"It has lit a fire in my spine": Dwayne Johnson reacts to Oscars snub for 'The Smashing Machine'
Los Angeles, June 12
Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has reacted to his recent snub at the Oscars for 'The Smashing Machine'.
In a recent interview, Johnson noted that his performance in 'The Smashing Machine' was overlooked by the Academy.
"It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar. I realised 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 had happened. But it didn't. 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," the actor said, as quoted by Deadline.
In the film, Dwayne Johnson was seen playing Mark Kerr, tracing his rise to UFC greatness in the 90s - the time when he developed an addiction to painkillers.
The film also featured Emily Blunt.
Although both Johnson and Blunt were snubbed at the Oscars, their film performed well in the awards circuit, having earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama.
The film also earned the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival but struggled at the box office, with just USD 10 million in domestic earnings on a USD 50 million budget, according to Variety.
'The Smashing Machine' also received high praise from industry colleagues and legends like Christopher Nolan.
According to Variety, Nolan, while speaking on 'The Director's Cut' podcast with the film's director Benny Safdie, described Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr as "heartbreaking" and "incredible."
"I think it's an incredible performance. I don't think you'll see a better performance this year or in most other years," he said.
On the work front, Johnson is set to reunite with director Benny Safdie on the upcoming film 'Lizard Music'.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian who follows Hollywood, I appreciate that Dwayne Johnson didn't throw a tantrum like some stars do when snubbed. His attitude of "let's go back to work" is very desi—like our own actors who keep grinding despite setbacks. But honestly, with a ₹50 million budget and only ₹10 million in domestic earnings, maybe the Academy saw something the audience didn't. 🤔
I saw 'The Smashing Machine' at a film festival here in Mumbai, and I must say—Dwayne Johnson's performance really shook me. He captured the pain of addiction so authentically. The Academy's snub is a classic case of "Hollywood bias" against genre films. Even Christopher Nolan praised it! If this was a smaller prestige film with an unknown actor, it would've been nominated. Yaar, unfair hai.
Am I the only one who finds the whole Oscars discussion a bit overrated? I mean, Dwayne Johnson is a global superstar earning crores per film—does he really need an Oscar to validate his talent? The film itself struggled at the box office, so maybe the snub is about the overall package, not just his performance. Still, respect to him for not being bitter about it.
The way he says "it has lit a fire in my spine" is so powerful. Truly an inspiration for all of us facing rejection in our own lives. In India, we talk a lot about 'failure is the stepping stone to success' but to see someone of his stature embrace that mindset is beautiful. Can't wait to see his next project!
R Raghav A