‘It Would Have Been Wonderful’: Dwayne Johnson Reflects on Missing Oscar Nomination

Dwayne Johnson, who has starred in Hollywood films, gave an interview about his failure to get the nomination for the movie "The Smashing Machine." Dwayne Johnson claimed that the Academy snubbed his performance in "The Smashing Machine." What was the impact on him? 

According to a Deadline report, the actor said, "It would have been wonderful to be nominated for an Oscar. I quickly realized that reaching this point where such things are happening is a difficult thing. It's exciting. It would have been great to have received the award. I wish it had happened, but it didn't. However, I never thought, 'Oh, it doesn't matter.'" I always thought it mattered, and it instilled a new energy in me, which was, 'Let's get back to work.'

Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in this film. It depicts his illustrious journey in the UFC in the 90s, a period during which he became addicted to painkillers. Emily Blunt also starred in the film. Although both Johnson and Blunt were overlooked at the Oscars, their film performed well at awards. It received Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress in the Motion Picture - Drama category.

According to Variety, the film won the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival but struggled at the box office. Despite a budget of $50 million, it grossed only $10 million domestically. "The Smashing Machine" received praise from industry peers and luminaries like Christopher Nolan.

Speaking to the film's director, Benny Safdie, on "The Director's Cut" podcast, Nolan described Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr as heartfelt and brilliant. He said, "I think it's a fantastic performance. I don't think you'll see a better one this year." On the work front, Johnson is set to reunite with director Benny Safdie for the upcoming film "Lizard Music."