Dwayne Johnson says Oscar snub for 'The Smashing Machine' lit a fire in my spine

• Dwayne Johnson admitted the Oscar snub for The Smashing Machine genuinely hurt him.
• Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese both praised Johnson's dramatic performance in the film.
• Johnson said the snub has motivated him to return to serious, challenging acting work.

Dwayne Johnson has opened up about the pain of being overlooked for an Oscar nomination for his acclaimed dramatic performance in The Smashing Machine, saying the snub stung — but has since motivated him to push harder.

Speaking to Esquire, Johnson reflected candidly on the experience after his portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr drew widespread praise and considerable awards season buzz, only to be passed over when the Academy nominations were announced.

Nolan and Scorsese among the admirers

Johnson's turn in The Smashing Machine marked a sharp departure from his established blockbuster persona, with the actor immersing himself in the story of Kerr's struggles with addiction and self-destruction. The performance earned rare endorsements from two of cinema's most respected filmmakers — Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese — both of whom praised his work in the film publicly.

Despite the critical acclaim, The Smashing Machine struggled to find an audience at the box office.

'I wish it happened. But it didn't'

Johnson was measured but honest when reflecting on the nomination that never came. "It would have been incredible to get nominated for an Oscar," he told Esquire. "I realised very quickly that it's a rare thing to reach this pinnacle where you're even having these conversations." He added: "And it's exciting! It would have been amazing. I wish it happened. But it didn't."

A fire lit, not a flame extinguished

Rather than dismissing the experience, Johnson said the recognition from the Academy had always mattered to him — and still does. "But in no uncertain terms did I ever think, 'Oh, that doesn't matter.' I always thought it mattered," he said. "And it has lit a fire in my spine, which is 'Let's go back to work.'"