The 2025 Academy Awards have made waves with the significant announcement of nominations, particularly highlighting the Brazilian film I'm Still Here, marking its historic recognition as the first-ever Brazilian film nominated for Best Picture. Directed by Walter Salles and based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's memoir, the political biographical drama tells the poignant story of Eunice Paiva, portrayed by Fernanda Torres, who navigates the harrowing realities following the forced disappearance of her husband, Rubens Paiva, during Brazil's military dictatorship.
The nominations were announced on January 23, 2025, and include not just Best Picture but also Best International Feature and Best Actress for Torres. The film had its theatrical release on November 7, 2024, swiftly becoming a box office hit, grossing $13.5 million against its $1.5 million production budget. This success occurred even amid attempts by far-right groups to boycott the film, underscoring its cultural impact and resonance.
Reflecting on this groundbreaking moment, Manuel Belmar, Globo’s Director of Digital Products, expressed, "What a great moment this Oscar nomination is in the excitingtrajectory of I'm Still Here. It is a source of immense pride to see our first original film compete for the biggest movie award in the world..." This statement emphasizes the film's role as more than entertainment—it's viewed as a celebration of Brazilian culture and storytelling.
Alongside I'm Still Here, multiple nominations went to other films, creating fierce competition for the coveted Oscars. Emilia Pérez, leading with 14 nominations, including Best Film and Best Actress, stands closely followed by The Brutalist and Wicked, with 10 nominations each. This competitive year highlights the diverse narratives being offered by filmmakers and the vibrant storytelling present within international cinema.
Fernanda Torres's nomination is particularly historic; she becomes only the second Brazilian to receive a Best Actress nomination, following her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated for her role in Central Station back in 1999. Torres, who plays Eunice, competes against notable actresses including Cynthia Erivo (in Wicked) and Demi Moore (in The Substance). She remarked, "To have this fairytale of having a movie with both of us, with the probability of another nomination, is to say the art has prevailed." This touching sentiment highlights the duo’s legacy and shared contributions to Brazilian cinema.
The film's narrative deeply resonates with the contemporary audience as it touches on themes of loss, resilience, and the political struggle of the past. By depicting Eunice's fight for recognition of her husband’s fate during the dictatorship, the film not only serves as entertainment but as historical documentation, providing insights on Brazil's tumultuous past. The recognition of these elements contributes significantly to the global film narrative.
Before its Oscar nomination, I'm Still Here garnered awards at multiple prestigious ceremonies, including the Golden Globes, the Venice Film Festival, and the São Paulo International Film Festival, placing it firmly on the global stage. It stands as the highest-grossing Brazilian film since the COVID-19 pandemic, having attracted over 3.3 million viewers since its release. This commercial success, coupled with its artistic acclaim, showcases the growing global interest and appreciation for Brazilian cinema.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, promising to be an event showcasing diverse talents and narratives from around the world. The excitement around I'm Still Here extends beyond the nominations, as audiences and critics alike look forward to its performance at the Oscars.
With its nominations, I'm Still Here not only makes history for Brazil but also sets the stage for future generations of filmmakers. It signifies the potential of storytelling to transcend borders and address universal themes, fostering dialog across cultures. This recognition undoubtedly contributes to the evolution and visibility of Brazilian cinema on the world stage.
The upcoming Oscars promise to be competitive, with films like Emilia Pérez vying for the same spotlight. Nevertheless, I'm Still Here's legacy is already cemented within the annals of film history, inspiring narratives marked by authenticity and cultural identity.