On February 28, 2025, audiences can catch the celebrated film Central do Brasil, directed by Walter Salles, airing at 3:30 PM (Brasilia time) on TV Globo. This screening not only serves as entertainment but also as recognition of the film's significant historical achievement at the Oscars, which took place 26 years ago.
Central do Brasil, which translates to Central Station in English, follows the story of Dora, portrayed by the esteemed actress Fernanda Montenegro. Dora is a retired teacher who writes letters for illiterate clients at Rio de Janeiro's Central Station. She decides which letters to send, discarding those she considers trivial or whimsical.
The narrative shifts dramatically when one of her clients is killed, leaving behind her young son, Josué, played by Vinícius de Oliveira, who was not even an actor prior to this role. Salles discovered Vinícius at Santos Dumont Airport where he had been working as a shoeshine boy. After a brief interaction, Salles invited him to audition, leading to his starring role, which would alter his life forever.
When Central do Brasil was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999, it marked a milestone for Brazilian cinema. It was not only nominated for this prestigious award but also secured two Golden Globe nominations – one for Best Foreign Film and one for Best Actress for Montenegro. The film's influence has been long-lasting, showcasing the depth and richness of Brazilian culture to global audiences.
Montenegro made history as the first Brazilian actress to receive such a nomination, and for over two decades, she remained the only Latin American actress recognized for this category. This year, her daughter Fernanda Torres is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in Ainda Estou Aqui, also directed by Salles. This unprecedented situation adds another layer of significance to the upcoming Oscar ceremony.
Notably, Ainda Estou Aqui has been nominated for three categories at the 2025 Oscars, including Best International Film and Best Picture, making it the first entirely Brazilian production to contend for the most coveted Oscar award.
Before the new nominations are revealed, the cultural significance of their predecessors is reiterated. Only three other Brazilian films had previously competed for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film: O Pagador de Promessas (Anselmo Duarte), O Quatrilho (Fábio Barreto), and O Que É Isso, Companheiro? (Bruno Barreto), making Central do Brasil stand out even more.
Fans of cinema are invited to join the live coverage of the 2025 Academy Awards on March 2, starting at 7:30 PM. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook will provide updates and highlights from the event, ensuring viewers won’t miss any of the drama or excitement.
With such groundbreaking achievements and nominations, Central do Brasil continues to resonate powerfully within Brazil's cinematic legacy, marking the film as not just another movie but as the embodiment of aspiration and cultural pride.