The Brazilian film I’m Still Here (2024), directed by Walter Salles, has been nominated for three categories at the 2025 Oscars. The film earned spots in the prestigious Best International Feature Film and Best Picture categories, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday (23). Additionally, Fernanda Torres, who stars alongside Selton Mello, has been nominated for Best Actress, making history for Brazilian cinema.
This marks only the second time a Brazilian film has been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. The first instance was Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Héctor Babenco in 1985, which competed in four categories.
The Oscars ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, hosted by American comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien.
A Historic Moment for Brazilian Cinema
Fernanda Torres’ Best Actress nomination comes 26 years after her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, achieved the same honor for Central Station (1998), another film directed by Walter Salles. At that time, Montenegro became the first and only Brazilian to compete in the acting category. While Central Station and Montenegro ultimately left the Oscars without a win, the 2025 nominations bring renewed hope for Brazil’s triumph at the global stage.
In I’m Still Here, Torres delivers a poignant portrayal of Eunice Paiva, a 1970s homemaker whose life takes a dramatic turn after the disappearance and murder of her husband, former congressman Rubens Paiva, during Brazil’s military dictatorship. The story, adapted from Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir, focuses on Eunice’s transformation into one of the country’s most prominent human rights activists.
Fernanda Torres shares the screen with Selton Mello, who plays Rubens Paiva, while Fernanda Montenegro portrays Eunice in her later years, adding further depth to this multigenerational narrative.
Recognition Across Awards
Torres’ Oscar nomination was preceded by her win at the 2025 Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Drama, making her the first Brazilian to claim the award. During her acceptance speech, Torres dedicated the win to her mother:
“I want to dedicate this award to my mother. You have no idea; she was here 25 years ago, and this proves that art endures through life, even during difficult times like those Eunice Paiva faced. With so much turmoil in the world today, so much fear, this film helped us reflect on how to survive in such times. So, to my mother, my family, Andrucha, Selton, my children, and everyone—thank you so much to the Golden Globes!”
Earlier this year, I’m Still Here was also nominated for Best Film in a Non-English Language at the BAFTA Awards, known as the “British Oscars.” The BAFTA ceremony, hosted by Scottish actor David Tennant, will take place on February 16, 2025. While the film received acclaim, Fernanda Torres was not nominated in the BAFTA acting categories.
A Story of Resilience and Legacy
I’m Still Here offers a profound reflection on resilience, family, and justice in the face of tragedy. The narrative follows Eunice Paiva’s journey from a housewife to a fearless advocate for human rights after the disappearance of her husband during Brazil’s oppressive military regime. Through the performances of Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro, the film captures
Watch I’m Still Here at Mubi.com
