Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Benny Safdie Support Josh Brolin's "Smashing Machine"
Emily Blunt shared why she was moved to tears the first time she saw Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in the campaign for Oscar recognition of the duo film "Smashing Machine." Despite underwhelming box office results, Benny Safdie’s film has gathered a loyal following, prompting A24 to actively pursue awards season attention.
On Tuesday night, Josh Brolin traveled from Santa Barbara to the Academy’s Lynwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood to host a lively Q&A with Safdie, Emily Blunt, and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin is among the film’s avid supporters.
Critical Acclaim and Themes
Set mainly in the early 2000s, "Smashing Machine" features Johnson as Mark Kerr, a groundbreaking UFC fighter who defies typical stereotypes associated with the sport. Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, who faces her own personal struggles.
The film earned Safdie the Best Director award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, highlighting its artistic impact.
Professional Connections and Chemistry
The Q&A highlighted the close relationships among the participants. Although Johnson and Brolin, longtime friends, have never acted together, Brolin appeared alongside Emily Blunt in "Sicario," while Blunt and Johnson co-starred in "Jungle Cruise."
Audience and Industry Praise
“Insightful,” “Smart, Funny, Easy To Digest, And Always Newsworthy,” “Always Informative And Honest.”
These are some of the accolades the film has received, underlining its strong reception among critics and audiences alike.
Author’s summary: The film "Smashing Machine," led by Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt under Benny Safdie’s direction, has earned critical acclaim and passionate support despite modest box office returns.