The undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk may be heading for Hollywood’s biggest night. Movie insiders tell World Boxing News that the undisputed champion is strongly tipped for an Oscar invitation in 2026, following the critical success of his latest film, The Smashing Machine.
Usyk, who makes his first significant appearance on the big screen alongside global megastars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, is now part of the early awards-season conversation. With Johnson’s transformative portrayal of troubled MMA legend Mark Kerr already drawing Oscar buzz, Usyk’s part as feared Ukrainian fighter Igor Vovchanchyn puts the boxing great in line for a seat at next year’s ceremony.
The film, directed by critically acclaimed Benny Safdie and backed by A24, earned rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival and is set to hit cinemas worldwide on October 3.
Fight Before Fame: Heavyweight Defense vs. The Red Carpet
For Usyk, who sensationally dethroned Tyson Fury earlier this year to cement his place in the history books, the timing raises an intriguing prospect. With the Oscars ceremony set for March 2026 in Los Angeles, the two-division champion could realistically defend his heavyweight crown again before swapping his boxing gloves for a tuxedo. The unique collision of an active boxing champion on the precipice of Hollywood’s top honor is a rare spectacle for sports fans globally.
Usyk’s Hollywood Turn: Adding Credibility
The Smashing Machine tells the moving story of Kerr’s meteoric rise and personal struggles, with Emily Blunt starring as his partner, Dawn Staples. Usyk portrays Vovchanchyn, one of Kerr’s most formidable real-life opponents, thereby giving the champion a pivotal role that ensures the film’s authenticity in the world of MMA.
When attending the Venice premiere alongside Johnson and Blunt, Usyk drew immense media attention for his seamless transition from boxing’s grandest stage to cinema’s. Johnson admitted the emotional depth of the project was taxing, stating:
“Those scenes hurt my heart,” said The Rock on filming the emotional sequences with Blunt.
While the primary focus remains on Johnson’s transformative performance, the MMA community and critics praised Usyk’s involvement for adding a layer of genuine credibility and intensity to the fight sequences, a key element of the biographical drama.
Exclusive clip from Benny Safdie’s ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’, starring Dwayne Johnson.
In theaters on October 3. pic.twitter.com/Eb8OgfXvwq
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 25, 2025
Legacy: Boxing, Heavyweight Titles, and a Golden Statue
Given the film’s awards-season momentum and its impressive ensemble star power, industry insiders widely expect invitations to extend to Usyk as a high-profile cast member. Should Dwayne Johnson land his first-ever nomination, the supporting cast will naturally be present at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Usyk has consistently embraced challenges throughout his career, whether unifying the cruiserweight division, conquering the heavyweight ranks, or now testing himself on the big screen. If the 2026 Oscars come calling, it will mark another unprecedented milestone in a career already defined by history-making achievements.
The thought of Usyk on the Oscars red carpet just after a potential title defense is another vivid reminder of the champion’s unique ability to cross over and build a truly unparalleled legacy—where boxing glory and Hollywood recognition collide on the same extraordinary timeline.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.