Brazil’s film industry has reached a new pinnacle with I’m Still Here securing the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Directed by Walter Salles, the political drama has not only garnered global attention but has also placed Brazil’s cinematic achievements firmly on the world stage.
The victory, announced at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, represents a breakthrough for both Brazilian cinema and Globo, the media giant behind the film’s production. I’m Still Here is the first movie produced with support from Globo’s streaming service, Globoplay, to win an Academy Award. This success coincides with the 100th anniversary of Globo, making it a particularly poignant moment for the company.
Manuel Belmar, Globo’s Director of Finance, Legal, Infrastructure, and Digital Products, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the win exemplifies the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting Brazilian talent. “Seeing this talent recognized among the best in the world is a source of great pride,” he said, emphasizing the importance of this success for Brazil as a whole.
The film centers on the true story of Eunice Pavia, a woman who fights to rebuild her life after her husband, an opponent of Brazil’s military dictatorship, disappears. Starring a cast of renowned Brazilian actors—including Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, and Fernanda Montenegro—the film has captivated audiences at over 30 international festivals. It has also become a major box office hit, grossing over $18.5 million in Brazil, the highest for any national film since the pandemic.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised the film’s significance, calling it a “recognition of the extraordinary work” that highlights the country’s ongoing resistance to authoritarianism. Lula emphasized how the film serves as a powerful statement about the nation’s history and its ongoing fight for democratic values.
Beyond the immediate success of I’m Still Here, the Oscar win points to a larger trend within Brazil’s film industry. The country has seen a marked increase in both state support and international collaboration. A key example is the Paulo Gustavo Law, enacted in 2022, which allocated $480 million to Brazil’s audiovisual sector, fostering new opportunities for filmmakers across the nation. São Paulo, in particular, has emerged as a key production hub, attracting foreign investment and co-productions.
Also Read
Though the film’s success is noteworthy, industry experts are mindful of the challenges that come with sustaining this momentum. The screenplay for I’m Still Here took seven years to develop, and similar projects can take years to materialize, particularly in an industry with limited infrastructure and resources. However, the Brazilian government’s continued investment, coupled with the increasing visibility of Brazilian filmmakers on the international circuit, offers a promising outlook for the future.
Brazil’s presence at global film festivals continues to grow. In February 2025, the country was represented by 13 films at the Berlin International Film Festival. Additionally, Brazil’s participation in last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where Karim Aïnouz’s Motel Destino competed, further solidifies its standing as a global player in cinema.
With the government’s ongoing support and the increasing recognition of Brazilian films abroad, the country’s cinematic scene appears ready to expand its reach and influence even further.
