F1 triumphs at the Oscars with stunning victory

The Formula 1-inspired blockbuster F1: The Movie has enjoyed success at the 98th Academy Awards after winning the Oscar for Best Sound.

The film — directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt — secured one victory from its four nominations on Hollywood’s biggest night.

The award was presented to sound team members Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta in recognition of their work capturing the intensity and atmosphere of Formula 1.

It marked a significant achievement for the motorsport-inspired production, with the sound design widely praised for its immersive recreation of the sport’s high-speed environment. By blending real trackside recordings with carefully engineered audio, the film sought to reproduce the unique soundscape of modern grand prix machinery.

Released in 2025, F1: The Movie quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious racing films ever made. The project was developed with extensive input from the Formula 1 paddock, including involvement from Lewis Hamilton as a producer and advisor, helping ensure authenticity throughout the production.

The story follows veteran driver Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Pitt, who returns to Formula 1 decades after his initial career ended in disappointment.

He joins the struggling fictional APXGP team alongside young rookie Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, with the pair attempting to improve the outfit’s fortunes on track.

A key element of the film’s realism was its filming approach, with sequences captured at real race weekends alongside the existing Formula 1 calendar.

Specially adapted camera rigs mounted on Formula 1 cars helped place audiences directly in the cockpit, contributing to the immersive experience that ultimately underpinned its Oscar-winning sound work.

The film proved a major commercial success as well, grossing more than $600 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing motor racing film ever produced.

At the ceremony, held in Los Angeles, the production had arrived with four nominations in total. Alongside its successful bid for Best Sound, the film had also been shortlisted for Best Picture, Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song for "Drive" by Ed Sheeran.