On March 2, 2025, the Brazilian film "Ainda Estou Aqui" made history by winning the award for Best International Film at the Oscar ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This remarkable achievement marks the first Oscar win for Brazil, and the film has been highly acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and poignant performances.
Directed by the renowned filmmaker Walter Salles, "Ainda Estou Aqui" competed against several strong contenders, including Denmark's "A Garota da Agulha," France's "Emilia Pérez," Germany's "A Semente do Fruto Sagrado," and Latvia's "Flow." The Best International Film award was announced by actress Penélope Cruz, who celebrated the diverse array of cinematic talent represented this year.
During his acceptance speech, Salles expressed deep gratitude and respect for the struggles portrayed in the film, which is inspired by the life of Eunice Paiva. "This is such a great honor for Brazilian cinema. This goes to a woman who, after such tremendous loss under such authoritarian regimes, decided not to bend and to resist. Her name is Eunice Paiva. And it also goes to the extraordinary women who brought her to life, Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro," Salles said.
"Ainda Estou Aqui" tells the harrowing true story of Eunice Paiva (played by Fernanda Torres), who spent four decades searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Rubens Paiva, who was killed during Brazil's military dictatorship. This heart-wrenching narrative not only highlights personal pain but also sheds light on the broader societal issues faced during the regime.
Manuel Belmar, Director of Digital Products at Globo, described the significance of the film's victory, stating, "It is incredibly emblematic for us to receive our first Oscar as we celebrate 100 years of Globo. ‘Ainda Estou Aqui’ is expertly told and executed, showcasing extraordinary performances which led to this beautiful ascent. Supporting and opening pathways for Brazilian talent has been Globo's mission for years. It is with great pride to see this talent recognized among the best globally. This victory belongs to our cinema and all of us Brazilians!"
The film's recognition goes beyond its Oscar win; it has garnered numerous accolades, particularly at prestigious film festivals. Notably, "Ainda Estou Aqui" first gained attention at the Venice Film Festival, where it was also celebrated for its outstanding screenplay. According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), the film has achieved 50 awards, solidifying its place as not only a national triumph but also a significant player on the international stage.
With the win at the Oscars, "Ainda Estou Aqui" joins the ranks of groundbreaking films and highlights the persistent resilience of Brazilian storytelling. The film contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of Brazil, inspiring pride among citizens who gathered at cinemas, bars, and restaurants across the country to watch the ceremony together, reminiscent of celebrations during the World Cup. This communal experience of watching the Oscars echoed the sentiments of unity and pride felt throughout Brazil.
The success of "Ainda Estou Aqui" also marks the evolution of Brazilian cinema on the world stage. This powerful film opened doors for future productions by showcasing the unique and rich narratives originating from Brazil, proving these stories can resonate with global audiences. The visibility provided by the Oscars will undoubtedly impact the way international markets view Brazilian films moving forward.
The film's historical significance is underscored by the fact it is the first entirely Brazilian production to win the prestigious Oscar, making it not just about winning the award, but also about creating new opportunities for Brazilian filmmakers and actors. Fernanda Torres, who portrayed Eunice Paiva, also received nominations for her performance, becoming the second Brazilian actress to achieve this recognition, following her mother Fernanda Montenegro who was nominated 26 years earlier.
Alongside the Best International Film, "Ainda Estou Aqui" was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress for Torres, proving its strength not only among international films but also within the broader film industry as well.
While "Ainda Estou Aqui" shines brightly at this year's Oscars, it raises awareness and keeps the memory of those lost during Brazil's military dictatorship alive. By highlighting Eunice's extraordinary perseverance, the film serves as both tribute and reminder of historical injustices, perfectly capturing the essence of resilience amid adversity.
After its outstanding performance at the Oscars, "Ainda Estou Aqui" continues to screen across Brazilian cinemas and is set to premiere on the streaming service Globoplay soon. The film's narrative, rooted deeply in Brazilian history, coupled with its poignant representation of loss and determination, will continue to resonate with audiences for many years to come.
With its Oscar victory, the film not only symbolizes personal triumphs but also serves as inspiration for future generations of filmmakers and artists. It heralds the blossoming of new talent and creativity within Brazil's cinematic landscapes, promising to conquer both local and international audiences alike.