On December 1st, The Advanced Imaging Society (AIS) announced that F1 director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer will be receiving the 2026 Harold Lloyd Award at the 16th annual Lumiere Awards luncheon, part of the Lumières de la presse internationale film festival, which will be held on February 9, 2026, at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. The award honors their “outstanding achievement in cinematic storytelling and technological innovation.” Kosinski is known for his films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters, and Tron: Legacy; however, his most recent craftsmanship is shown in Apple Original Films’ F1, released globally on June 27, 2025.

F1 opened in the summer on June 27th and quickly became the #1 film worldwide, grossing over $630 million and becoming the highest-grossing original film of 2025. Produced by Apple Original Films and released theatrically by Warner Bros, the film was co-produced by Brad Pitt, 7x Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, and others. Kosinski and Bruckheimer previously worked together on Top Gun: Maverick, which earned Bruckheimer his first Academy Award nomination.

Although Kosinski has been in the industry for over a decade, his recent films have established him as one of the industry’s most sought-after directors. While he is known for his fast-paced sports action films, he has also ventured into science fiction with Tron: Legacy and explored melodrama in Only The Brave, intertwining “cutting-edge technology with intimate, character-driven emotion.” His partner on some films, Bruckheimer, is behind iconic franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Bad Boys. His films have earned “47 Academy Award nominations and seven wins,” along with multiple Grammys, Golden Globes, and Emmys.

AIS President Jim Chabin praised the two, saying they “have revitalized contemporary filmmaking through their rigorous storytelling and visionary use of technology — reminding us that cinematic spectacle and emotional truth can coexist at the highest level.” Adding to the acclaim, Suzanne Lloyd, granddaughter of Harold Lloyd and Chair of Harold Lloyd Entertainment, applauded them for bringing “cinema’s first action hero” and “romance, authenticity, and profound emotion” to new audiences.

The Harold Lloyd Award spotlights filmmakers worldwide and showcases those whose work reflects the late Harold Lloyd’s pioneering spirit and artistry. Past winners include Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and Baz Luhrmann. While the 2025 Lumiere Awards took place from October 11–19 in Lyon, France, the duo will be honored on Monday, February 9, 2026.