I’m Still Here: Fernanda Torres’ Historic Oscar Nomination and the Power of Brazilian Cinema
A Full-Circle Moment for a Legendary Actress
Speaking to The Times in 2019, Brazilian acting legend Fernanda Montenegro described receiving an Academy Award nomination 20 years earlier for her role in Walter Salles’ “Central Station” — and her extensive campaigning for it — as “a trip to Jupiter.” Montenegro’s stateside recognition was unprecedented: the first time a Brazilian actor competed at the Oscars. But the glitzy, long process of interviews, parties, and industry events was shocking and incredibly foreign for the venerated star.
A New Generation of Brazilian Talent
Now, in a fairy-tale-worthy full-circle moment, Montenegro’s daughter, Fernanda Torres, has landed her own lead actress Oscar nomination — Brazil’s second in history — for the searing 1970s-set historical drama “I’m Still Here,” also directed by Salles, in which the 95-year-old Montenegro has a brief appearance.
The Journey of a Lifetime
Torres, 59, has spent considerable time in Los Angeles over the last few months, on a jam-packed schedule of screenings, press, and television appearances (including a January appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”). Though we’re chatting near the end of this long journey, the fashionably casual Torres still speaks about “I’m Still Here” with spirited conviction, laughing constantly.
A Film That’s Touching Hearts
“I’m Still Here,” a Portuguese-language film, isn’t the most obvious awards contender. Based on Marcelo Paiva’s memoir, the movie chronicles the true story of Eunice Paiva (Torres), a housewife turned lawyer and activist who raised her children and fought for justice after her husband, Rubens, a former politician, disappeared in 1971 during Brazil’s military dictatorship. “It’s amazing how this film touches hearts,” Torres adds. “Little by little, people started to talk about it, and it became this dark horse in the middle of big films.”
Oscar Nominations and Global Recognition
The cinematic crusade paid off. “I’m Still Here” also received Oscar nods for international film and — in a surprise — best picture, alongside such Hollywood behemoths as “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two.”
Brazilian Fans Euphoric
In January, Torres made history as the first Brazilian actor to win a Golden Globe. Brazilian fans have been euphoric ever since, exalting every social media post about her and the film with likes in the millions. “In Brazil, we are very proud of our culture and we consume our own culture,” Torres explains. “But it’s very rare that someone [succeeds] abroad, so when it happens, there’s this pride that someone is recognizing something that we always knew was a talent. It’s like a confirmation.”
Conclusion
As the Oscars approach, Torres remains humble and grateful for the recognition. “I think the chances for me to win are very low,” she says, maybe too humbly, of a race that has already seen its share of twists and turns. “It can happen, but I don’t know. I don’t like expectations. I want to be there, happy just because I’m there.” Whether or not Torres’ name is in the envelope, it’s already etched in Brazil’s history.
FAQs
Q: What is “I’m Still Here” about?
A: The film is a 1970s-set historical drama that chronicles the true story of Eunice Paiva, a housewife turned lawyer and activist who fought for justice after her husband disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship.
Q: What is Fernanda Torres’ role in the film?
A: Torres plays the lead role of Eunice Paiva in the film.
Q: What are the film’s Oscar nominations?
A: “I’m Still Here” received Oscar nods for international film and best picture, alongside “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two”.
Q: What is Fernanda Torres’ reaction to her Golden Globe win?
A: Torres was “over the moon” and said she feels proud to be representing Brazil and its culture.
