Dwayne Johnson to Receive Variety’s 2026 Creative Impact Acting Award

Dwayne Johnson will be honored with Variety’s Creative Impact in Acting Award at the 2026 Palm Springs Film Festival.

The award will be presented during Variety’s annual 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch on January 4.

Johnson, the multi-hyphenate actor, producer, and founder of Seven Bucks Productions, earned critical acclaim for his performance in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, portraying MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

The role marked a significant milestone in Johnson’s career, earning him his first Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama.

The film has also brought accolades to its director and co-stars.

Benny Safdie received the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, while Emily Blunt earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

“Dwayne Johnson is a revelation in The Smashing Machine. His haunting and committed portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr is a testament to his willingness to forgo vanity to tell a truly human story,” said Ramin Setoodeh, co-president and co-editor-in-chief of Variety. “We are thrilled to honor Dwayne with Variety’s Acting Award in Palm Springs.”

Johnson’s recognition reflects his evolution from blockbuster superstar to critically acclaimed dramatic actor, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.

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