Variety will honor Dwayne Johnson with the Creative Impact in Acting Award and Teyana Taylor with the Creative Impact in Breakthrough Performance Award at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Both actors will receive their awards during Variety’s annual 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Johnson will be recognized for his critically acclaimed performance in Benny Safdie’s biopic on mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, “The Smashing Machine," which has also earned his first Golden Globe nomination. "The Smashing Machine" received the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, and Johnson's co-star Emily Blunt also received a Golden Globe nomination.

“Dwayne Johnson is a revelation in ‘The Smashing Machine.’

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