Christopher Nolan has shared his thoughts on what he considers the standout acting performance ahead of the 2026 Oscars. In a recent interview on The Director’s Cut podcast with filmmaker Benny Safdie, Nolan expressed his admiration for Dwayne Johnson’s role in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine, where Johnson portrays MMA pioneer Mark Kerr.
Nolan, who has previously collaborated with Safdie on Oppenheimer, lauded Johnson’s performance as “incredible,” emphasizing its emotional depth and calling it “heartbreaking.” He believes that this portrayal will be hard to surpass in this awards season, stating, “I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years.” This praise underscores the significance of Johnson’s transformation for the role, as he not only captures Kerr’s athletic prowess but also his personal struggles with addiction and abuse.
Johnson’s performance has garnered widespread acclaim, positioning him as a strong contender for a best actor nomination in various award shows, including the prestigious Oscars. The Smashing Machine, which debuted on October 3, is based on an HBO documentary and chronicles Kerr’s tumultuous journey in mixed martial arts during the late 1990s to 2000, set against a backdrop of addiction and troubled relationships.
In addition to praising Johnson, Nolan also commended Safdie’s directorial work on the film, stating, “Congratulations on the movie… It’s a really remarkable and radical piece of work that will be understood more and more over time.” Despite its initial box office performance, The Smashing Machine has made a profound impact on Johnson, who shared on Instagram that the film “changed his life,” highlighting the personal significance of the project for him.
With such positive reception, The Smashing Machine is poised to leave a lasting impression as awards season approaches, and both Johnson and Safdie are likely to gain further recognition for their contributions to cinema.