Dwayne Johnson Could Make Oscar History as First Pro Wrestler to Be Nominated
The prospect of a Dwayne Johnson Oscar nomination has film observers buzzing as he headlines The Smashing Machine, a 2026 sports biopic about Mark Kerr that could push the former WWE superstar toward a historic Academy Award nod. The project is written and directed by Benny Safdie and chronicles Kerr’s career, with Johnson portraying Kerr opposite Emily Blunt as his then-wife Dawn Staples.
Rock’s Dramatic Leap in The Smashing Machine
The film centers on the life of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter, with Johnson taking on the demanding transformation required for the role. The trailer highlights Johnson’s strenuous development for the character, showing a level of intensity that signals a shift beyond his traditional action-hero image. Emily Blunt co-stars, adding a dramatist’s balance to a project that aims to dive deep into Kerr’s struggles and triumphs, while the film’s production by A24 has generated strong early interest among critics and festival crowds.
Wrestlers Turning to Acting: A Path Toward the Oscars
Johnson is part of a long line of wrestlers who entered cinema, from Rowdy Roddy Piper in They Live to a new generation that includes Dave Bautista and John Cena. While many performers from the ring have built notable careers, no wrestler has yet earned an Oscar nomination for acting. Bautista’s Blade Runner 2049 performance and Cena’s more varied work demonstrate growing breadth in this crossover, suggesting Johnson’s potential nomination would mark a first in the Academy’s history.
Early Festival Reception and Critics’ Buzz
The Smashing Machine premiered at the Venice Film Festival, drawing an extended ovation that lasted well over 15 minutes. Early reviews have been favorable, and the film holds a strong Rotten Tomatoes score of 83 percent, with critics praising Johnson’s portrayal. Variety called his performance extraordinary, and GQ described him as emotionally transformed in the role, underscoring the film’s appeal to awards-season voters and fans alike.
Award Outlook and What It Could Mean
If Johnson earns an Oscar nomination for The Smashing Machine, he would become the first professional wrestler to reach that level of recognition in acting. While other wrestlers have pursued film careers, this milestone remains unclaimed, lending the performance heightened significance in the eyes of studios and fans. Industry chatter also notes that transformative performances have historically helped actors secure nominations, a factor that could place Johnson in the early mix, though rivals such as Timothée Chalamet and others are already eyeing momentum in a crowded season. The dynamic of a wrestler-turned-actor landing an Oscar nod would represent a career-defining moment for a veteran star who has continued to evolve.
Next Projects and Long-Term Prospects
Beyond The Smashing Machine, Johnson recently joined Martin Scorsese’s untitled Hawaiian mob drama, reteaming with Emily Blunt and collaborating with Leonardo DiCaprio, a collaboration that signals a broader push into serious drama. Scorsese’s track record for eliciting nuanced performances suggests a long arc for Johnson if he continues choosing challenging roles. In this context, The Smashing Machine could be a stepping-stone toward a broader acting identity that blends athletic discipline with dramatic range, a trajectory that could redefine how audiences and awards bodies view wrestlers-turned-actors.
Cast
Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr
Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples
Lyndsey Gavin as Elizabeth Coleman
Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman
Closing: Significance and What Comes Next
Regardless of awards outcomes, the project marks a pivotal moment in the conversation about what a wrestler can achieve in cinema. If Johnson’s performance resonates with critics and voters, it could open doors for deeper, more varied dramatic roles for him and for other athletes seeking legitimacy beyond action-led parts. The Smashing Machine thus stands not only as a potential historical Oscar contender but also as a signal of forthcoming opportunities for a veteran performer redefining his craft.
