Dwayne Johnson has achieved a significant milestone in his acting career, receiving his first Golden Globes nomination after more than 60 film roles. This recognition comes for his portrayal of Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s film, The Smashing Machine, highlighting Johnson’s growth as an actor and the depth of his performance.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson expressed that this nomination holds deeper meaning for him. He views it as symbolic of resilience in the face of personal demons and addiction struggles. “Mark Kerr had it all and lost everything,” he explained, emphasizing the film’s tribute to those battling similar issues. Kerr’s journey from addiction to sobriety is central to the narrative, and Johnson hopes the film serves as an acknowledgment of the hardships faced by many.
The Smashing Machine chronicles Mark Kerr’s life as a former amateur wrestler and mixed martial artist, showcasing his struggles and relationship with his girlfriend, portrayed by Emily Blunt. Johnson competes for the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama category, alongside notable actors such as Joel Edgerton and Oscar Isaac. Blunt also received recognition for her performance in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role category.
Reflecting on the moment he learned about his nomination, Johnson recounted a surreal experience. “I sleep in airplane mode on my phone,” he said, describing how he initially only received a single buzz, which led to an overwhelming influx of congratulatory messages, including one from director Ryan Coogler.
When discussing what this recognition means to him, Johnson underscored the significance of listening to one’s inner voice and venturing outside of comfort zones. He revealed that the journey of bringing The Smashing Machine to fruition had taken seven years, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and collaboration with like-minded individuals, such as filmmaker Benny Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt.
As he prepared for this role, Johnson returned to his wrestling roots. He noted that while understanding the ring dynamics was invaluable, the physical transformation was challenging as he gained 32 pounds to authentically portray Kerr’s unique physique. The physical demands were paired with an emotional journey, as embodying Kerr meant delving into the complexities of his life and struggles.
The process proved transformative, pushing Johnson to explore not just physicality but also emotional depth, as both he and Blunt faced the responsibility of representing real people whose lives have been marked by hardship.
He shared that surprising influences for the film included classics like Raging Bull and It’s a Wonderful Life. These choices reflect the film’s intention to capture intense, visceral moments both in and out of the ring, paralleling the struggles between public success and private challenges faced by the characters.
The Golden Globes nominations highlight significant achievements in the film industry, with Johnson’s recognition marking a pivotal moment in his career, while also serving as a beacon of hope for many grappling with similar issues. The nominations reveal not just a recognition of talent, but also the broader themes of struggle, resilience, and redemption that resonate deeply with audiences.
