"F1" movie star Damson Idris presented AMFF award by producer Jerry Bruckheimer

The ceremony, a highlight of the annual festival dedicated to showcasing Black talent and stories, recognized Idris’s burgeoning career and significant contributions to film and television. The Horizon Award, a distinction reserved for emerging artists who have demonstrated exceptional promise and impact, underscores Idris’s rapid ascent in Hollywood, particularly following his compelling performance as rookie racing driver Joshua Pearce in the global box office hit "F1."

Prior to his high-profile role in the Formula 1-themed cinematic production, the British actor garnered widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of Franklin Saint in John Singleton’s crime drama Snowfall. Running for six seasons from 2017 to 2023 on FX, Snowfall explored the origins of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles in the 1980s. Idris’s nuanced performance as a young, ambitious drug dealer navigating the treacherous criminal underworld earned him significant praise, establishing him as a formidable dramatic actor. His work on Snowfall was pivotal in showcasing his range and intensity, laying the groundwork for his transition to major studio films. Beyond Snowfall, Idris has also made notable appearances in the dystopian anthology series Black Mirror and the action sci-fi film Outside the Wire, further diversifying his portfolio and demonstrating his versatility across various genres.

Reflecting on his journey during the ABFF ceremony, Idris shared insights into the often-challenging path to success in the entertainment industry. "The early auditions, the rejections, the small wins that meant everything," the British actor remarked, as reported by Variety. He continued, "And now to be here, the past few years, stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. Stepping into the world of Formula 1 recently, the scale of precision working alongside some of the absolute greats sharpens you. It reminds you to stay a student no matter where you are." His comments highlighted a commitment to continuous learning and growth, a philosophy that resonates deeply within the highly competitive world of professional motorsport that his latest film meticulously depicts.

The "F1" movie, released in June 2025 by Apple Original Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, immersed audiences into the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on "Top Gun: Maverick," the film benefited from an unprecedented level of access and collaboration with the real Formula 1 ecosystem. Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton served as a producer on the project, providing invaluable technical guidance and ensuring the authenticity of the racing sequences and the portrayal of the sport. This collaboration extended to filming during actual Grand Prix weekends, utilizing modified F2 cars designed to resemble F1 machinery, and embedding the production crew within existing F1 teams, notably Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

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In the narrative of "F1," Idris’s character, Joshua Pearce, is a prodigious rookie driver. He is paired with the nomadic and experienced Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Academy Award winner Brad Pitt. The film centers on Hayes’s dramatic return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the struggling APXGP team, owned by his former team-mate Rubén Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem. The plot unfolds with immense pressure on both Hayes and Pearce: they have the final nine races of the season to secure a race victory, a crucial benchmark to prevent the APXGP team from being sold and potentially dissolved. The dynamic between the veteran Hayes and the promising newcomer Pearce forms the emotional core of the film, exploring themes of mentorship, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport where milliseconds can determine destiny.

The production of "F1" faced its share of hurdles, as acknowledged by Jerry Bruckheimer. The film’s shooting schedule was notably impacted by the Hollywood strikes of 2023, specifically the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA industrial actions. These widespread labor disputes brought much of Hollywood production to a standstill, forcing delays and adjustments to the film’s ambitious global shooting plan, which involved locations at various Formula 1 circuits around the world. Despite these significant challenges, the filmmakers persevered, a testament to their dedication to bringing an authentic and compelling F1 story to the big screen.

Since its global release, "F1" has emerged as a monumental commercial success, exceeding $630 million at the global box office. This impressive financial performance positions it among the highest-grossing sports dramas of all time and highlights the growing international appeal of Formula 1 itself, a phenomenon amplified in recent years by documentaries like Netflix’s "Drive to Survive." The film’s critical reception has generally praised its breathtaking racing sequences, the authenticity of its portrayal of F1, and the compelling performances of its lead actors. It has also celebrated a strong awards season so far, garnering nominations and accolades for technical achievements, sound design, and ensemble performances, further solidifying its status as a major cinematic event.

The overwhelming success of "F1" has, perhaps unsurprisingly, ignited immediate conversations about the possibility of a sequel. These discussions were officially confirmed by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a titan of Hollywood known for blockbusters such as "Top Gun," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and "National Treasure." Bruckheimer recently announced the development of a follow-up film during an interview with the BBC. "We’re working on a sequel," he stated, providing a definitive answer to speculation that had been circulating among fans and industry observers.

Speaking at an Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, Bruckheimer elaborated on the arduous journey to bring the first film to fruition while also expressing his enthusiasm for the project and its star. "It was a long journey to get the movie made because we had to endure a couple of strikes — but in the end, the movie entertained audiences around the world," he reflected on the production of "F1." He also shared his positive experience working with Brad Pitt for the first time: "I never worked with Brad Pitt before, and it’s really a thrill to work with Brad."

The confirmation of a sequel signals continued investment in the "F1" cinematic universe, suggesting further exploration of the characters and the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Given the first film’s narrative arc, which concluded with the APXGP team fighting for survival, a sequel could delve into the team’s renewed aspirations, the ongoing rivalry between drivers, and the personal challenges faced by Joshua Pearce and Sonny Hayes as they navigate the complexities of professional motorsport at its highest level. The enduring global popularity of Formula 1, coupled with the proven box office appeal and critical acclaim of the first movie, creates a fertile ground for the expansion of this cinematic franchise, promising more adrenaline-fueled drama and authentic racing action for audiences worldwide. For Damson Idris, the future appears bright, with the Horizon Award serving as a timely recognition of his achievements and a harbinger of continued success in the competitive landscape of international cinema.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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