Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, has addressed his lack of Oscar nomination for his role in The Smashing Machine.
The biopic on MMA fighter Mark Kerr was regarded by many as Johnson’s best acting performance to date. With critics praising the movie and there being a lot of buzz at film festivals, there was some buzz that the former WWE Champion could be set for an Academy Award nomination. However, when it was time to reveal the nominees, Johnson’s name was notably absent from the list. The only nomination the film received was for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Speaking with Esquire, the Hollywood star gave his thoughts on not being a part of the nominees:
“It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar. I realized 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 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 interview also noted that it took Johnson 19 seconds to answer the question.
Rock’s next big picture will see him reprise the role of Maui for a live-action remake of Moana. The 2016 film and the 2024 follow-up are some of the highest-grossing animated films in history.
The Rock Misses Out On Oscar – Who Took Home The Academy Award?
The 2026 Best Actor award went to Michael B. Jordan for his role in the movie Sinners. Other actors nominated in the category were Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Wagner Muora for The Secret Agent.
Featured image: WWE
