Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was practically a blubbering baby after debuting his new movie, "The Smashing Machine," at the Venice Film Festival ... where he got one hell of a reaction.
Check it out ... Dwayne and his costar, Emily Blunt, wipe away tears as the audience at the film festival showers the performers with love ... including a 15-minute standing ovation. Take it in!!!
While The Rock is no stranger to public affection -- he's dominated the box office many times over his career -- "The Smashing Machine" sets up the WWE star as a possible Oscars contender for this year's awards show.