Dwayne Johnson on Oscar Snub: 'A Fire in My Spine'

Dwayne Johnson revealed his feelings about being overlooked for an Oscar nomination for his role in 'The Smashing Machine.' He acknowledged that receiving such an award nomination is a rare achievement and expressed his desire for it to have happened, stating, "I wish it had happened. But it didn't." This experience, however, has intensely motivated him, as he described it as lighting "a fire in my spine...which is: Let's go back to work."

While Michael B. Jordan ultimately won the Best Actor Oscar, Johnson's performance as MMA fighter Mark Kerr was recognized with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama. He is also set to star in a crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, who praised Johnson's remarkable performance and deep artistic collaboration.

Benny Safdie, who has worked with Johnson on multiple films, highlighted the actor's extensive film knowledge and ability to convey complex emotions through subtle performances. Johnson also reflected on his career evolution, emphasizing a shift towards more personal and less public-facing work as he approaches his mid-fifties, prioritizing meaningful artistic endeavors.