The 2025 Oscar ceremony, scheduled for March 2 at the iconic Dolby Theatre, promises to be one of the most significant moments in the history of Brazilian cinema. For the first time, a Brazilian film, Still Here, has earned a spot in the Best Picture category. Additionally, the production was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Actress, with Fernanda Torres playing the role of Eunice Paiva. These nominations mark a milestone not only for Brazilian cinema but also for the cultural representation of the country in such prestigious awards.
The film, directed by Walter Salles, tells the story of Eunice Paiva, a woman who, faced with the tragedy of her husband’s disappearance during Brazil’s military regime, becomes one of the nation’s most prominent human rights defenders. Fernanda Torres’ performance has been widely recognized, establishing her as one of the greatest talents in Brazilian cinema. The success of Still Here reflects the growing recognition and value of Brazilian narratives on the global stage.
The announcement of the Oscar nominees was delayed due to the California wildfires, which only heightened the anticipation surrounding the selections. Revealed on January 23, the nominees generated widespread attention, particularly for the inclusion of films addressing diversity and socially significant themes. The presence of Still Here among the highlights is a source of pride and celebration for Brazil.
Brazil’s Journey to the Oscars
Historically, Brazil has been represented at the Oscars on several occasions, though never with this level of prominence. The Best International Feature Film category, previously known as Best Foreign Language Film, has seen iconic nominations of Brazilian productions, including:
- The Given Word (O Pagador de Promessas) (1963), directed by Anselmo Duarte, the first Brazilian film to compete for the award.
- The Four Days in September (O Quatrilho) (1996), directed by Fábio Barreto, a drama set in rural southern Brazil.
- Four Days in September (O Que É Isso, Companheiro?) (1998), based on Fernando Gabeira’s book about armed resistance during the military dictatorship.
- Central Station (Central do Brasil) (1999), directed by Walter Salles, which also earned Fernanda Montenegro a Best Actress nomination.
With Still Here, Brazil breaks new ground by earning a nomination in the main Best Picture category, highlighting the cultural and technical impact of the film. Furthermore, its inclusion in the Best International Feature Film category underscores the production’s global relevance and quality.
Fernanda Torres Follows in Her Mother’s Footsteps
Fernanda Torres’ nomination for Best Actress is another historic moment. She becomes the second Brazilian actress to achieve this honor, following in the footsteps of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated for her performance in Central Station. In the role of Eunice Paiva, Torres delivers an intense and moving performance, portraying the resilience of a woman who faced immense challenges during a repressive era.
Fernanda Torres had already won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film, solidifying her status as a frontrunner for the Oscar. Her performance has been described as visceral, deeply capturing Eunice’s suffering and determination. The critical acclaim and international recognition underscore the significance of her work.
Fierce Competition in Key Categories
The Best Picture category this year features particularly strong competition. Alongside Still Here, nine other films were nominated, showcasing a diverse range of narratives and cinematic approaches. The contenders include:
- Emilia Pérez (13 nominations): Directed by Jacques Audiard, it leads with the highest number of nominations this year.
- Wicked (10 nominations): The much-anticipated musical adaptation of the Broadway hit.
- The Brutalist (10 nominations): A drama praised for its complex aesthetic.
- Dune: Part Two: The continuation of the epic science fiction saga.
- A Complete Unknown, Anora, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Conclave, each offering unique perspectives.
Emilia Pérez, with 13 nominations, is particularly noteworthy. Starring Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first transgender actress nominated in the Best Actress category, the film stands as a milestone for diversity and inclusion at the Oscars.
Logistical Challenges Due to Wildfires
The wildfires that struck California in January disrupted the organization of pre-Oscar events. The announcement of nominees, originally scheduled for January 17, was postponed to January 23. Additionally, the traditional nominees’ luncheon, where artists gather to celebrate their achievements, had to be canceled. Despite these setbacks, the main ceremony was confirmed for March 2, preserving the glamour and anticipation that the occasion demands.
About Still Here
Still Here is an adaptation of the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva. The work recounts the story of Eunice Paiva, who became one of Brazil’s leading human rights advocates following the disappearance of her husband, Rubens Paiva, during the military dictatorship. Directed by Walter Salles, the film masterfully combines historical and emotional elements, resulting in a powerful and compelling narrative.
The film has been widely praised by international critics for its sensitive portrayal of a dark chapter in Brazilian history. Moreover, it stands out for its cinematography, screenplay, and soundtrack, all of which complement Fernanda Torres’ outstanding performance.
Other Ceremony Highlights
In addition to Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress, other categories stand out in the 2025 Oscars. Notable nominees for Best Director include Jacques Audiard, Sean Baker, and Coralie Fargeat. In the Best Actor category, contenders such as Timothée Chalamet and Colman Domingo promise a fierce race.
Other significant categories include:
- Best Original and Adapted Screenplay: Recognizing scripts that tackle complex themes and innovative storytelling.
- Technical Categories: Such as Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Original Score, celebrating the technical achievements in cinema.
Historical Milestones and Curiosities
- The 2025 Oscars mark the 97th edition of the event, solidifying its status as the world’s premier film awards.
- This is the first time a Brazilian film has been nominated for Best Picture, representing a groundbreaking achievement for the national industry.
- Karla Sofía Gascón, from Emilia Pérez, becomes the first transgender actress nominated for Best Actress, highlighting the importance of representation.
Expectations for the Ceremony
The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, renowned for his sharp humor and unique style. The event will be broadcast live on ABC in the United States and shown in Brazil on TNT and Max channels, as well as streaming platforms. With Still Here among the nominees, Brazilian audiences are expected to follow the event with great enthusiasm.
The presence of Still Here at the 2025 Oscars is not only a recognition of the quality of Brazilian cinema but also a symbol of resistance, memory, and the fight for human rights. As the world eagerly awaits the results, Brazil celebrates this historic moment.