I’m Still Here Earns Best International Feature Film Oscar Nod, Golden Globe Winner Fernanda Torres Shines

The critically acclaimed Brazilian film I’m Still Here has garnered multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Fernanda Torres, and Best International Feature Film. The film, set in 1971 during Brazil’s brutal military dictatorship, has struck a chord both in Hollywood and its home country, where it’s seen as a poignant reflection on Brazil's political struggles.

Starring Fernanda Torres as Eunice, a woman whose husband is disappeared, the film takes viewers on a journey of personal transformation. Eunice shifts from being a housewife to an activist, searching for her husband while refusing to let her family appear sorrowful in photographs. Torres' performance has earned her a Golden Globe, and she’s now up for an Academy Award, becoming the first Brazilian actress nominated for Best Actress for a film solely in Portuguese.

“I never thought I would win because there were so many great performances in English,” Torres shared, expressing her surprise and gratitude. “This tells so much about the difference in cinema nowadays, to have someone speaking Portuguese.”

The significance of I’m Still Here extends beyond the Academy Awards. It’s the first Brazilian film in history to receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination while being solely in Portuguese. In a country deeply engaged in political reflection, the film has become a patriotic symbol. "In Brazil, people took it personally; it’s something very patriotic happening with this film," said Torres.

The film’s recognition marks a milestone not just for Torres but for Brazilian cinema, offering a unique lens on the country’s history and its ongoing political discourse.

As the Oscars approach, the buzz around I’m Still Here continues to grow, with its powerful story, political relevance, and stunning performances making it one of the most talked-about films of the year.

In Hollywood, I’m David Daniel.