Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson isn't pretending he didn't care about the Oscars.
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In a recent interview with Esquire, Johnson addressed the awards buzz surrounding his performance in The Smashing Machine and admitted he would have loved to hear his name called when Oscar nominations were announced.
"It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar," Johnson said. "It would have been amazing. I wish it happened. But it didn't."
Johnson earned widespread praise for his portrayal of former MMA champion Mark Kerr in the 2025 sports drama, a role many critics viewed as the strongest acting performance of his career.
Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine took a very different approach than many sports movies. Rather than focusing solely on victories and championships, the film explored Kerr's personal struggles, relationships and the challenges that accompanied life inside and outside the cage.
The movie also starred Emily Blunt and earned positive reviews following its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion.
While Johnson ultimately did not receive an Academy Award nomination, he made it clear the recognition mattered to him.
"I always thought it mattered," Johnson told Esquire. "And it has lit a fire in my spine."
The actor then laughed at his own wording before delivering the line that may best summarize his outlook moving forward.
"Let's go back to work."
For someone who spent years becoming one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling, Hollywood and business, the response probably shouldn't surprise anyone.
Johnson didn't get the Oscar nomination he wanted. But judging by his comments, he's already focused on whatever comes next.
