The Rock Sobs: Smashing Machine Venice Ovation Update

Is Dwayne Johnson headed for the Oscars?

Judging by the rapturous reaction to his performance as wrestler mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” at the Venice Film Festival on Monday night, that seems to be the consensus out of Italy.

The 53-year-old actor sobbed uncontrollably as the audience on the Lido erupted into a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest at this year’s festival so far.

Johnson, who once performed as the WWE wrestler known as the Rock, has been the star of such commercial fare as “The Mummy,” “Black Adam” and “Baywatch.” But he goes much deeper in his next project, wich will be released by A24 in November, as a ’90s fighter with demons.

Johnson stars opposite Emily Blunt in the film, who plays Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples. during the ovation, Benny Safdie – the film’s director – hugged both his stars and joined Johnson in shedding tears of joy as the clapping continued. Adding to the waterworks, Kerr also wept as the credits rolled.

As the hooting and cheering stretched on, “The Smashing machine” proved to be the most emotional premiere on the Lido since Brendan Fraser collapsed into tears four years ago, launching his Oscar campaign for “The Whale.”

Before the screening started, one fan shouted Johnson’s signature WWE line, “Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?!” – prompting laughter and applause.