"Ainda Estou Aqui," directed by Walter Salles, made history on March 2, 2025, by winning the Oscar for Best International Film at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This achievement is monumental, as it marks the first Oscar win for Brazil in this coveted category.
The film, which tells the poignant story of Eunice Paiva, portrayed by renowned actress Fernanda Torres, centers around themes of resistance against authoritarianism during Brazil's military dictatorship. Durante sua aceitação do prêmio, Salles expressou sua honra ao dedicar o prêmio à Eunice Paiva, evocando o corajoso espírito da mulher que enfrentou desafios sem se curvar: "Obrigado ao cinema brasileiro. Estou honrado por receber este prêmio de um grupo extraordinário de cineastas. Este prêmio vai para uma mulher que, até o final de um regime autoritário, decidiu não se curvar e resistir. Isso vai para ela. Seu nome é Eunice Paiva. E vai para as duas mulheres extraordinárias que a viveram, Fernanda Torres e Fernanda Montenegro."
Competing with the likes of "Emilia Pérez," "A Garota da Agulha," "A Semente do Fruto Sagrado," and "Flow," the success of "Ainda Estou Aqui" stands out not only for its narrative richness but also for its triumph over the odds. Despite statistical expectations favoring "Emilia Pérez"—which arrived at the awards with thirteen nominations—"Ainda Estou Aqui" prevailed, much to the delight of Brazilian audiences and artists alike.
Fernanda Torres's role as Eunice Paiva was pivotal, garnering her recognition as she was nominated for Best Actress at the awards. Although she did not win, her performance has been celebrated, with her sweeping the Globe de Ouro earlier this year. Reflecting on her experience with the Golden Globe, Torres reminisced, "Eu ganhei o Globo de Ouro. Era inacreditável. Era Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Tilda Swinton, Kate Winslet. Foi um choque". Her meteoric rise and recognition symbolized not merely individual success but also the spotlight on Brazilian cinema as it garners international acclaim.
The campaign for "Ainda Estou Aqui" involved extensive international tours, with Torres and Salles attending numerous festivals and premieres. They traveled nearly 100,000 kilometers, with stops at major film events including the Venice Film Festival, where the film was initially celebrated with applause lasting ten minutes — leading to its first award for Best Screenplay. Torres stated, "Então, fomos à Veneza, Toronto, Nova York, Los Angeles. Lançamos no Brasil, voltamos para fazer Inglaterra. E é esse processo de fazer sessão atrás de sessão".
Before the awards, controversy surrounded their significant competitor, "Emilia Pérez," following the resurfacing of past social media posts from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, which sparked debates over ethical representation and outrage among film critics. Despite these setbacks, critics have labeled "Ainda Estou Aqui" as not just worthy but deserving of the awards, highlighting its relevance and emotional depth. The film confronts the realities and reminiscences from Brazil's past, emphasizing resilience.
The importance of the film transcended the Oscars, as it invoked pride within Brazil. President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva remarked on the significance of the victory, referring to it as a moment of national pride and celebrating в| the film’s representation of Brazilian culture. "O locutor compartilhou os resultados com dezenas de milhares de espectadores na multidão, arrancando gritos de alegria". Across Brazil, celebrations erupted as people took to the streets, celebrating the recognition of their culture and its stories.
Reflecting on the broader impact, many see this win as more than just recognition; it signifies hope and inspiration for future Brazilian filmmakers striving for the global stage. The nurturing of national cinema is strengthening, and as Fernanda Torres aptly puts it, "Um filme em português… É um milagre ele ter chegado até aqui". The community's pride is palpable, and the award captures this collective spirit of resilience, creativity, and passion for storytelling.
The victory of "Ainda Estou Aqui" is not only historic for Brazilian cinema; it resonates with all cultural reflections striving against the tide of oppression and reminds audiences around the globe of the art's power to reflect, challenge, and celebrate human experiences.