“The Smashing Machine” has sparked speculation surrounding Dwayne Johnson’s chances at earning Hollywood’s highest honor. The action star’s turn at the Venice Film Festival is generating talk that he may be a serious contender this awards season.

Cynthia Erivo will receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s 18th Annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film. The honor, Deadline notes, often foreshadows Oscar attention and arrives as final-round Emmy voting heads toward its August 27 deadline.