“I’m Still Here” Making History: Brazil Wins Its First Oscar
A Historic Moment for Brazilian Cinema
March 2, 2025, is now a historic date for Brazilian cinema. For the first time ever, a Brazilian film has won an Academy Award. “I’m Still Here”, adapted from the biographical drama by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, took home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film.
Directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva, the movie tells the story of the disappearance of architect and former congressman Rubens Paiva during Brazil’s military dictatorship. The cast also features renowned actors such as Selton Mello, Antonio Saboia, Camila Márdila, Caio Horowicz, Daniel Dantas, Dan Stulbach, Humberto Carrão, and a special appearance by Fernanda Montenegro.
“I’m Still Here” competed against “Emilia Perez,” “Flow,” “The Needle Girl,” and “The Seed of the Sacred Fruit” for the prestigious award.
Brazil’s First Oscar and More Nominations
Walter Salles’ film was not only nominated for Best International Feature Film, but also competed in the Best Picture category. Additionally, Fernanda Torres received a nomination for Best Actress.
Although it didn’t win in these two categories, the victory in Best International Feature Film marks a significant milestone, as Brazil finally secured its first Oscar in nearly 100 years.
Fernanda Torres’ Historic Nomination
Despite losing to Mikey Madison, Fernanda Torres’ nomination carries immense significance for Brazilian cinema. The last time a Brazilian actress was nominated for Best Actress was in 1999, when Fernanda Montenegro was recognized for her role in “Central Station”. That year, the award went to Gwyneth Paltrow for “Shakespeare in Love”.
Did Brazil Win an Oscar Before? The ‘Black Orpheus’ Debate
Some argue that Brazil already won an Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 1960 with “Black Orpheus”. However, the film was directed by French filmmaker Marcel Camus and funded by French production company Dispat Films, representing France, not Brazil.
A similar situation occurred in the 2025 Oscars with “Emilia Perez”, which was also nominated in the category but represented France. This makes “I’m Still Here” the first true Brazilian film to win in this category.
Brazil’s Journey at the Oscars
Brazilian cinema has received 22 Oscar nominations across 12 different categories but had never won—until now.
Some of Brazil’s most notable past Oscar nominations include:
- 1945 – “Brazil” was nominated for Best Original Song with “Rio de Janeiro”, written by Ary Barroso. The award went to “Swinging on a Star”.
- 1986 & 2004 – Brazil received Best Director nominations for Hector Babenco (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”) and Fernando Meirelles (“City of God”).
- 2004 – “City of God” also competed for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing.
Before “I’m Still Here”, four Brazilian films had been nominated for Best International Feature Film:
- “The Given Word” (1963)
- “O Quatrilho” (1996)
- “Four Days in September” (1998)
- “Central Station” (1999)
What This Oscar Win Means for Brazil
Winning an Academy Award is more than just recognition—it’s a symbol of representation and a major milestone for Brazilian cinema.
The award puts Brazilian cinema in the global spotlight, attracting new audiences eager to explore Brazil’s film industry, culture, and Portuguese language.
The Origins of Brazilian Cinema
Brazilian cinema dates back to June 19, 1898, when Italian cinematographer Affonso Segretto filmed “View of Guanabara Bay”. However, this and many other early works have been lost over time.
The oldest surviving Brazilian film is “Grandfather’s Glasses”, a 1913 silent comedy by Francisco Santos. Although originally 15 minutes long, only 4 minutes remain today, and the footage is available on YouTube.
2025: A New Era for Brazilian Cinema
With “I’m Still Here” winning an Oscar, 2025 marks a turning point in Brazil’s cinematic history.
Brazilian cinema has evolved through different phases, movements, and countless stories, shaping a rich and diverse industry. This victory is not just for Walter Salles, Fernanda Torres, or the cast—it’s for the millions of Brazilians who have long dreamed of seeing their country’s cinema recognized on the world stage.
Brazil is still here, and now, the world is watching.
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