The wait is over. Brazil has won its first-ever Academy Award for Best International Feature with I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles. The film, which tells the powerful story of a woman searching for her husband who disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship, has been a cultural and cinematic phenomenon, igniting national pride and resonating with audiences worldwide.
The film’s Oscar campaign was fueled by Fernanda Torres, who delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the lead role. Her portrayal of a mother navigating grief and resilience earned her a Best Actress nomination, making her only the second Brazilian actress in history to be recognized by the Academy. The first? Her own mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated for Central Station in 1999—also directed by Walter Salles.
Though the Best Actress award ultimately went to Mikey Madison for Anora, Torres’ journey to the Oscars became a movement of its own, sparking an unprecedented wave of engagement from Brazilian audiences.
A Campaign That Became a National Movement
The road to the Oscars was unlike anything seen before in Brazilian cinema. Torres and the film’s team embarked on a global campaign that captivated audiences, critics, and industry insiders. Meanwhile, back home, Brazil rallied around I’m Still Here in ways that transcended the screen.
From record-breaking social media engagement to Carnival revelers dressing as Torres’ character, the country embraced the film as more than just an awards contender—it became a symbol of Brazilian storytelling finally being recognized on the world stage. The passion was undeniable: bars and clubs organized Oscar watch parties, and major networks, including TV Globo, broadcasted the ceremony live nationwide, shifting their usual Carnival coverage to capture the historic moment.
A Long-Awaited Recognition for Brazilian Cinema
Though Brazil had previously come close to Oscar gold—Central Station (1998), City of God (2003), and The Edge of Democracy (2019) were all nominated in major categories—I’m Still Here is the first Brazilian film to actually win Best International Feature. The victory cements the country’s place in global cinema and highlights the strength of Brazilian storytelling, which has often been overlooked by Hollywood.
For Walter Salles, this win carries extra significance. 26 years ago, he directed Central Station, which earned Brazil its first-ever Best Actress nomination with Fernanda Montenegro. Now, with I’m Still Here, he has finally brought an Oscar to Brazil.
Accepting the award on behalf of his team, Salles dedicated it to Eunice Paiva, a woman whose perseverance during Brazil’s military dictatorship led her to uncover the truth about the disappearance and death of her husband. In his speech, he also expressed deep gratitude to Fernanda Torres, praising her for delivering a powerful and emotionally charged performance that carried the film, and to Fernanda Montenegro, who portrayed Eunice in her later years with remarkable depth and sensitivity.
More Than an Award—A Cultural Shift
I’m Still Here’s Oscar win marks a turning point for Brazil’s film industry. While Torres may not have taken home the Best Actress trophy, her impact on the global stage has been undeniable. She and the film have demonstrated that Brazilian cinema is not only artistically compelling but also capable of leading international conversations.
From the streets of Rio to the heart of Hollywood, Brazil is celebrating—not just a win, but a long-awaited recognition of its cinematic voice. The golden statuette is finally ours.
