American cinephiles everywhere just added a new movie to their watch list: I’m Still Here, the Brazilian drama directed by Walter Salles, has nabbed a surprise bid for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. This nomination signals the Academy's growing recognition of international cinema, as the film is slated to release widely in the U.S. only weeks before the Oscars.
I'm Still Here is based on the true story of Eunice Pavia, played by Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, whose husband was forcibly disappeared during Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1960s. The film is adapted from Marcelo Rubens Pavia's memoir detailing his mother’s struggle, bringing to light the harrowing realities faced by many during this tumultuous period of Brazilian history.
Alongside Torres’ standout performance, which also earned her a nomination for Best Actress, I’m Still Here is also contending for Best International Feature, bringing its nomination total to three. This marks the second consecutive year more than one non-English language film has been nominated for Best Picture, following last year's notable inclusion of films like Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest.
"Having more than one non-English language movie nominated for Best Picture is historic," noted Variety, emphasizing the shifting perspectives within the Academy. This trend is also evident as the film gained traction following its Golden Globe wins, influencing Academy voters' interest significantly. "The response from Academy voters... has been overwhelmingly positive," reports Variety, prompting many to seek out the film after its Globe recognition.
For those eager to experience this timely film, I’m Still Here opened on limited release on January 17, 2025, with wider access to come on February 14. The film can currently be found screening at select theaters in Los Angeles and New York, with hopes to expand nationwide as the Oscars approach.
Despite its accolades, some American audiences may still be unfamiliar with I’m Still Here. This cinematic sleeper hit exemplifies the global shift toward embracing international stories, similar to past successes such as Parasite and All Quiet on the Western Front. Critics have lauded the film, with one citing it as "one of the best movies of 2024," evidenced by its 95% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The intrigue around I’m Still Here not only pertains to its poignant narrative but also raises questions about the possible outcomes of the Oscars. Could Fernanda Torres, fresh from her Golden Globe victory, achieve a historic Oscar win? If she secures the trophy, she would do so without nominations from the SAG or BAFTA awards, which historically complicates the path to Oscar glory. Only three actors have ever won the Academy Award without any prior SAG nominations.
Nonetheless, the buzz surrounding I’m Still Here has sparked conversations across social media platforms, as supporters rally behind Torres. She has been actively engaging with audiences on various talk shows and via her digital platforms, solidifying her position and building momentum for awards season.
On February 14, audiences will have more chances to see I’m Still Here before the ceremony on March 2. With its upcoming wide release, viewers are encouraged to immerse themselves in this deeply affecting narrative. For those unable to catch it early, I’m Still Here is expected to arrive on Netflix by summer 2025, following the usual pattern for Sony Pictures releases.
Whether you're drawn to inspiring true stories or simply curious about this year’s Best Picture nominees, I’m Still Here deserves attention. This emotional exploration of family, loss, and resilience under authoritarian rule not only showcases exceptional talent but also highlights the rich storytelling tradition of Brazilian cinema on the international stage.
With the Oscars just around the corner, all eyes will be on the nominees as they prepare for the big night. The growing recognition of films like I’m Still Here marks an exciting evolution within the Academy, one where stories from diverse cultures are not just included but celebrated as integral to the cinematic narrative. This evolution promises to transform how audiences perceive international cinema, shaping the path for future storytellers.