The 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, showcased both triumphs and controversies, prominently featuring the Brazilian film Aún Estoy Aquí which emerged victorious by winning the Oscar for Best International Film. The competition was fierce as it faced off against notable nominees including Emilia Pérez from France, which garnered considerable attention with its 13 nominations.
During the ceremony at the famed Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Penélope Cruz presented the award for Best International Film, which caught the attention of many viewers. Upon announcing Aún Estoy Aquí as the winner, Walter Salles, the film's director, accepted the award on behalf of the entire cast and crew.
The narrative of Aún Estoy Aquí revolves around the harrowing era of Brazil's military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, chronicling the struggles of Marcelo Rubens Paiva's family. Through this biographical lens, the film dives deep, exploring the political turmoil, human rights violations, and the repercussions faced by dissenters during this fraught period. President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva celebrated the film's achievement, stating, "This was a day to feel even prouder to be Brazilian. Pride for our cinema, our artists, and, above all, for our democracy." His remarks reflect the national sentiment and pride surrounding the film's recognition on such a global platform.
Despite its accolades, the film industry had its share of controversies. Emilia Pérez, widely regarded as a formidable contender, found itself engulfed in overshadowing discussions due to its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón. Gascón, who previously made history as the first transgender woman to win Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, faced backlash for alleged xenophobic and racist messages she posted on social media. Jacques Audiard, the film's director, labeled Gascón's comments as "reprehensible" and acknowledged the damage to the film's reputation.
The backlash escalated to the point where Netflix, which had prominently backed Emilia Pérez, withdrew support from its promotional campaigns following the scandal. Though the film managed to secure recognition, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and the award for Best Song for "El Mal", it failed to clinch the more coveted awards of Best Picture or Best International Film, succumbing to the weight of its controversies.
Meanwhile, Aún Estoy Aquí also garnered acclaim before the Oscars, winning the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival and topping off its prestige with nominations at the Goya Awards. Notably, it won Best Ibero-American Film, showcasing its broader international appeal and highlighting Brazil's creative storytelling prowess.
This year's Oscars highlighted societal and cultural issues through the lens of film, illustrating how narratives can resonate with current political climates. The night captured both the pride and apprehensions within the film industry, culminating with Aún Estoy Aquí's historic win.
Overall, the victory for Aún Estoy Aquí signifies not only success for Brazilian cinema but serves as a reminder of the powerful narratives filmmakers aim to convey. With films like Aún Estoy Aquí, we see the potential for cinema to bridge cultures and invoke discussions on pivotal histories. The recognition at the Oscars amplifies stories like Paiva's, encouraging other filmmakers to tell their own unique perspectives.
Though the controversies surrounding Emilia Pérez pose challenges, they highlight the importance of accountability and compassion within the industry. With these conversations at the forefront, the future for films dealing with complex narratives remains hopeful and poignant.
Indeed, as narratives shift and evolve, the film industry must continue to reflect the realities of society, ensuring every story is told with integrity and respect. The achievements of both Aún Estoy Aquí and Emilia Pérez during this year’s ceremony represent the dynamic and often turbulent nature of artistic expression, where triumphs interweave with lessons learned.