Watch Dwayne Johnson in Tears as The Smashing Machine Gets a 15-Minute Ovation

Dwayne Johnson’s new film, The Smashing Machine, generated significant buzz when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The screening featured Johnson’s transformation into UFC legend Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie. The night culminated in a lengthy standing ovation and emotional moments shared by the cast and Kerr himself.

Dwayne Johnson cries after The Smashing Machine’s long ovation

The Smashing Machine, produced by A24, received a standing ovation that lasted 15 and a half minutes following its screening. Johnson, Safdie, Blunt, and Kerr embraced, visibly emotional during the extended applause. Footage from the event showed Johnson crying and clapping between Blunt and Kerr, while Safdie covered his face.

Mark Kerr walked the red carpet with Johnson, producers Hiram Garcia and David Koplan, and the rest of the cast.

Seth Rogen attended the premiere and was seen snapping photos throughout the day, sharing his excitement with the team during the ovation and remarking, “That was awesome.” Other high-profile guests included filmmaker Charlie Kaufman, as well as Halsey and Avan Jogia, who joined the star-studded gathering in Venice.

Johnson spoke earlier in Venice about why he pursued the role, saying, “When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about box office. And you chase the box office… But what I did realize is that I had this burning desire, and a voice in my head that said, ‘What if there is more?’” He noted his desire to take on more challenging work after years in commercial projects.

Further, Safdie explained his choice to depict MMA in the 1990s, saying, “At that time period, there was something so experimental… You had all of these different martial arts forms competing against one another, and it was just such a unique sport.” (via Deadline)

A24 will release The Smashing Machine in theaters on October 3, 2025.

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