understand how the biggest cinema award works

The 2025 Oscars mark a historic moment for Brazilian cinema, with Walter Salles’ film Still Here earning nominations in the categories of Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres. For the first time, a Brazilian Portuguese-language film is in the running for Best Picture, solidifying Brazil’s growing influence on the global film stage. This achievement highlights the importance of Brazilian narratives in prestigious international competitions and showcases the exceptional talent of the country’s artists, producers, and filmmakers.

Still Here is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiography and delves into the life of Eunice Paiva, portrayed masterfully by Fernanda Torres. The storyline centers on Eunice’s struggle during Brazil’s military dictatorship after her husband, Rubens Paiva—a former congressman—was arrested and killed by the regime. The emotionally powerful narrative drew worldwide attention following its debut at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, where it was lauded for its depth and Torres’ standout performance.

At 59 years old, Fernanda Torres has been widely recognized for her role, earning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film in January 2025. This milestone paved the way for her Oscar nomination, making her one of Brazil’s leading figures in this year’s competition. The ceremony, scheduled for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, promises to be a memorable event for Brazilians and the global film community.

Walter Salles and His Cinematic Contributions

Renowned Brazilian director Walter Salles has previously represented Brazil at the Oscars with films such as Central Station in 1999 and The Motorcycle Diaries in 2005. With Still Here, Salles once again demonstrates his ability to craft deeply human and universal stories, exploring themes of memory, resistance, and justice. The film exemplifies how cinema can serve as a powerful tool to revisit and reflect on historical events.

Salles assembled a talented team to bring the film to life. From its meticulous cinematography to its moving soundtrack and precise direction, every element contributed to creating a film that is both a historical document and a remarkable piece of art. These components were crucial in capturing the essence of the era and conveying the emotional weight of Eunice Paiva’s story.

How the Oscar Voting Process Works

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, responsible for the Oscars, comprises approximately 10,900 members, of which 9,900 are eligible to vote. Academy members are divided into specific branches, such as actors, directors, writers, and editors. Most Oscar categories are nominated by members of their corresponding branch—actors nominate actors, and directors nominate directors. However, categories such as Best International Feature Film and Best Animated Feature have special voting rules.

The voting process is meticulously overseen by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the auditing firm responsible for safeguarding the results until the live ceremony. Only two auditors have access to the final results, which are revealed during the award presentation.

Brazilian Presence in the Academy

Currently, 53 Brazilians are members of the Academy, including actors, directors, producers, writers, and musicians. Notable names such as Fernanda Montenegro, Wagner Moura, Kleber Mendonça Filho, and Selton Mello represent the country. This presence reflects the growing recognition of Brazilian talent in the international film industry.

The diversity of Brazilian professionals in the Academy highlights the richness of national productions. From renowned directors like Anna Muylaert and Laís Bodanzky to musicians such as Carlinhos Brown, Brazil’s contributions span multiple areas of filmmaking. The recent loss of musician Sérgio Mendes, who passed away in 2024, was a significant blow, but his legacy continues to inspire.

The Nominees and Fierce Competition

Still Here faces stiff competition in the Best Picture category from major contenders such as Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, and Wicked. The French film Emilia Pérez leads the nominations with 13, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked with 10 each. This intense competition reflects the diversity and quality of this year’s cinematic offerings.

The Best International Feature Film category also includes works representing diverse cultural and historical perspectives, showcasing the richness of global cinema. The inclusion of Still Here in this category underscores the significance of Brazilian productions in addressing local issues with universal appeal.

The Importance of ‘Still Here’ for Brazil

Still Here is more than an artistic achievement; it is a poignant reminder of Brazil’s dark history under military dictatorship and the fight for justice and memory by individuals like Eunice Paiva. By bringing this story to an international audience, the film fosters dialogue about human rights and democracy.

The film’s warm reception also highlights the power of cinema as a tool for social transformation. Reaching a global audience, Still Here enhances understanding of Brazil’s history and emphasizes the importance of preserving collective memory.

Key Moments in the Film’s Journey

1. Venice Debut: The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, earning critical acclaim.
2. International Recognition: After its debut, Still Here participated in other film festivals, winning awards and solidifying its status as an Oscar frontrunner.
3. Golden Globe Win: Fernanda Torres received the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film, a milestone for Brazilian cinema.
4. Oscar Campaign: The film’s team, led by Walter Salles, engaged in promotional events to secure the support of Academy members.

Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Still Here’

• Fernanda Torres spent months researching Eunice Paiva’s life to portray the role authentically.
• Walter Salles collaborated with historians and consultants to ensure historical accuracy in the film.
• The film’s soundtrack was composed by Antonio Pinto, known for his work on City of God and Amy.

Anticipation for the Ceremony

With the Oscars scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre, all eyes are on Still Here and its groundbreaking nominations. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event promises a night of entertainment and celebration of global cinema.

The film’s journey to the Oscars is already a victory for Brazilian cinema, which continues to gain international recognition. Regardless of the outcome, Still Here stands as a milestone in Brazil’s cultural history and inspires future generations of filmmakers and artists.