16 March 2026F1i.comCommentary

F1 Movie Wins Oscar for Best Sound at 98th Academy Awards

The film *F1* won the Oscar for Best Sound, recognizing its immersive audio that captured the intensity of racing. The blockbuster, a commercial hit grossing nearly $650 million, has boosted the sport's global profile, with producers Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt confirming early work has begun on a sequel.

The Hollywood blockbuster F1 secured a major victory at the 98th Academy Awards, winning the Oscar for Best Sound. The film's success, both critically and commercially, has cemented its status as a landmark project for motorsport on the big screen, with momentum already building for a sequel.

Why it matters:

The Oscar win validates the film's groundbreaking technical achievement in authentically capturing the visceral experience of Formula 1 racing. Beyond the trophy, the movie's massive global box office performance—becoming the highest-grossing motorsport film ever—demonstrates F1's powerful crossover appeal and its ability to attract a massive new, mainstream audience to the sport.

The details:

The film's sound team, including Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, and Juan Peralta, took home the award, beating a strong field of contenders.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt, and Lewis Hamilton, the movie was celebrated for its sensory realism and commitment to authenticity.
- This included filming during actual Grand Prix weekends and integrating its fictional APXGP team into the real F1 paddock.
While it missed out on awards for editing and visual effects, its cultural and financial impact is undeniable.
The film has grossed close to $650 million worldwide, making it the biggest hit of Brad Pitt's career.

What's next:

The story is far from over, with early development already underway for a sequel.

Lewis Hamilton confirmed that initial script discussions have begun with director Joseph Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and screenwriter Ehren Kruger.
Hamilton highlighted the film's ongoing impact, noting he still receives messages from new viewers whose eyes have been opened to the sport.
The Oscar win and sequel talks signal that F1 is more than a one-off film; it's a burgeoning franchise that has successfully bridged the worlds of high-octane sport and Hollywood spectacle.