On March 2, 2025, Brazilian cinema made history at the Oscars as the film Ainda Estou Aqui, directed by Walter Salles, won the prestigious award for Best International Feature Film. This monumental win marks the first time Brazil has secured this honor, stirring both national pride and heightened interest in the country's cinematic narratives.
The Oscars took place at the famed Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, where Salles took to the stage to accept the award from amid a competitive class of nominees. He dedicated the accolade to Eunice Paiva, the character portrayed by actress Fernanda Torres, stating, "It is an honor to receive this award among such extraordinary filmmakers. I dedicate this award to a woman who, after suffering loss during an authoritarian regime, decided not to bend and to resist. Her name is Eunice Paiva." This moment captured the essence of the film's message: resilience and the human spirit, especially through the lens of challenging historical contexts.
The film Ainda Estou Aqui was nominated for three Oscars, including Best Actress for Fernanda Torres and Best Picture. It went up against notable international films such as A Garota da Agulha from Denmark, A Semente do Fruto Sagrado from Germany, Flow from Latvia, and Emilia Pérez from France. The anticipation surrounding the awards was significant, with many backing Brazil's emotional storytelling and cultural depth.
While the victory was sweet for Ainda Estou Aqui, it was marred by the loss of Torres, who was nominated for her role as Eunice. The award for Best Actress went to Mikey Madison, praised for her performance in Anora. Following the announcements, social media exploded with reactions from Brazilian fans, expressing their frustrations over the results, emphasizing Torres's talent and the perceived injustice of the outcomes.
Mikey Madison's film Anora, which explores the story of a dancer involved with controversial subject matter, left many Brazilians rattled as they took to social platforms to air their grievances. Comments on the Academy's official pages criticized the decisions, with some declaring the Oscars had "stolen" the award from Torres and questioning the legitimacy of awarding films covering such provocative themes.
Following the ceremony, numerous posts surfaced on social media lambasting the result. One particularly pointed comment received wide circulation: "Oscar Roubado," or "stolen Oscar," echoing the sentiments of those who believe the results were unjust. With comments flooding both the Oscars’ official channels and Mikey Madison's Instagram account, the conversation around the ceremony quickly transformed from one of celebration to one of discontent.
One viral exchange caught public attention during the Oscars-related media coverage. Television host Ana Furtado, during her interview with Selton Mello, joked, "Chupa, Argentina!" referencing Brazil's famous rivalry with Argentina, to which Mello quickly interrupted, reminding viewers of Argentina's previous Oscar victories. This moment, rife with competitive spirit, encapsulated the tone of the night and highlighted the national pride at stake.
Despite the mixed feelings over the awards, the overall impact of Ainda Estou Aqui cannot be underestimated. Salles praised the film for showcasing the richness of Brazilian narratives and for inspiring newfound interest both domestically and abroad. Fernanda Torres also remarked, "We have so much to offer here. So this film is already victorious, and if we win the Oscar, wonderful; if we don’t win the Oscar, it’s still wonderful,” indicating the film's value beyond just winning accolades.
The Academy’s decisions—especially Mikey Madison’s win—reflect the subjective nature of awards systems where factors beyond talent often come to play. The polarizing aftermath serves as both a celebration of progress for Brazilian cinema and as a reminder of the palpable emotions tied to artistic recognition. The depth and quality of stories like Ainda Estou Aqui will undoubtedly continue to resonate, challenging narratives and expectations moving forward.