F1 Movie gets four Oscar nominations and record-breaking box office haul

The pinnacle of motorsport has reached the pinnacle of cinema. The long-awaited F1 movie has secured four Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, marking a watershed moment for Formula 1's presence in mainstream entertainment. The blockbuster, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, has landed nominations across four prestigious categories: Best Picture, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects—a remarkable achievement that underscores both the film's technical ambition and its broad appeal.

This recognition comes on the heels of extraordinary commercial success. Since its theatrical release in June 2025, the film has surpassed $630 million at the global box office, establishing itself as the ninth highest-grossing film of 2025 and, notably, the highest-grossing film of Brad Pitt's illustrious career, eclipsing the 2013 blockbuster World War Z. The $300 million production investment represents Apple's first major foray into Formula 1 content, demonstrating the tech giant's confidence in the motorsport's cinematic potential—a conviction further validated by Apple's subsequent $750 million investment to acquire US broadcast rights for the sport over the next five years.

A star-studded cast brings motorsport to the silver screen

The film's compelling narrative centers on Sonny Hayes, a nomadic driver portrayed by Pitt, who emerges from retirement to rescue the struggling APXGP team. Alongside him is rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by British actor Damson Idris, creating a dynamic partnership that mirrors the classic mentorship arcs audiences crave. The production achieved unprecedented authenticity by filming during actual F1 race weekends, featuring drivers from the 2023 and 2024 seasons and the sport's biggest personalities.

Perhaps most significantly, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton served as an executive producer, lending his expertise and credibility to a project that required intimate knowledge of modern Formula 1 operations. This behind-the-scenes involvement elevated the film's technical authenticity, from garage dynamics to the psychological pressures drivers face at sport's highest level.

Navigating competitive waters at the 2026 Oscars

The film's Best Picture nomination places it in formidable company. It faces competition from Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Train Dreams—a slate dominated by critically acclaimed dramas. The competition in the technical categories proves equally fierce, with Sinners appearing as a competitor across multiple categories, suggesting the vampire film could potentially break the Oscar record for most nominations in a single year.

The last sports film to claim Best Picture was Million Dollar Baby in 2004, making the F1 movie's nomination particularly significant for motorsport representation in Hollywood's highest echelons. The Academy's recognition of the film across four categories—particularly in the technical domains of editing, sound design, and visual effects—validates the meticulous craftsmanship required to authentically portray modern Formula 1 racing.

Sequel prospects and the future of motorsport cinema

Kosinski has already begun conceptualizing what comes next. In November 2025, the director revealed to industry publications that conversations about a sequel have commenced, emphasizing the global appetite for returning to Sonny Hayes' story and the APXGP universe. This early momentum suggests that if the Oscar campaign succeeds, a second installment could follow relatively quickly.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O'Brien and airing on ABC and Hulu at 4pm PT. Intriguingly, the date coincides with the Chinese Grand Prix on the 2026 F1 calendar—a symbolic convergence of cinema and motorsport that encapsulates the film's broader cultural impact.

The F1 movie's Oscar recognition represents more than individual accolades; it signals a transformational moment for how Formula 1 is perceived globally. No longer confined to niche motorsport enthusiasts, the sport has captured mainstream audiences' imagination through compelling storytelling, technical brilliance, and the star power of both Hollywood and the paddock.