Brazil celebrated the monumental achievement of its cinema at the 2025 Oscars, where the film Ainda Estou Aqui directed by Walter Salles won the coveted Best International Feature Film award. The groundbreaking win came during the lively Carnival festivities, igniting national pride among Brazilians as they gathered to watch the ceremony broadcasted from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, alongside First Lady Janja, expressed his overwhelming joy for the recognition of Brazilian cinema. "Today is the day to feel even more pride in being Brazilian. Pride for our cinema, our artists, and especially, pride for our democracy. The Oscar for Ainda Estou Aqui is recognition of the work of Walter Salles and the entire team, including Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro," he shared on social media.
He noted the film’s significance, stating, "This extraordinary work shows Brazil and the world the importance of the fight against authoritarianism." The film, which depicts the harrowing story of Eunice Paiva, who fought for truth after her husband was murdered during the military dictatorship, resonates deeply within the social and political fabric of Brazil's recent history.
The Vice President Geraldo Alckmin lauded the win as unifying for Brazilians, stating, "The Oscar for Best International Feature awarded to Ainda Estou Aqui is truly deserving of Walter Salles, Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro, and the entire team. It’s a source of pride for all Brazilians who paused to witness our country being recognized on the world stage for its artistic contributions and democratic values.”
Finance Minister Fernando Haddad also celebrated the achievement, emphasizing how Ainda Estou Aqui brings national pride to Brazil: “Parabéns, Fernanda! Parabéns, Walter! This film makes history and takes home the Oscar for Best International Feature. A national pride!”
Following the Oscar awards, Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the author of the book upon which the film is based, shared his emotional response. “We celebrated, shouted, cried," he stated after viewing the event with family. He praised Salles and declared, "This award will hopefully inspire more films about our important stories. We have so many characters and historical periods yet to explore.”
The acclaim didn’t just stop at the awards, with reactions from political leaders spanning across the spectrum. Despite this, some criticisms arose. Bibo Nunes, a Deputy from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, mentioned on social media the film's ability to restore pride among Brazilians, even as he later retracted some comments due to backlash. He noted, “It’s great for nationalism, just like winning the World Cup. But the film became too politicized.”
This was echoed by Mário Frias, another Deputy who criticized the film as being out of touch with current realities. Ainda Estou Aqui serves as both a historical reflection and as cinematic art, challenging political divides even as it garners important recognition. The film addresses the legacy of repressive governments and the quest for justice, presenting diverse narratives within Brazilian society.
While the film celebrated victory on the international stage, more dialog was sparked about the value of arts within Brazil's contemporary socio-political climate. Several members of the political elite took to social media to express their delight, including numerous congratulatory posts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture. The ministries stated, “The award reflects the excellence of Brazilian cinema, highlighting the role of culture as a medium of remembrance and highlighting the importance of protecting rights and democracy.”
Meanwhile, as viewers reveled throughout Brazil’s Carnival, videos emerged of jubilant crowds celebrating the win. Scenes from parties and events across the nation illustrated how Ainda Estou Aqui united the public under its artistic brilliance.
Following the awarding of Best International Feature, Salles dedicated the win to Eunice Paiva and all the women who contributed to telling her story. “This award is for Eunice Paiva, and for the extraordinary women who brought her to life: Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro,” he said, making clear the film's connection to female resilience.
Despite competing for three Oscars, Ainda Estou Aqui clinched the title of Best International Feature and maintained significant societal impact. The film not only captivated viewers but also sparked conversations surrounding the necessity of transparency and accountability within government systems.
Fernanda Torres, who was nominated for Best Actress, also expressed her gratitude and astonishment. “It’s incredible to be part of something so important. Winning is beautiful, but the privilege of telling this story is what matters most,” she stated, acknowledging the narrative's deep emotional ties to the audience.
This historic Oscar win for Ainda Estou Aqui marks not just a privilege for the team behind the film, but it symbolizes hope and resilience within Brazilian storytelling, emphasizing the rich cultural narratives waiting to be uncovered.