find out what time the awards ceremony that could make history with Fernanda Torres begins

The wait is nearly over for movie enthusiasts and Brazilians dreaming of an unprecedented victory at the greatest celebration of cinema. The 97th Academy Awards, set for March 2, promises to be a milestone, particularly with the participation of “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles, competing in three major categories: Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress, with Fernanda Torres. The event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, will start at 9 p.m. Brasília time, though the red carpet kicks off at 8:30 p.m., bringing the glamour and anticipation for a night that could mark Brazilian cinema history.

Broadcast live by channels like TNT and streaming platforms such as Max, this year’s ceremony carries a special flavor as it coincides with Carnival Sunday in Brazil. TV Globo will air the event for most of the country, except in Rio de Janeiro, where samba school parades from the Special Group will take precedence. Presenter Maria Beltrão will lead the coverage starting at 9:55 p.m., joined by names like Dira Paes and critic Waldemar Dalenogare, while Rio residents can follow the awards on G1 and Gshow portals.

Another highlight of the evening is comedian Conan O’Brien hosting for the first time. Musical performances by artists like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Doja Cat, and Queen Latifah will enhance the event, which will also pay tribute to Los Angeles as “the city of dreams” and honor workers who fought recent wildfires in the region, as announced by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang.

The journey to the gala night

“I’m Still Here” arrives at the Oscars with an impressive track record. Released in 2024, the film directed by Walter Salles tells the Paiva family’s story and has surpassed 5 million viewers, grossing over R$ 100 million at the box office. It debuted at number one in Brazil and Portugal and reached second place in the U.S., screening in 700 theaters. Its nominations in top categories reflect the global impact of a production that resonated with both audiences and international critics.

Fernanda Torres, the film’s lead, already made history by winning the 2025 Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Eunice Paiva. Her Oscar nomination pits her against strong contenders like Demi Moore from “The Substance,” Mikey Madison from “Anora,” Karla Sofía Gascón from “Emilia Pérez,” and Cynthia Erivo from “Wicked.” Torres is the first Brazilian actress in 26 years to vie for a dramatic role at the awards, following Fernanda Montenegro’s 1999 nomination for “Central Station,” also directed by Salles.

The final voting to determine the winners concluded on February 18 at 10 p.m. Brasília time, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the results. Alongside Brazil, the controversial “Emilia Pérez,” with 13 nominations, is a leading contender and expected to shine, especially in Best International Feature Film and Best Actress categories.

A historic showdown for Brazil

For the first time, a Brazilian film is in the running for Best Picture, the Oscars’ most prestigious category. “I’m Still Here” faces off against titles like “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked.” Its presence on this list is a groundbreaking achievement for Brazilian cinema, which, despite prior nominations in categories like Best International Feature, has never won an Oscar in 96 years of the awards’ history.

The strength of “I’m Still Here” goes beyond box office numbers. Its intimate and visceral portrayal of the effects of authoritarian politics has captivated critics worldwide, positioning it as a timely work amid growing global concerns over authoritarianism. In the Best International Feature Film category, the film is considered a frontrunner by many experts, while Fernanda Torres vies for Best Actress in a race that promises unpredictability.

For Brazilians, Oscar night carries unique emotional weight. The last time the country came close to such a moment was in 1999 with “Central Station,” which, despite nominations for Best International Feature and Best Actress, left empty-handed. Now, 26 years later, hopes are high that Walter Salles and Fernanda Torres might break this drought and bring Brazil its first Oscar.

Where and how to watch the Oscars

The 2025 Oscars broadcast offers multiple options for Brazilian audiences to tune in live. On pay-TV, TNT begins coverage at 7:30 p.m., hosted by Ana Furtado from Los Angeles, with commentary from Lázaro Ramos, Fabiula Nascimento, and Aline Diniz. The Max platform will also stream the event at the same time, offering a choice between original audio or simultaneous translation.

On free-to-air TV, Globo has adjusted its Carnival schedule to prioritize the awards in most of Brazil. Coverage starts at 9:55 p.m., though in Rio de Janeiro, the focus will be the Sambódromo’s Parade of Champions. For Rio residents wanting to watch the Oscars, G1 and Gshow will provide a live feed, ensuring no one misses the chance to cheer for “I’m Still Here” and Fernanda Torres.

Beyond official broadcasts, in-person events are popping up across Brazil. In Manaus, for instance, Cine Carmen Miranda and Cine Set will open their doors at 5 p.m. to screen the red carpet and ceremony, offering a communal experience for film fans.

Awards timeline: what to expect

The 2025 Oscars follow a tight schedule leading up to the big day. Nominations were announced on January 17, following preliminary voting from January 8 to 13. The final vote, determining the winners, took place between February 11 and 18. Now, audiences await March 2 for the results.

• Red carpet: starts at 8:30 p.m. Brasília time.
• Main ceremony: begins at 9 p.m., expected to last about 3.5 hours.
• TNT and Max broadcast: from 7:30 p.m.
• Globo airing: from 9:55 p.m., except in Rio de Janeiro.

The order of category presentations will only be revealed on the day, but speculation suggests that Best International Feature and Best Actress—featuring “I’m Still Here” and Fernanda Torres—may be saved for the finale due to their significant buzz.

Musical highlights and tributes of the night

Live performances are an Oscar tradition, and 2025 will be no exception. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stars of “Wicked,” will take the stage to perform songs from the film, which also competes in multiple categories. Other confirmed acts include Doja Cat, Raye, Lisa from Blackpink, and Queen Latifah, bringing musical diversity to the evening.

The tribute to Los Angeles will carry a special tone this year, spotlighting the city’s resilience amid recent challenges like wildfires. The Academy plans to honor frontline workers who battled these disasters, reinforcing the bond between cinema and its host community.

Past winners from the 2024 Oscars, such as Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, and Cillian Murphy, will present awards, adding star power while upholding the tradition of passing the torch to new victors.

The power of international contenders

While “I’m Still Here” represents Brazil, other international films also arrive with momentum. “Emilia Pérez,” a French production with 13 nominations, leads in total nods, making it the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history. Its provocative themes have sparked debates that could sway Academy voters.

In Best Documentary, “No Other Land,” created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, stands out for its geopolitical context, depicting the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank. For Best Animated Feature, Latvia’s “Flow” emerges as a favorite, boasting a visually striking narrative that triumphed at global festivals.

In the Best Actor race, Timothée Chalamet for “A Complete Unknown” and Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist” lead the pack, with Chalamet’s Bob Dylan portrayal tipped as the frontrunner. These competitors heighten the stakes for Brazil’s hopes with Fernanda Torres and Walter Salles.

Fun facts about this year’s edition

The 2025 Oscars bring noteworthy tidbits that underscore the event’s significance:

• It’s Brazil’s first-ever Best Picture nomination, shattering a historic barrier.
• Fernanda Torres could become the first Brazilian actress to win an Oscar, 26 years after Fernanda Montenegro’s nod.
• The ceremony aligns with Carnival, creating a rare cultural mashup in Brazil.
• “Emilia Pérez” set a record for most nominations for a non-English film, with 13.
• Conan O’Brien debuts as host, infusing fresh humor into the Dolby Theatre stage.

These elements highlight the uniqueness of this year’s edition, blending cultural celebration, global talent, and potential breakthroughs for Brazilian cinema.

High expectations for an unforgettable night

Roughly 10,000 Academy members voted to choose the winners, a process involving 17 professional branches like actors, directors, and producers. Each category has specific rules, but all members can vote for Best Picture, making that race especially unpredictable.

In Brazil, the rooting for “I’m Still Here” unites not just film buffs but also those who see it as a symbol of national resilience. The blend of a stellar cast, a compelling story, and Walter Salles’ talent has put Brazil on Hollywood’s radar like never before, raising hopes for March 2.

With accessible broadcasts across platforms and local events like the Manaus screening, Brazilian audiences have plenty of ways to join in. At 9 p.m., as the Dolby Theatre lights up, the world will watch Los Angeles, while Brazilian hearts beat for a historic moment.