Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Tinseltown's highest profile couple, remain locked in a custody battle over their six children

LOS ANGELES — Brad Pitt, the two-time Oscar winner whose career spans blockbuster hits and acclaimed dramas, has maintained a relatively low-profile start to 2026 despite his 2025 racing thriller "F1" earning multiple Academy Award nominations and sparking sequel talks. As of March 23, 2026, the 62-year-old actor was notably absent from the March 15 Oscars ceremony, even as "F1" secured nods in categories including Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects, with reports of at least one win in technical fields.

Pitt and longtime girlfriend Ines de Ramon did not appear on the red carpet or in audience shots at the Dolby Theatre, prompting speculation from outlets like Cosmopolitan and BollywoodShaadis. Host Conan O'Brien cracked a joke during the broadcast referencing Pitt's no-show amid the film's success, drawing laughs from the crowd. Sources close to the actor cited no specific reason for the absence, though the couple's preference for privacy has been consistent since their relationship began in late 2022. Pitt and de Ramon, 32, were last photographed together arriving in Greece in February for his latest project, marking one of their rarer joint public outings.

The "F1" sequel gained traction in February when producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed development to the BBC at the Academy Awards luncheon. "We're working on a sequel," Bruckheimer said, praising the story's potential without detailing plot, timeline, or Pitt's involvement. The original film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-starring Damson Idris, became Apple's highest-grossing original and one of 2025's top earners at over $629 million worldwide. Lewis Hamilton, a co-producer and F1 champion, teased early script work in March interviews, fueling anticipation for a follow-up exploring further racing drama.

On the set front, Pitt wrapped principal photography on "The Riders," a psychological thriller adapted from Tim Winton's novel and directed by Edward Berger ("Conclave"). Spotted in Hydra and Athens, Greece, throughout February and March, Pitt debuted a rugged look with longer hair and a thick mustache for the role. Just Jared and other outlets captured him waving to fans on the final filming day March 19 in Athens, signaling post-production underway for a potential later-2026 release via A24. The project marks another collaboration in Pitt's busy slate, following his high-profile "F1" turn.

Pitt's personal life drew attention amid ongoing legal matters with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. Sources told OK! and Closer Online in late February that Pitt aims to resolve their decade-long dispute over the Miraval winery stake in 2026. The battle, rooted in Jolie's 2021 sale to Stoli Group (opposed by Pitt), has involved court orders for private messages and appeals. Insiders described a mutual desire to end the "bitter" saga, with Pitt reportedly viewing it as time to move forward at age 62. No settlement has been confirmed, but the sentiment points toward closure.

Elsewhere, Pitt's production company Plan B continues active development. Recent reports linked it to an AI-themed adaptation of Richard Powers' "Playground," landing at Warner Bros. with Timothée Chalamet potentially starring. Pitt's upcoming roles include "Heart of the Beast" (post-production with J.K. Simmons and director David Ayer), a "Cliff Booth" sequel titled "The Adventures of Cliff Booth" (Netflix, directed by David Fincher from Quentin Tarantino's script, shooting July 2026), and potential "Ocean's 14" revival with George Clooney.

Classics from Pitt's catalog resurfaced in 2026 announcements. "Fight Club" (1999) returns to theaters for a one-night event April 22 ahead of a May 12 4K Ultra HD Steelbook and digital release, per 20th Century Studios. The controversial David Fincher film remains a cultural touchstone in Pitt's filmography.

Family notes included son Pax, 22, appearing at Sundance 2026 for a screening of "Self Custody," per Us Weekly. Pitt's quieter public phase — described in some outlets as "eerily quiet" early in the year — contrasts his prolific output, with focus shifting toward legal resolutions, family, and selective projects.

As awards season wraps and production ramps, Pitt's 2026 trajectory blends reflection on past triumphs like "F1"'s success with forward momentum in new roles and personal matters. Fans await updates on sequels and resolutions, while the actor continues prioritizing privacy amid Hollywood's spotlight.