Fernanda Torres has made history by becoming the first Brazilian actress to win a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama. This momentous occasion took place during the 2025 Golden Globes, held on January 5th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
Torres, whose performance stars in the Brazilian film I'm Still Here, was nominated alongside prominent figures such as Angelina Jolie (for Maria), Nicole Kidman (for Babygirl), Tilda Swinton (for The Room Next Door), and Kate Winslet (for Lee). The 59-year-old actress, visibly stunned upon hearing her name announced, recognized the competitiveness of her category and the incredible talent of her fellow nominees.
"This is such an amazing year for female performances. So many actresses here I admire so much," Torres stated during her acceptance speech. This win is particularly significant as it adds to her family's legacy; Torres is the daughter of the legendary Fernanda Montenegro, who was the first Brazilian actress nominated for the same award back in 1999 for her role in Central Station. Montenegro, now aged 95, also appears as the older version of Torres's character Eunice Paiva in I'm Still Here.
During her speech, Torres dedicated her win to her mother, declaring, "This is proof art can endure through life, even in difficult moments like this amazing story." Her role as Eunice Paiva revolves around the harrowing search for her husband, Rubens Paiva, who was forcibly disappeared during Brazil's military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985.
The director of the film, Walter Salles, expressed gratitude for the recognition of such poignant storytelling, noting, "We started this project thinking we were retelling a story from the past, but we came to realize it was also a reflection on our present." The film, rooted in true events, has struck chords with audiences and critics alike, drawing parallels between past atrocities and current political narratives around the world.
Critics have praised Torres's nuanced portrayal, stating, "Through the smallest and subtlest signals, what it costs her to hold back her anxiety and anger for the sake of her family" was masterfully executed. This assertion was underscored by numerous reviews following the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Indeed, I'm Still Here resonates powerfully amid today's political climate, as Torres articulated, "There's something happening now in the world with so much fear. And this is a film helps us to think how to survive through tough times like this." This statement was timely, echoing sentiments following significant global events, including insurrections and the ascendance of authoritarianism.
Torres’s win places her as a frontrunner for the upcoming Oscar nominations, with the Academy set to announce candidates on January 17, 2025. Excitement builds around her potential recognition, and her victory at the Golden Globes certainly positions her as a key player and advocate for narratives reflecting resilience and courage.
With her remarkable achievement, Fernanda Torres not only honors her own legacy but also continues to pave the way for future generations of Brazilian artists, amplifying their presence on international stages, exemplifying how important stories of the past can guide current and future efforts for justice and recognition.