The Brazilian film “I’m Still Here,” which portrays the military dictatorship and tells the true story of a mother of five whose husband goes missing, made history on Sunday by securing Brazil its first Oscar in a significant category.
Nonetheless, the movie did not win the best picture award, which was given to “Anora,” and Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres did not receive the Oscar for best actress.
Based on the touching 2015 memoir by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the son of the main character Eunice Paiva, “I Am Still Here” reveals the family’s painful journey of loss and resilience amid oppression.
In his acceptance remarks, director Walter Salles dedicated the honor to Eunice Paiva and the two actresses who portray her in the film, Fernanda Torres and her mother, Fernanda Montenegro.
“I believe it’s not merely a film that has been acknowledged. It’s a culture that’s being honored. It’s the way we create cinema in Brazil that is being recognized,” Salles expressed to journalists backstage.
The Paiva family was among countless victims of Brazil’s military regime, which spanned 21 years following the military coup in 1964. During this time, thousands were imprisoned, tortured, and many disappeared, with countless others facing exile and persecution.
Salles perceives democracy as becoming increasingly fragile worldwide.
“I never imagined it would be so vulnerable in this country,” he remarked, referencing the U.S. “Consequently, what occurred in Brazil in the past feels eerily similar to our present.”
The most recent Brazilian film nominated by the Academy in the international category was “Central Station” back in 1999, which was also directed by Salles.
In 1960, the France, Italy, Brazil co-production “Black Orpheus,” featuring a largely Brazilian cast under French direction, won the international category, but the award went to France.
The Oscars ceremony occurred concurrently with Brazil’s Carnival, and as news of the victory spread, the streets filled with celebration. Thousands of partygoers, many brandishing Oscar trophies or dressing as Academy Awards nominee Fernanda Torres, rejoiced with music, dance, and festivities, despite widespread disappointment over Torres’ loss.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shared on social media that the award acknowledged a work that highlighted the significance of opposing authoritarianism.
“Today is a day to feel even prouder of being Brazilian. Proud of our cinema, our artists, and above all, proud of our democracy,” he posted.