Brazil's entry to the Academy Awards, Ainda Estou Aqui, made waves at the 2025 Oscars with three prestigious nominations, making it one of the highlights of the event held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025. This film, which translates to "I Am Still Here," is not only the first original feature from the streaming service Globoplay but also stands as a significant achievement for Brazilian cinema, securing nominations for Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress for lead star Fernanda Torres.
With the entire nation watching, the Oscars this year felt particularly special, as fans donned their green and yellow apparel, creating their very own festival atmosphere. Brusque excitement rippled through Brazil as Ainda Estou Aqui garnered overwhelming recognition. The film already claims over 5.2 million viewers and boasts nearly 40 awards from various national and international platforms, demonstrating its impact on the film industry.
Attending the awards ceremony to support the film were prominent figures from Globoplay, including Manuel Belmar, the Director of Digital Products, who expressed optimism about the film's chances for victory. Belmar commented from Los Angeles, stating, "Estamos confiantes que 'Ainda Estou Aqui' possa conquistar mais um reconhecimento esta noite. É uma obra maravilhosa em todas as suas dimensões. Mas precisamos reconhecer a qualidade incrível de nossos competidores nas diversas categorias em que concorremos." The emotional weight of these words reflects the pride felt not just for the film but for Brazilian cinema as it garners global attention.
His sentiments were echoed throughout the evening, with focus shifting to the celebratory nature of the occasion, as he added, "Independentemente do resultado que conheceremos em alguns momentos, o filme já faz historia pelo mundo afora. O cinema brasileiro, o Brasil, já estão em festa por todas as conquistas até aqui." With these achievements, the Brazilian film industry is undoubtedly making significant strides on the world stage.
The evening's ceremony was as much about film as it was about fashion. The red carpet saw many celebrities channel their finest looks, with Fernanda Torres among the well-dressed attendees. Highlights of the fashion showcased at the Oscars included high couture dresses and sophisticated tailoring, characteristic of the glamour associated with such prestigious events.
Some guests arrived wearing pastel outfits, marking the evening with elegance. Notably, award-winning actor Selton Mello made a statement by wearing black and adding accessories paying homage to Brazilian authorship, especially Marcelo Rubens Paiva. His unique combination served to spotlight the roots of Ainda Estou Aqui, correlatively linking cinema to its literary origins.
The Oscar night radiated optimism and pride within Brazilian cinema, as it marks not only substantial accomplishments but also the 100th anniversary of Globo. Fans from Brazil and around the globe were glued to their screens, eager to see how their representative fared among the world's best. They also had the opportunity to witness the complex layers and narratives presented within the film, which parade vibrantly through diverse and engaging storytelling.
For viewers wanting to keep up with the ceremony, Globo executed plans to offer expansive coverage of the Oscars with the transmission carrying live updates. With 21h55 marking the start time for the ceremony, TV Globo ensured it had arranged for extra programming adjustments allowing for uninterrupted access to the extraordinary event.
While recognition at the Academy Awards eludes some, the film has already solidified its legacy, enhanced by the top-tier storytelling and powerful performances, especially from Torres. A fusion of filmmaking talent paired with enthusiastic audiences enables Ainda Estou Aqui to transcend conventional cinema expectations.
Though Oscar results were pending at the time, with fingers crossed across Brazil, the true victory had already been secured through the film’s presence at such notable heights. It exemplifies how homegrown talent can resonate worldwide, embarking on new journeys and breaking down barriers. The sound of applause echoed not just through the Dolby Theatre, but throughout Brazil itself, as the nation collectively celebrated its standing within the film industry.