Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Benny Safdie Boost Josh Brolin's 'Smashing Machine'
Emily Blunt shared why she cried the first time she saw Dwayne Johnson portray Mark Kerr in the campaign for Oscar recognition of the film The Smashing Machine. Despite disappointing box office results, Benny Safdie’s film has found strong support, prompting A24 to push its awards season campaign.
On Tuesday night, Josh Brolin traveled from Santa Barbara to the Academy’s Lynwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood to moderate a lively Q&A session with Safdie and stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin is a noted fan of the project.
“Insightful,” “Smart, Funny, Easy To Digest, And Always Newsworthy,” “Always Informative And Honest”
Set mainly in the early 2000s, The Smashing Machine features Johnson as Mark Kerr, a pioneering UFC fighter who defies typical stereotypes. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, wrestling with her own personal struggles.
The film earned Safdie the Best Director award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The Q&A was a warm exchange among talent, with Brolin and Johnson—longtime friends—joining together for the first time on screen indirectly: Brolin starred with Blunt in Sicario, while Blunt and Johnson co-starred in Jungle Cruise.
Author's summary: The Smashing Machine, praised for its authentic portrayal and strong performances, gains awards momentum with heartfelt support from its cast and industry champions.