Dwayne Johnson Earns Golden Globes Nod for The Smashing Machine After Decades-Long Career

Dwayne Johnson just received his first Golden Globes nomination. The actor was nominated for his dramatic role in Benny Safdie’s new film, The Smashing Machine. The news broke on Monday morning.

This marks a major career milestone for Johnson. He has starred in over 60 movies but never before received awards recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

A Nomination That Honors Personal Struggle and Recovery

Johnson sees the nomination as more than personal acclaim. He told The Hollywood Reporter it represents the fight against addiction. His character, MMA fighter Mark Kerr, battled similar demons.

Kerr lost everything to addiction before finding sobriety. Johnson noted the fighter overdosed twice. The actor called the film a love letter to everyone fighting similar battles.

The role required a massive physical transformation. Johnson gained 32 pounds of specific muscle to mimic Kerr’s unique physique. He also wore 23 prosthetics daily to complete the look.

The Emotional Weight of Portraying Real, Living People

The emotional challenge was perhaps greater than the physical one. Johnson and co-star Emily Blunt played real people who are still alive. Their story was famously documented over 20 years ago.

Johnson said coming to set every day was hard. He felt a responsibility to do right by Kerr and his former partner, Dawn Staples. The film aims to show their life today is good, despite past struggles.

The actor revealed the film drew inspiration from two classics. Raging Bull inspired the visceral fight scenes. It’s a Wonderful Life influenced the story’s central theme of perspective.

This Golden Globes nomination for Dwayne Johnson is a landmark moment. It validates his dramatic shift into challenging new roles. The Smashing Machine promises to be a raw and powerful story of redemption.

Thought you’d like to know

What is *The Smashing Machine* about?

The film is a biographical drama about former MMA fighter Mark Kerr. It follows his career highs, struggles with addiction, and relationship with Dawn Staples. Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the lead roles.

Who else was nominated alongside Dwayne Johnson?

Johnson is nominated in the Best Actor in a Drama category. His competitors include Joel Edgerton, Oscar Isaac, Michael B. Jordan, Wagner Moura, and Jeremy Allen White. Emily Blunt also received a supporting actress nomination.

How long has this film been in development?

Johnson first met director Benny Safdie about the project seven years ago. The development and pre-production process took over half a decade. Filming was completed recently.

Why was this role so physically demanding for Johnson?

He gained 32 pounds to match Mark Kerr’s specific muscular build. He also endured lengthy daily makeup involving 23 prosthetics. The weight had to be maintained consistently for months.

What was Johnson’s reaction to the nomination?

He learned via a text from director Ryan Coogler early Monday morning. Johnson described the day as “surreal.” He emphasized the nomination’s deeper meaning related to addiction recovery.