The highly anticipated 97th Academy Awards, taking place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, promises to be one of the most memorable events of the Oscars yet. This year, the Brazilian film "Ainda Estou Aqui" takes center stage, marking the first time any Brazilian film has been nominated for Best Picture, alongside nominations for Best International Feature and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres.
The excitement surrounding the Oscars has reached new heights among Brazilian audiences, who plan to pause their Carnival celebrations to tune in for the ceremony. For many, this marks not just a significant moment for Torres, but also for the entire Brazilian film industry, as it continues to gain international recognition.
Fernanda Torres, who impressed critics with her performance, is not only competing for the Academy Award for Best Actress but is also viewed as a frontrunner against competitors like Demi Moore, nominated for her role in "A Substância," and Mikey Madison from "Anora." Torres is poised to join the ranks of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was the last Brazilian actress nominated nearly 26 years ago for "Central do Brasil." This year, Torres is celebrated as the first Brazilian actress to achieve such recognition since then, as her film also secures nominations for Best International Feature and Best Picture.
Overall, "Ainda Estou Aqui" has made history as the first Brazilian film to secure three nominations at the Oscars, driving home the point of significant progress for Latin American filmmakers. The film is not only recognized for its artistic merit but also for its impact and representation of Brazilian culture on the global stage. With its director, Walter Salles, the film has already attracted over five million viewers, confirming its strong impact and audience connection.
Alongside "Ainda Estou Aqui," the Oscars also feature notable films such as "Emilia Pérez," which leads with 13 nominations. This French film explores the tale of a fugitive Mexican drug lord seeking to redefine his life. Although it has sparked some controversy among critics, its high number of nominations showcases the diverse representation of films recognized this year.
The nominees for Best Picture this year are rich with variety, ranging from the emotional depth of "Anora," featuring the unexpected romance between a Brooklyn stripper and the son of a Russian oligarch, to the gripping story presented by "Conclave," exploring the election of a new Pope, starring Ralph Fiennes. The competition is intense with strong contenders like "O Brutalista" and "Duna: Parte 2," both of which have garnered several nominations and public and critically acclaim.
Ahead of the ceremony, discussions have emerged about how films like "Wicked" and "The Substance" will fare against the newcomers like "Ainda Estou Aqui." Fernández Torres’s chances to take home the Best Actress award are strong, with her heartfelt performance being applauded across various film festivals and award shows this season. Yet, the awards circuit suggests the competition remains stiff, particularly with the fierce performances from actresses like Moore.
Television audiences can catch the live broadcast through multiple platforms, including Globo and TNT, as well as streaming services such as HBO Max. Indeed, the ceremony will commence with red carpet broadcasts starting at 7:30 pm, leading up to the main event at 9:00 pm (Brasilia time). Throughout the night, viewers can catch not only the awards themselves but also various charming moments from celebrity appearances.
Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to host the ceremony, promising a mix of humor and heartfelt tributes as the Oscars celebrate the best of the film industry. The lineup of presenters includes prominent names like Emma Stone and Robert Downey Jr., signaling yet another star-studded night of entertainment.
With excitement brewing, the world watchfully anticipates how the awards will shape the narrative around cinema, particularly with diverse stories from across the globe being acknowledged and celebrated. The inclusion of films from various countries highlights the growing inclusiveness and broad reach of the Academy's recognition of the art form and global perspectives.
This year’s ceremony, particularly with its historical significance for Brazil’s film representation, is set to mark not just another awards season, but potentially the dawn of new opportunities for storytelling from previously underrepresented voices. With the fervor of celebration from Brazilian audiences and the dedicated performances by the nominees, the Oscar 2025 ceremony stands to be not only exceptional but also transformative.
For all the cinematic enthusiasts, the Oscars remain not just about accolades but about the storytelling power of film, inviting everyone to tune in and discover the narratives shaping our world today.