Damson Idris Wins Horizon Award After F1 Success & Sequel Confirmed

Damson Idris, the breakout star of the Formula 1 film released in June 2025, is experiencing a surge in industry recognition. The British actor received the Horizon Award at the American Black Film Festival, presented by veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a clear indication of the film’s lasting impact and Idris’s rising profile.

The Horizon Award acknowledges emerging talent poised for significant contributions to the film industry. For Idris, this honor arrives on the heels of a role that has catapulted him into a new level of visibility. Prior to F1, Idris was best known for his six-season run in the crime drama Snowfall (2017-2023), alongside appearances in anthology series like Black Mirror and the sci-fi action film Outside the Wire. However, his portrayal of rookie driver Joshua Pearce alongside Brad Pitt’s nomadic veteran Sonny Hayes has undeniably broadened his reach.

“The early auditions, the rejections, the small wins that meant everything,” Idris reflected, according to Variety. “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.”

F1, directed by Bruckheimer, centers on Hayes’s return to the sport and his partnership with Pearce as they attempt to revitalize the struggling APXGP team, owned by Rubén Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem). The film’s narrative hinges on the duo’s quest to secure a win within the final nine races of the season, preventing the team’s sale. The film resonated with audiences, exceeding $630 million at the global box office and sparking conversations about a sequel.

Bruckheimer confirmed those sequel discussions, stating to the BBC, “We’re working on a sequel.” He also acknowledged the challenges of bringing the project to fruition, citing disruptions caused by industry strikes. “It was a long journey to get the movie made because we had to endure a couple of strikes – but the movie entertained audiences around the world,” he said at the Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles. “I never worked with Brad Pitt before, and it’s really a thrill to work with Brad.”

The success of F1 isn’t just translating into sequel possibilities; it’s also garnering individual accolades for its cast. Idris has received two nominations at the 2026 Black Reel Awards: Outstanding Supporting Performance and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance. This recognition highlights the impact of the film on both a commercial and critical level, and positions Idris as a significant talent to watch.

The Outstanding Supporting Performance category sees Idris competing against Miles Canton, Regina Hall, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, A$AP Rocky, Teyana Taylor, and Jeffrey Wright. For Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, he’s up against Canton, Susan Chardy, Naya Desir-Johnson, Chase Infiniti, Jayme Lawson, Rocky, Abou Sangaré, SZA, and Tyriq Withers. These nominations underscore the breadth of talent recognized by the Black Reel Awards and the film’s contribution to diverse representation within the industry.

The film’s success comes at a time of heightened interest in Formula 1, fueled in part by the popular Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive. F1 tapped into that existing fanbase while simultaneously attracting a broader audience with its compelling narrative and star power. The combination of real-world racing excitement and a fictionalized, dramatic storyline proved to be a winning formula.

Idris’s performance as Joshua Pearce wasn’t merely a supporting role; it provided a crucial emotional anchor for the film. His character’s journey as a young driver navigating the pressures of the sport resonated with viewers, adding depth and complexity to the high-octane action. The Horizon Award and Black Reel nominations are a testament to his ability to deliver a nuanced and compelling performance within a blockbuster production.

As Bruckheimer and his team begin work on a sequel, the momentum generated by the first film remains strong. The combination of a proven creative team, a compelling storyline, and the continued rise of Damson Idris suggests that the next installment of F1 will be highly anticipated. The success of the first film has not only entertained audiences but has also opened doors for new talent and expanded the reach of Formula 1 to a wider global audience.