What is so special about the F1 movie that it has received multiple Oscar nominations?

Brad Pitt’s racing drama “F1: The Movie” has emerged as a notable contender at the 2026 Academy Awards, achieving multiple nominations ahead of the prestigious ceremony set for March. The movie, debuted in 2025, combines Hollywood storytelling with real-world Formula One action, portraying authentic race settings and behind-the-scenes access rarely permitted to filmmakers.

The movie centers on the story of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver who is drawn out of retirement to help rescue the struggling APXGP team. Hayes partnered with younger teammate Joshua Pearce, with the two drivers featured by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, respectively. The story combines veteran experience with youthful goal against the high-pressure backdrop of elite motorsport.

Formula One’s Unprecedented Role in the Film

Formula One itself featured a major role in the movie’s production. Scenes were filmed during real Grand Prix weekends, which includes the 2023 British Grand Prix, where the fictional APXGP cars are notably positioned at the back of the grid during the formation lap before departing the track. This level of permission helped give the film an authentic feel rarely watched in sports movies.


Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton worked as an executive producer, further strengthening the movie’s association to the sport. At the global box office, the film achieved almost $631 million, making it the highest-grossing movie of Brad Pitt’s career, surpassing his 2013 hit World War Z.

Oscar Recognition and Categories

As awards season unfolds, “F1: The Movie” has achieved four nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, which includes the highly coveted 'Best Picture' category. Additional nominations are 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound' and 'Best Visual Effects.'

The Oscars event will happen on March 15th in Los Angeles, coinciding with the same day as the Chinese Grand Prix. Notably, the last sports-focused movie to win Best Picture was Million Dollar Baby in 2004, emphasizing how rare such popularity is for the genre.

Competition and Awards Outlook

Across all nominated categories, “F1” faces stiff competition, which includes the widely admired “Sinners.” In the Best Picture race, it is also competing against popular titles like “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” and others.

The movie did not receive nominations for writing, acting, or directing, which historically minimizes its opportunity of winning the top prize. However, Oscar history indicates that nominations alone do not guarantee success. For example, “Killers of the Flower Moon” achieved ten nominations in 2024, which includes acting and directing categories, yet did not secure a single win.

In contrast , Apple’s earlier success with “CODA” tells another story. In 2022, the movie won Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor, despite having fewer overall nominations.

Apple TV’s Growing Oscar Legacy

“F1: The Movie” continues Apple TV’s evolving presence at the Academy Awards. Apple became the initial streaming service to win Best Picture with “CODA.” It later received a Best Picture nomination in 2024 for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and now again in 2026 with “F1: The Movie.”

While Apple primarily prioritized limited theatrical releases, awards recognition has impacted its distribution approach. After its Oscar success, “CODA” was reissued in cinemas, emphasizing the financial and prestige-related advantages that still arrive with Academy Award attention even in the streaming era.

FAQs:

Q1. What is “F1: The Movie” about?
The movie centers on a retired Formula One driver who returns to the sport to support a struggling team. It concentrates on mentorship, competition, and second chances.

Q2. Who stars in “F1: The Movie”?
Brad Pitt features the lead role alongside Damson Idris. The cast also includes many supporting characters from the racing world.