Brazil’s Oscar Win for ‘I’m Still Here’ Just Made for the Craziest Carnival Ever

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On Sunday evening, the vibrant carnival festivities echoed throughout Rio de Janeiro, but there was a momentary pause as everyone took notice.

The prestigious award for Best International Feature Film was moments away from being revealed in Hollywood, and everyone was eager to see if the chosen nation or anyone connected with it would secure their first Oscar. In contention for this honor was the movie “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles, which depicted life during the country’s lengthy military dictatorship that concluded in 1985. This powerful drama also earned two additional nominations.

The celebration was brimming with the excitement of Academy Awards. People danced around electric floats, their joy echoing as music blared from them, thrilled that a movie had received such recognition some 6,000 miles to the north. Some artists had even reimagined the Olinda Puppet, a traditional Carnival figure, by dressing it up to portray star Fernanda Torres holding an awards trophy. This was undoubtedly the largest, and definitely the most exciting, Oscar viewing party ever organized.

As Penelope Cruz announced the title “I’m Still Here” from the Dolby stage past midnight, a burst of cheers erupted from the Carnival crowd. Some spectators watched on massive screens as Salles embraced Torres and James Mangold before taking the stage. Others learned about it online. In an electrifying moment, Daniela Mercury, the renowned Brazilian music legend and Latin Grammy winner, shared the news from her elétrico, causing the crowd to go wild with excitement.

Even before the Oscar recognition, “Ainda Estou Aqui” was already a significant phenomenon in Brazil, having sold over 5 million tickets and sparking national discussions and emotional release among its 210 million inhabitants. The movie has even been referenced by Supreme Court justices in cases against far-right groups and influenced government agencies to alter rules regarding death certificates.

However, recognition from the Academy presented an entirely different scenario. A deep-seated wound that had been ignored for far too long was now being celebrated by a prestigious global entertainment organization – a wonderfully ironic twist of fate indeed.

Moreover, everything was being delivered through Salles, a local prodigy and Latin America’s renowned cinematic biographer, along with Torres, who was the daughter of acting royalty Fernanda Montenegro and a performing icon in her own merit. There was even speculation that Torres, having caused an upset at the Golden Globes, might win the Oscar against Demi Moore and Mikey Madison.

This version aims to maintain the original’s tone while using simpler and more natural language.

That award was still an hour away. No matter. 

Bruna Santos, director of the Brazil Institute at The Wilson Center and a former vice president of the National School of Public Administration in Brazil, wrote that it’s challenging to express adequately how significant this moment is. She described it as a pivotal point, not only for Brazilian cinema but also for Brazil’s ongoing process of confronting its history.

Rafael Ioris, an authority on Latin America from the University of Denver and writer of the impactful political book titled “Transforming Brazil“, succinctly expressed his thoughts in a message sent to THR.

“A historic night,” he wrote. 

This film revolves around the hardships faced by Eunice Paiva, the wife of a real-life Congressman, when her husband is kidnapped by military forces, and her relentless pursuit of justice following this traumatic event. Her struggle over several years has inspired people not only in Brazil but also worldwide, particularly during a period marked by a rise in far-right politics in Brazil. In fact, Brazil experienced an attempted coup led by former far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro in 2023.

The chance for the movie to be on the Oscars‘ world stage only turbocharged their efforts.

Salles stated from the Dolby that this refers to a woman who, following a hardship endured under an authoritarian regime, chose not to yield and instead stood up against it. In essence, Salles was suggesting that others should follow her example wherever authoritarianism emerges.

The advancements in the “I’m Still Here” initiative highlight the worldwide influence of the modern, more globally focused Academy. By opting for films that are not typically associated with Hollywood, there is concern that the institution may overlook the influential American film industry. However, it also accomplishes something else: it bestows recognition on countries beyond its base and stimulates their film industries. This aspiration exists in Brazil, where experts assert that the country needs robust policies and substantial government funding to foster a thriving cinematic culture.

As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but share the jubilant sentiment echoing in Sao Paulo after the heartwarming victory of the indie environmental tale, “Flow,” at Riga. Ever since “Flow” started garnering Oscar recognition, the Latvian capital has been brimming with excitement, and it shows! City signs have even been altered to honor this remarkable film. The President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, expressed his elation on Monday, stating, “Today is a momentous and historic day for Latvia! We all need time to grasp the magnitude of this event, as something truly grand and beautiful has taken place!

In Brazil, there was a touch of bittersweet sentiment as Torres ultimately fell short against Madison, an LA-based actor whose films are largely unfamiliar to Brazilians.

As a fan, I find myself in agreement with the experts who don’t foresee a lasting impact on their moods, despite some local residents expressing displeasure. Regarding one particular star, it seems we shouldn’t hold our breath for Rio box office revenues anytime soon. Santos quipped humorously, “Winning over the Brazilian audience is now going to be quite a challenge for Mikey Madison.

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2025-03-04 01:24