Los Angeles, CA – Damson Idris is rapidly establishing himself as a force in Hollywood, and his recent appearance at the 2026 Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theater, underscored that trajectory. The British actor, nominated for his role in the high-octane film F1, spoke candidly about the invaluable lessons learned from his co-star, Brad Pitt, and his burgeoning career. Idris’s reflections extend beyond the glamour of the red carpet, hinting at a carefully considered approach to longevity in an industry often defined by fleeting moments. The actor, sporting a striking satin blue Prada suit, emphasized a shift in focus from immediate recognition to building a lasting legacy through thoughtful role selection.
F1, a film centered around the world of Formula One racing, has garnered significant attention, receiving multiple nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film’s success is particularly meaningful for Pitt, who has long harbored a passion for motorsports. Idris’s comments highlight the collaborative spirit on set and the mentorship he received from the seasoned actor. Beyond the professional guidance, a playful rivalry likewise emerged, with Idris jokingly claiming to be the “Fastest Driver” between the two.
From Silverstone to the Silver Screen: The Making of an Authentic Racing Film
The creation of F1 was a unique undertaking, demanding a level of authenticity rarely seen in sports-themed films. According to reports from the BBC, Damson Idris and Brad Pitt underwent extensive training to master the intricacies of driving Formula One cars, reaching speeds of up to 180 mph. This commitment to realism extended to filming on actual racetracks, including Silverstone and Rockingham, while the Grand Prix season was underway. The challenge wasn’t merely about speed, but also about maintaining a degree of composure and even “looking cute” while navigating the intense forces at play.
The film benefitted from the involvement of Sir Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One World Champion, who served as a producer and had a cameo appearance. Hamilton’s expertise proved invaluable in ensuring the film accurately captured the essence of the sport. Idris credited Hamilton with fostering an environment of authenticity on set, reminding the cast and crew of their goal to create the “most authentic racing movie of all time.” The actor also expressed admiration for Hamilton’s own foray into acting, describing him as a brother and celebrating his success in a new creative field.
Brad Pitt’s Long Pursuit of a Racing Movie
For Brad Pitt, F1 represents the culmination of a decades-long dream. As reported by E! Online, Pitt revealed he had been trying to develop a racing movie for over 20 years, exploring both motorcycle and car racing disciplines. He recounted facing numerous obstacles that prevented the project from coming to fruition until now. His lifelong fascination with racing stems from childhood memories of Jackie Stewart and a later immersion in MotoGP in the 1990s. The opportunity to finally bring his vision to life, alongside Damson Idris and with the support of the Formula One community, clearly resonated with the actor.
The production of F1 involved a complex logistical operation, with filming taking place at nine of the 22 racetracks used in the Formula One World Championship. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer explained to TODAY.com that the crew secured track time during qualifying and practice sessions, allowing them to capture the energy and intensity of real-time races. This commitment to shooting in authentic locations added to the film’s realism and provided a unique challenge for the cast and crew, who had to contend with the brutal physical demands of driving at high speeds.
The Physical Toll of High-Speed Filming
The experience of driving Formula One cars at racing speeds proved to be physically demanding for both Idris and Pitt. Bruckheimer detailed the intense G-forces experienced by the drivers, which could reach up to 5 Gs in corners, requiring them to brake from 180 mph to 50 mph. Idris described the intricate turnings and the sensation of the car sticking to the track as an unparalleled experience, stating, “You have to be in it to sense it.” The actors’ dedication to performing their own driving stunts, combined with the challenges of filming during live races, underscores the commitment to delivering an authentic and immersive cinematic experience.
Damson Idris: Beyond F1 and a Rising Star
While F1 has undoubtedly raised Damson Idris’s profile, the actor is already looking ahead to a diverse range of projects. He mentioned upcoming roles in the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, a fantasy novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi, and a biopic portraying the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. Idris’s ambition extends beyond mainstream recognition, as he acknowledged that his breakout role in the 2017 US crime drama Snowfall was overlooked by major awards ceremonies. However, he found recognition within the Black artistic community, winning accolades from organizations such as BET, NWACP, and Mobo. This experience has shaped his perspective on success, emphasizing the importance of cultural validation alongside broader industry acclaim.
Idris’s journey from Peckham, South London, to the Oscars red carpet is a testament to his talent and determination. He has demonstrated a willingness to embrace challenging roles and a commitment to authenticity in his operate. His collaboration with Brad Pitt on F1 has not only provided him with valuable mentorship but has also positioned him as a rising star in Hollywood. The actor’s focus on building a lasting legacy, as advised by Pitt, suggests a long and successful career ahead.
The 96th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, saw F1 nominated for Best Picture, though the award ultimately went to another film. The nomination itself, however, is a significant achievement for the production team and a validation of their efforts to create a compelling and authentic racing drama. Conan O’Brien hosted the event at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, adding to the star-studded atmosphere.
As Damson Idris continues to navigate his career, he appears poised to take on increasingly complex and challenging roles. His upcoming projects, including the portrayal of Miles Davis, demonstrate his versatility and his commitment to bringing compelling stories to the screen. The lessons learned from Brad Pitt, combined with his own talent and drive, suggest that Idris is well-equipped to achieve his goal of building a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
The future of the F1 franchise remains uncertain, but the success of the first film has undoubtedly sparked interest in further exploring the world of Formula One racing on the big screen. Whether a sequel is in the works or not, the impact of F1 on the genre is undeniable, and its legacy will likely be felt for years to come.
The entertainment industry will be watching closely as Damson Idris continues to evolve as an actor and a storyteller. His dedication to his craft, combined with his commitment to authenticity and cultural representation, positions him as a significant voice in contemporary cinema. Stay tuned for updates on his upcoming projects and his continued rise to prominence.
The next major event for Damson Idris will be the release of the Children of Blood and Bone film adaptation, currently slated for a 2027 release. Fans can follow his career and stay updated on his projects through his official social media channels. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts on F1 and Damson Idris’s performance in the comments below.