Breaking: F1 Film Nominated for Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars
A Formula One feature starring Brad Pitt and produced with the input of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has earned a Best Picture nomination at the 2026 Academy Awards.The 97th ceremony is set for March 15 in Los Angeles.
The film also receives nominations in three technical categories: Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects, highlighting its strong recognition across major craft fields.
Released last summer, the movie has grossed about $630 million worldwide. Principal photography stretched across 2023 and 2024, with shoots taking place at numerous race weekends, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Brad Pitt portrays a veteran driver named Sonny Hayes, who returns to the Formula One grid with a fictional team, APXGP, after a long absence.
Lewis Hamilton played a critically important role behind the scenes, lending his expertise to shape the script and boost authenticity for racing fans.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nomination categories | Best Picture; Best Film Editing; Best sound; Best Visual Effects |
| Ceremony date | March 15, 2026 |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Worldwide gross | Approximately $630 million |
| Filming timeline | 2023–2024, across multiple race weekends |
| Lead character | Sonny Hayes, fictional driver |
| Key involvement | Brad Pitt; Lewis Hamilton contributed to the script |
| Notable shoot location | British Grand prix at Silverstone |
Why the Nomination Matters
The Oscar nod underscores growing mainstream appeal for cinema that intertwines high-end storytelling with real-world sports culture. It also signals potential momentum for future collaborations between Hollywood filmmakers and the world of Formula One.
As audiences respond to the blend of drama, racing realism, and technical craft, producers may glimpse opportunities to expand similar narratives that appeal to both cinephiles and motorsport fans.
What to Watch For
Industry watchers will be watching how the film stacks up against othre contenders in the technical categories,and whether its Best Picture bid translates into broader recognition for racing-centered storytelling.
Expect discussions around how authenticity, production design, and sound design contributed to its standing among the year’s top films.
Reader questions: Which aspect of the film do you think most influenced its Best Picture nomination? Do you see more racing-focused cinema gaining traction in the years ahead?
Share this breaking update and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
