Brazil Poised for Historic Oscar Win with “I’m Still Here”

Brazil is on the verge of making history as I’m Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui) becomes the first Brazilian film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

The film, directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres, also competes for Best International Feature and Best Actress. These nominations represent a milestone for a country long striving for global recognition in cinema.

The political drama, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir, tells the story of Eunice Paiva, whose husband, Rubens Paiva, was forcibly disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship.

Torres’ performance as Eunice has drawn international acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress earlier this year—the first-ever win for a Brazilian actor in that category.

Released in November 2024, the film achieved remarkable success at the box office, grossing R$81 million ($13.5 million) on a modest R$9 million ($1.5 million) budget.

Over five million viewers in Brazil have seen the film, making it the highest-grossing domestic production since the pandemic. This success comes despite attempted boycotts by far-right groups, highlighting its cultural and political impact.

Brazil’s Cultural Moment

The Oscars coincide with Carnival season in Brazil, creating an extraordinary cultural moment. Globo, one of Brazil’s largest broadcasters and a co-producer of the film, will break tradition by airing the Oscars live. This will replace Rio de Janeiro’s iconic samba parades in most regions.

This decision underscores the national pride surrounding I’m Still Here and its global recognition. The film has also reignited discussions about Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985).

Eunice Paiva’s story has resonated deeply with audiences, shedding light on how the regime devastated families beyond its political opponents.

The film’s success has amplified calls for justice despite Brazil’s Amnesty Law, which protects many perpetrators of dictatorship-era crimes. For Fernanda Torres, this moment carries personal significance.

Her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for Best Actress in 1999 for Central Station, also directed by Salles. Torres now steps into her own spotlight with a career-defining performance that has drawn praise from industry legends like Martin Scorsese.

As Brazil anticipates the March 2 ceremony, I’m Still Here represents more than cinematic achievement—it is a symbol of national resilience and cultural pride on an international stage.