Dwayne Johnson's 'Smashing Machine' has made it onto the Oscars' Best Makeup and Hairstyling shortlist, marking a significant milestone for the biopic about UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr. But here's where it gets controversial... While Johnson's inclusion in the Golden Globes' Best Actor in a Drama category is a positive sign, it might not necessarily be a strong indicator of his chances for an Oscar nomination in the same category. The film's journey to the Oscars has been a rollercoaster, with its box office performance falling short of expectations. Despite receiving generally positive reviews and winning the Silver Lion award at the Venice International Film Festival, some analysts believe that the film's awards trajectory started to decline due to its disappointing box office numbers. The shortlist of 10 films will be narrowed down to 5 nominees by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' makeup and hairstyling branch, and then the full Academy membership will vote on the final 5 nominees. The film's success at the Oscars will depend on whether the Academy recognizes its unique blend of action, drama, and sports, and whether the public's perception of Johnson as a leading man in serious roles continues to evolve.
