Dwayne Johnson recently reflected on one of the most emotional moments of his career while speaking with Brendan Fraser on Variety’s Actors on Actors series.
The actor revealed that the film The Smashing Machine,though not a commercial hit, became one of his most personally meaningful projects. The performance earned a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, leaving Johnson in tears.
When Fraser asked about the viral moment, Johnson described it as “surreal.” He explained, “What Smashing Machine represented for me was living my dream—my dream, not someone else’s. Other projects are amazing, but they often involve many other interests. This one was purely mine.”
During the ceremony, Johnson initially felt the applause wasn’t for him but for the directors and crew. However, the overwhelming response made him realize, “Holy S***. This ceremony is real. And it means something.” For Johnson, the applause was a release—a moment he described as finally being able to exhale after years of hard work.
Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine also stars Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader. Johnson’s heartfelt acknowledgment highlights the deep personal connection he has with this project, making it a standout milestone in his career.
This experience reminds fans and aspiring actors alike that success isn’t always about box office numbers it’s about pursuing projects that truly resonate with your passion and vision.
