Grand Prix (1966 film)

Grand Prix is a 1966 American sports drama film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Yves Montand, Toshiro Mifune, Brian Bedford, and Jessica Walter. It follows the interwoven lives and careers of four Formula One drivers during a fictionalized 1966 Formula One season.

The film is notable for its innovative cinematography and realistic depiction of Formula One racing, achieved through the use of lightweight cameras mounted on the race cars and extensive location shooting at actual Grand Prix races, including Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, and Brands Hatch. It utilized split-screen techniques and immersive sound design to put the audience in the driver's seat.

Grand Prix won three Academy Awards: Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction. While the film initially received mixed reviews, it has since been recognized as a classic of the sports film genre and a significant influence on subsequent racing films. The plot revolves around themes of rivalry, ambition, and the dangers faced by Formula One drivers. The film features appearances from real-life racing figures, including Phil Hill, Graham Hill, and Jim Clark, in uncredited cameo roles. The fictional teams represented in the film included BRM, Ferrari, and Eagle.