Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for “I’m Still Here”, becoming the first Brazilian actress to achieve this honor. Her nomination for the Oscars parallels that of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro. The film addresses Brazil’s dark history following the military coup and emphasizes the power of resilience and the pursuit of truth amidst ongoing political challenges.
Fernanda Torres’s unexpected victory at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards for her role in the political biopic “I’m Still Here” marks a milestone for Brazilian cinema. At 59 years of age, she became the first Brazilian actor to win the Golden Globe for Best Actress. This recognition paved the way for her nomination for the Oscars in the same category, following in the footsteps of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated nearly three decades prior.
In “I’m Still Here,” Torres portrays Eunice Paiva, the wife of Rubens Paiva, a politician who was kidnapped and murdered after the 1964 Brazilian military coup. Notably, Montenegro plays an older version of Eunice in the film. Directed by Walter Salles, who had previously collaborated with Montenegro in 1999, the film has also received nominations for Best International Feature and Best Picture, making history for Brazilian cinema.
Set in 1970, the film depicts Eunice’s life as she navigates the aftermath of the coup, eventually reuniting with her husband and family before tragedy strikes. Salles shares his experiences growing up near the Paiva family and the sense of community and openness in their beachside home before the political climate turned oppressive.
Following her husband’s disappearance, Eunice becomes determined to uncover the truth, enduring personal tragedy and even imprisonment. Her resilience is evident as she turns her pain into strength; despite her experiences, she does not allow herself to portray her family as victims. Torres emphasizes Eunice’s refusal to cry during her suffering, viewing vulnerability as a concession to the dictatorship.
Torres believes the film resonates particularly now, as many Brazilians draw parallels between past and present political challenges. An unexpected level of support for the film highlights a collective acknowledgment of a painful history that seemed poised to repeat itself in recent years, especially under former president Jair Bolsonaro’s leadership.
The film is seen as a call to action, advocating for justice, education, and human rights amidst contemporary political struggles. Torres concludes that the story of Eunice embodies resilience, offering guidance and strength for current and future generations.
In summary, Fernanda Torres’s triumph at the Golden Globe and her subsequent Oscar nomination underscore a significant legacy within Brazilian cinema, mirroring her mother’s historic achievements. The film “I’m Still Here” not only recounts a deeply painful chapter of Brazil’s history but also serves as a profound commentary against current political adversities. Through the portrayal of Eunice Paiva, the film champions resilience, justice, and the unwavering pursuit of truth, resonating with audiences across diverse perspectives.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
