Academy’s stage.
Johnson said getting nominated would have meant everything. “It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar. I realized very quickly that it’s a rare thing to reach this pinnacle where you’re even having these conversations. And it’s exciting!. It would have been amazing. I wish it happened. But it didn’t,” he said.
He also described how the disappointment didn’t make him shrug off the moment. “But in no uncertain terms did I ever think, ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter.’ I always thought it mattered. And it has lit a fire in my spine, which is: Let’s go back to work.”
That “fire” matters because Johnson’s Oscar hopes weren’t abstract. His comments centered on his performance as Mark Kerr in the biographical film.
Even without a nomination for Johnson’s acting, the film did find recognition at the Academy Awards. Kazu Hiro and Johnson’s makeup were nominated for their work in The Smashing Machine, crediting how they transformed Johnson into the legendary combat sports athlete, Mark Kerr.
The contrast is stark: a movie that arrived with thunderous reviews and Golden Globe momentum, stumbled financially at the box office, and saw Johnson miss the 2026 Oscar nomination—while the craft behind his transformation still earned a place at the ceremony.
Dwayne Johnson The Rock The Smashing Machine Benny Safdie Mark Kerr Emily Blunt Golden Globes Oscars 2026 Academy Awards nomination Kazu Hiro makeup