Online Reporter
VENICE. — Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson burst into tears on Tuesday night as his film The Smashing Machine received a 15-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival.
The former WWE star, 53, has even been at the centre of Oscars buzz for his new role, which sees him depict former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the biographical movie.
He stars opposite Emily Blunt in the film, who plays Mark’s girlfriend Dawn Staples.
During the ovation — one of the longest at Venice this year — the film’s director Benny Safdie embraced the leading actors and also burst into tears of joy at the reception.
The new role marks a move away from Dwayne’s typical action films.
He began his acting career on television while wrestling and during the Venice screening one fan noted his career roots as he shouted:
“Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?!’ — prompting laughter from the WWE star.
The Rock has appeared in hit big budget movies such as Jumanji, Moana and The Fast and the Furious, but is now aiming for something bigger than the box office — and hopes to get an Oscar with The Smashing Machine.
An online campaign has been kickstarted to see this dream come to fruition, with fans tweeting:
“The upcoming Rock campaign is gonna’ give us so much meme material and clips. Even if he misses at Oscar I can see him getting Globes/CCA/SAG, which means he could be around for a while. Hopefully this means he’ll continue to do more serious roles.”
“We’re living in a time where Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could receive an Oscar nomination this winter. Anything is possible, don’t stop chasing that dream kids.”
‘’’And the Oscar for best actor and performance in a film goes to.. Dwayne The Rock Johnson.’’’ — Mailonline
