Dwayne “The Rock” Johnsonwas first known as a professional wrestler before transitioning into acting. In this stage of his career,he has become one of the highest-paid actors of all time, contributing to numerous huge blockbusters. The majority of his work includes action films, like theFast and Furiousmovies, or goofier comedies, likeThe Tooth FairyandThe Game Plan. He has also even ventured into voice acting with his part inMoana, reprising his role as Maui in the sequel last year. He will also play the character in Disney’s live-action remake.
More recently, however, it seems that The Rock is transitioning into more serious work. In particular, Johnson is breaking through into drama by playing real-life UFC champion Mark Kerr in theBenny Safdie filmThe Smashing Machine. The film may be in his wheelhouse due to his wrestling background, but nonetheless will push Johnson beyond his comfort zone. The actor was also recently cast in the A24 psychological thrillerBreakthrough, which could help his Oscar future.
Darren Aronofsky Directing Breakthrough Increases Dwayne Johnson’s Oscar Chances
The Director Has Been Behind Other Oscar Movies
Breakthroughhas a lot going for it when it comes to its Academy Awards chances. One of the best points in its favor is the involvement ofdirector Darren Aronofsky. Behind projects such asRequiem for a DreamandBlack Swan, Aronofsky is an esteemed director who has done quite well with assisting Oscar-nominated performances. Ellen Burstyn was nominated for her work inRequiem for a Dream, as were Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei forThe Wrestler. Natalie Portman evenwon Best Actress for her performance in the director’s psychological thrillerBlack Swan.
Aronofsky has also had more recent success withThe Whale. The film received two acting nominations and saw Brendan Fraser winBest Actor. Fraser is similar to Johnson in that he was not an actor that was historically associated with higher-caliber, Oscar-contending films previously.The Whalewas his first nomination, asBreakthroughwould be for Johnson. Fraser’s success story shows thatAronofsky can elevate unexpected performances to Oscar success, and he did so quite recently. The director could repeat this with Johnson.
A24’s Involvement In Breakthrough Helps Dwayne Johnson’s Oscar Chances Too
A24 Has Done Well At The Academy Awards
Another point in Johnson’s favor for aBreakthroughnomination is A24’s involvement with the project. The independent producer has become increasingly associated with critically acclaimed films that end up nominated for Oscars, such asEverything Everywhere All at Once, andThe Zone of Interest. This includes nominations in the acting categories. In fact,Adrian Brody won Best Actor this year for A24’s 2024 filmThe Brutalist.Fraser was also connected with A24 forThe Whale, showing how Aronofsky has already succeeded in assisting a Best Actor win from an A24 movie.
Breakthrough Could Be Dwayne Johnson’s Real Oscar Contender After The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine Will Be The First Stepping Stone
Johnson’s role inBreakthroughwill come afterthe release ofThe Smashing Machine. It is certainly possible that the movie could earn him an Oscar nomination, especially given that it is a biopic, and it is written and directed by a respected talent. However, as Johnson’s first foray into serious drama,The Smashing Machinecould be a harder sell for a Best Actor nomination.Sports-based movies are also hit or miss at the Academy Awards(as evidenced by the complete snubbing of last year’sChallengers).
That said,The Smashing Machinecould be a critical part of what could become Johnson’s Oscar arc. This first movie, which is also associated with A24, could be what gets people to take the actor more seriously. It might takeBreakthrough, which is directed by a more established talent, to get Johnson an Oscar nomination. Of course, these awards will be contingent upon the quality of his performances. However, given his A-list status and the power behindBreakthrough, his Oscar arc seems very possible.
