Overview
- Johnson told Variety the compliment was “the most inspiring thing anyone has ever said about me.”
- After a DGA showing, urged by his wife, he thanked Nolan with a hug and kiss as the director reiterated the turn was “heartbreaking” and the year’s best.
- Nolan first made the assessment on The Director’s Cut podcast, and the comments quickly spread online.
- The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie for A24, is being framed as a personal dramatic turn for Johnson as awards campaigning continues.
- During a public chat, Nolan joked about a rumor that Safdie sought Emily Blunt for the film, which Safdie clarified stemmed from an Oppenheimer Q&A rather than on-set talks.