Overview
- Johnson told Variety he was overwhelmed after Nolan lauded his The Smashing Machine performance as “heartbreaking.”
- At a DGA screening, Johnson says he hugged Nolan and received a reaffirmation that it was the year’s best performance.
- Johnson credits his wife, Lauren Hashian, with urging him to approach Nolan and speak to him directly.
- Nolan’s remarks, first shared on The Director’s Cut podcast, spread widely online and boosted attention to the role.
- The A24 film, directed by Benny Safdie and centered on MMA figure Mark Kerr, continues its awards push after a modest box office run and festival recognition.