The 2025 Oscars are already a landmark for Brazilian cinema. The list of nominees, revealed on January 23 during a live stream hosted by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, confirmed that the Brazilian film “Ainda Estou Aqui” made history with three nominations. Directed by Walter Salles, the film was nominated for Best Picture, Best International Feature, and Best Actress, with Fernanda Torres portraying Eunice Paiva. The ceremony, scheduled for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, is set to bring together global cinema’s biggest names in a night of celebration and artistic recognition.
The achievement of “Ainda Estou Aqui” is not only unprecedented for Brazil but also a reflection of the growing international recognition of national productions. It marks the first time a Brazilian film has been nominated for Best Picture, the most prestigious category of the awards. Additionally, Fernanda Torres’ performance, which has received global acclaim, cements her return to the international spotlight, 26 years after her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for “Central Station.” This cultural and historical impact places Brazil at the center of attention at the film industry’s most significant award ceremony.
In addition to Brazil’s celebration, the 2025 Oscars unveiled a diverse array of nominees, showcasing a year filled with outstanding global productions and talents. The French film “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, leads the pack with 13 nominations, while titles like “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” also emerged as strong contenders with multiple nods. Expectations for the ceremony are high, featuring innovative and representative storytelling.
‘Ainda Estou Aqui’: A Milestone for Brazilian Cinema
“Ainda Estou Aqui” is based on the real-life story of Eunice Paiva, a central figure in Brazil’s human rights movement during the military dictatorship. The film portrays Eunice’s relentless quest for answers following the disappearance of her husband, Rubens Paiva, a politician and activist kidnapped by the regime in 1971. Directed by Walter Salles, the movie combines an emotionally charged narrative with meticulous historical detail, delivering a powerful depiction of the struggles faced by families of political disappearances in Brazil.
The film’s success is attributed to its authenticity and the impeccable performance by Fernanda Torres. The actress masterfully captured Eunice Paiva’s pain and resilience, offering a portrayal that resonated deeply with audiences and critics worldwide. Torres’ Oscar nomination for Best Actress represents a significant moment for Brazilian cinema, highlighting the talent and relevance of national productions on the global stage.
Complete List of Oscar 2025 Nominees
The announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees highlighted diversity across categories and talents. Alongside “Ainda Estou Aqui,” several films stood out in the competition. Below are some key highlights:
- Best Picture
- “Anora”
- “The Brutalist”
- “A Complete Stranger”
- “Conclave”
- “Dune: Part 2”
- “Emilia Pérez”
- “Ainda Estou Aqui”
- “Nickel Boys”
- “The Substance”
- “Wicked”
- Best Actress
- Fernanda Torres, for “Ainda Estou Aqui”
- Cynthia Erivo, for “Wicked”
- Karla Sofía Gascón, for “Emilia Pérez”
- Mikey Madison, for “Anora”
- Demi Moore, for “The Substance”
- Best Director
- Walter Salles, for “Ainda Estou Aqui”
- Jacques Audiard, for “Emilia Pérez”
- Brady Corbet, for “The Brutalist”
- Coralie Fargeat, for “The Substance”
- Sean Baker, for “Anora”
The Cultural Impact of Representative Narratives
Films like “Ainda Estou Aqui” and “Emilia Pérez” stand out at this year’s Oscars for their focus on social and historical themes. While the Brazilian film revisits a dark period in the country’s history, the French production explores its protagonist’s gender transition, played by Karla Sofía Gascón. These works reflect a growing global movement in cinema that seeks to amplify marginalized voices and bring authentic stories to broader audiences.
For Brazil, the nomination of “Ainda Estou Aqui” underscores the maturing of its national film industry. While earlier films such as “City of God” and “Central Station” earned international acclaim, inclusion in the Best Picture category represents a new level of visibility for Brazilian productions. Additionally, the spotlight on real-life stories reinforces cinema’s role as a tool for memory and resistance.
Diversity and Innovation in Technical Categories
Beyond the major categories, the 2025 Oscars also spotlighted excellence in technical areas such as Cinematography, Production Design, and Original Score. Films like “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” impressed with their visually stunning productions, while “Emilia Pérez” and “Ainda Estou Aqui” garnered praise for their emotionally evocative soundtracks.
- Best Visual Effects
- “Alien: Romulus”
- “Better Man”
- “Dune: Part 2”
- “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
- “Wicked”
- Best Cinematography
- “The Brutalist”
- “Dune: Part 2”
- “Emilia Pérez”
- “Maria”
- “Nosferatu”
Fernanda Torres’ Legacy and the Impact of Her Nomination
Fernanda Torres’ nomination for Best Actress is a historic milestone, not only for her career but also for Brazilian cinema as a whole. Her performance in “Ainda Estou Aqui” has been described as one of the most powerful in her career, embodying a woman’s fight against oppression and erasure.
The comparison to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, is inevitable. Montenegro became the first Brazilian actress to be nominated for an Oscar in 1999 for “Central Station.” Now, 26 years later, Torres follows in her mother’s footsteps, reaffirming the strength and significance of Brazilian actresses on the global stage.
Expectations for the 2025 Oscar Ceremony
This year’s Oscar ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, promises to be a vibrant celebration of global cinema. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the event will feature live musical performances, special tributes, and the eagerly anticipated unveiling of the winners.
For Brazilian audiences, the presence of “Ainda Estou Aqui” heightens anticipation and pride, showcasing the talent and resilience of national filmmakers. Regardless of the results, this achievement already marks a milestone in Brazilian cinema history.
Future Prospects for Brazilian Cinema
The success of “Ainda Estou Aqui” could pave the way for more Brazilian films to achieve international recognition. The visibility provided by the Oscars offers an opportunity to attract investments and strengthen Brazil’s film industry, encouraging the production of stories that reflect the country’s cultural and social richness.
Moreover, the positive reception of the film demonstrates a global audience’s interest in authentic and culturally significant narratives. This reinforces the importance of continuing to explore historical and social themes that resonate across diverse audiences.
Key Facts and Highlights of the Awards
- Date of the 2025 Oscars: March 2
- Location: Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles
- Nominations for “Ainda Estou Aqui”: Best Picture, Best International Feature, Best Actress (Fernanda Torres)
- Film with the Most Nominations: “Emilia Pérez” (13 categories)
Celebration and Cultural Reflection at the Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards will not only be a moment to celebrate global cinema but also an opportunity to reflect on the cultural impact of the narratives it honors. For Brazil, the success of “Ainda Estou Aqui” represents more than artistic recognition; it symbolizes the strength of a country striving for visibility and a voice on the global stage.
