“Ainda Estou Aqui” and “Senna” Lose at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards to “Emilia Pérez” and “Round 6”

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards took place at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, bringing together the biggest names in film and television. The ceremony, which honors the best audiovisual productions, featured Brazilian projects, including the film Ainda Estou Aqui, directed by Walter Salles, and the Netflix series Senna. Both competed in the categories of Best Foreign Language Film and Best Foreign Language Series, respectively. The event was marked by emotional speeches, the celebration of diversity, and recognition of global talent, but the Brazilian productions did not win awards in their respective categories.

The French production Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, won Best Foreign Language Film, surpassing Ainda Estou Aqui and other nominated works. This choice highlights the growing influence of French and Latin American cinema on the international scene, as the film is a co-production between France and Mexico. Meanwhile, in the Best Foreign Language Series category, Round 6 secured another award for South Korea, reinforcing its position as one of the most acclaimed productions of the season. The victory of the South Korean series underscores the strength of the country’s audiovisual industry, which has gained significant recognition in Western awards.

The presence of Brazilian productions among the nominees demonstrates the increasing recognition of Brazilian cinema and television on the international stage. Even though they did not win, the nominations reflect the high level of quality and the cultural impact of national works. Brazilian cinema has gained prominence at international festivals, and being nominated for the Critics Choice Awards is another important step toward global recognition of the country’s audiovisual industry.

“Ainda Estou Aqui” and Its Critical Reception

The film Ainda Estou Aqui tells the emotional journey of a mother seeking redemption after the loss of her son. With a sensitive and intimate approach, the production was well received by critics, praised for its emotional depth and Walter Salles’ precise direction. Fernanda Torres’ performance as the protagonist was one of the highlights, with many experts calling it one of the best of her career. The film’s soundtrack and cinematography were also praised for bringing a melancholic and reflective tone to the narrative.

The presence of Ainda Estou Aqui in international awards demonstrates the strength of Brazilian cinema and its ability to tell universal stories with an authentic perspective. The themes of grief and resilience resonate with audiences worldwide, making the film a powerful piece in the international circuit. Even though it did not win at the Critics Choice Awards, the nomination alone represents significant recognition for Brazilian cinema.

“Senna” and the Journey of the Brazilian Racing Legend

The Netflix series Senna portrays the life and career of legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. The production provides a detailed look at the Brazilian’s challenges and triumphs, exploring not only his sports career but also his personal life and the impact he had both on and off the track. The emotional storytelling and meticulously recreated racing scenes caught the attention of critics and audiences, making the series one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

The victory of Round 6 in the Best Foreign Language Series category demonstrates the lasting impact of the South Korean production, which has become a global phenomenon since its release. The series, which follows contestants fighting for survival in a deadly game, has won awards at numerous events and remains one of Netflix’s most successful productions. Despite the loss, Senna‘s nomination at the Critics Choice Awards reinforces the relevance of Brazilian productions and paves the way for future international recognition.

Highlights from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards

• Anora won Best Picture, establishing itself as one of the most praised productions of the year.
• Demi Moore won Best Actress for her performance in The Substance, one of the most talked-about films of the season.
• Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, receiving widespread praise for his dedication to the character.
• Emilia Pérez not only won Best Foreign Language Film but also secured the Best Supporting Actress award for Zoe Saldaña.
• Shōgun: The Glorious Saga of Japan was the big winner in television, taking home four awards, including Best Drama Series.

Brazil’s Growing Presence in International Awards

In recent years, Brazil has gained greater visibility in international awards, with acclaimed productions at the Cannes Film Festival, the Oscars, and other major events. Films such as Bacurau and Central do Brasil are examples of works that have made an impact on the global circuit. The nomination of Ainda Estou Aqui and Senna at the Critics Choice Awards reinforces this trajectory and shows that Brazilian cinema and television continue to rise.

The presence of national productions in events like the Critics Choice Awards also drives the Brazilian audiovisual market, encouraging investments in new productions and international collaborations. The recognition of Brazilian works paves the way for future nominations and partnerships, expanding the reach of Brazilian culture abroad.

Cultural Impact and Future Expectations

The participation of Ainda Estou Aqui and Senna at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards represents a crucial step toward greater recognition of Brazilian audiovisual productions. The appreciation of authentic and universal stories allows Brazil’s film and television industries to reach wider audiences, increasing international interest in national productions.

Although these works did not win, their nominations are a sign that Brazil continues to gain space in international awards. Attention now turns to upcoming awards, such as the Oscars and the Emmys, where Brazilian productions may continue to earn recognition and prestige.

Key Numbers and Statistics

• The Critics Choice Awards is now in its 30th edition, solidifying its status as one of the most influential awards in film and television.
• Round 6, the South Korean series that won Best Foreign Language Series, has surpassed 1.65 billion hours watched on Netflix since its release.
• Emilia Pérez, which won Best Foreign Language Film, has been nominated for multiple international awards and is gaining prominence on the festival circuit.
• Over the past five years, Brazilian productions have seen a 40% increase in nominations for international awards.