Summary (tl;dr)

Dwayne Johnson's biographical sports drama, "The Smashing Machine," is currently trending due to its recent streaming release on HBO Max and other digital platforms, coinciding with its single nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

Essential Background

"The Smashing Machine" is a film based on the life and career of mixed martial arts (MMA) pioneer Mark Kerr, known as "The Smashing Machine." Before this film, a critically acclaimed 2002 HBO documentary also titled "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr" chronicled his career and struggles with addiction. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took on a significant departure from his typical action-hero roles to portray Kerr in this A24 production, directed by Benny Safdie, with Emily Blunt co-starring. The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where director Benny Safdie won the Silver Lion for directing, and received a theatrical release in the United States on October 3, 2025.

The Full Story

"The Smashing Machine" is trending today, January 24, 2026, primarily due to its recent widespread availability on streaming services like HBO Max, starting January 23, 2026. This digital release follows its theatrical run and comes on the heels of the 2026 Oscar nominations, which were announced on January 22, 2026. Despite earlier discussions and Golden Globe nominations for Dwayne Johnson's dramatic performance as Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt's supporting role, the film only secured one Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. While critically acclaimed for Johnson's transformative portrayal, the movie underperformed at the box office. The current trend reflects public interest in finally watching Johnson's "serious acting" role and the ongoing awards season discussions surrounding the film's recognition.

Why It Matters

The trending status of "The Smashing Machine" is significant for several reasons. For Dwayne Johnson, it represents a continued pivot towards more dramatic, character-driven roles, challenging public perception of him primarily as an action star. His performance has drawn critical attention for its transformative nature, even leading to earlier awards buzz. The film also highlights the enduring appeal of mixed martial arts narratives, especially those delving into the personal struggles of its pioneers. For A24, the film signifies their continued commitment to diverse and often acclaimed independent cinema. While its box office performance was disappointing, its strong critical reception, streaming release, and single Oscar nomination keep it in the cultural conversation, particularly regarding Johnson's evolving career and the broader awards landscape.

Geographic Location

• Venice, Veneto, Italy (world premiere of "The Smashing Machine" at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where Benny Safdie won Best Director)
• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (site of the 98th Academy Awards, where the film's Oscar nominations were announced)
• United States (primary region for the film's theatrical release by A24 and subsequent streaming availability on platforms like HBO Max)