Brazil has entered the history books on Oscar night, March 2, 2025, as the nation celebrated its first-ever Oscar win with the film Ainda Estou Aqui, directed by Walter Salles. The ceremony, which coincided with the vibrant festivities of Carnival, saw the country united behind their cinematic luminaries, especially the performances of Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro. This win was not just another accolade; it was a cultural milestone representing the perseverance and talent of Brazilian cinema.
Ainda Estou Aqui was awarded the Oscar for Best International Film, marking the culmination of years of struggles and aspirations for recognition on the global stage. Leading up to the prestigious night, the film captivated audiences worldwide, collecting no less than 40 awards from various international festivals, including the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it received rapturous applause lasting ten minutes during its first screening.
The film takes viewers through the poignant story of Eunice Paiva, deftly portrayed by Fernanda Torres, and explores themes of memory, resilience, and the fight for human rights against the backdrop of Brazil's turbulent political past. “O Oscar 2025 tem muitos significados para o Brasil e deve ser tornar um marco para o próximo passo de nossa cultura no cenário mundial,” said Claudio Yuge, emphasizing the film's importance beyond just accolades.
Fernanda Torres brought her A-game, competing against formidable contenders like Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo for Best Actress. The anticipation surrounding her performance reflected Brazil's yearning for recognition after years of overshadowed talent. Salles, during the awards, noted, "Se tiver que escolher um prêmio só, eu gostaria que fosse para Nanda (Fernanda Torres)... Então, se puder ser para ela, vou ficar tão feliz," reflecting his unwavering belief in her performance leading the narrative.
This night was not only about the gold statuette; it encapsulated Brazil's enduring spirit, showcasing how, when united, the country could make its presence felt on the world stage. The festive atmosphere permeated bars, public squares, and celebrations throughout Brazil, with fans rallying for their beloved film as if it were a football match. The waves of pride swept across the nation, transcending differences—an ethos reminiscent of Brazil's cultural diversity.
Reflecting on past disappointments, the historical weight of the moment was palpable. Twenty-six years ago, the loss of the Oscar for Central do Brasil stung deeply, particularly among supporters of Fernanda Montenegro, who had her own bittersweet memories of the ceremony when the winner treated the award dismissively. “Depois de ser ovacionado por 10 minutos na primeira exibição em Veneza, Ainda Estou Aqui acumulou nada menos do que 39 nove prêmios,” reported Yuge, illustrating how the film's success rekindled hope for future entries from Brazil's rich cinematic reservoir.
Yet, this victory isn't solely about the past; it foreshadows the potential for growth within Brazil's film industry. The win is seen as both vindication and inspiration, encouraging new filmmakers and different narratives to emerge. It also highlights the growing inclusivity within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with its increased memberships and broader representation, reflecting the cultural dynamics of our time. More than ever, cinema is becoming a universal language, and films like Ainda Estou Aqui embody this sentiment.
On Oscar night, as the statuette was handed over to Salles, the room erupted not only with applause but also with tears of joy—a burgeoning recognition of Brazil’s hard-fought presence on the global cinematic map. The moment encapsulated years of struggle, ambition, and artistic dedication from so many, making it all the more special as the award was dedicated not just to the crew and cast, but also to Eunice Paiva, as Salles noted.
With this landmark achievement, Ainda Estou Aqui signifies more than just cinematic success; it serves as inspiration for many generations yet to come. While the film industry remains fraught with challenges, it is evident Brazil is ready to embrace its future. Perhaps this Oscar win is the catalyst required to push boundaries and fulfill the dreams of countless Brazilian filmmakers aiming for excellence.
Tonight, the celebration went beyond the Hollywood glitz—it planted Brazil firmly on the world map, encouraging all to watch as the nation continues to produce powerful stories told through rich, untold narratives. One can only hope this inspires more films like Ainda Estou Aqui, cultivating empathy and resilience through the art of storytelling.