Movie lovers you know how much the Oscars mean right? Well in Brazil this year's Academy Awards are carrying some extra weight. It's all because of Fernanda Torres a fantastic actress who is nominated for Best Actress for her movie "I'm Still Here". But here's the backstory it is not just about Fernanda it is also about her mom and a decades-old Oscar upset that Brazilians have never quite forgotten!
A Family Affair: Fernanda Torres Follows in Her Mother's Footsteps to the Oscars but This Time It Could Be Different
Back in 1999 something happened that still stings for many Brazilian film fans. Fernanda Montenegro Fernanda Torres's mom and a true icon in Brazil was nominated for Best Actress for "Central Station." Everyone thought she had it in the bag. She was incredible in the movie and a national treasure back home. But then... Gwyneth Paltrow won for "Shakespeare in Love."
Yeah you heard that right. Gwyneth Paltrow. Now no disrespect to Gwyneth but for many Brazilians it felt like a major snub. They felt Fernanda Montenegro was robbed. It wasn't just about losing it was about feeling like Hollywood overlooked a phenomenal performance from a Brazilian legend for a more "typical" Hollywood star. It became a whole national thing. Some people even jokingly say that every time something bad happens to Gwyneth or her company Goop a Brazilian film fan somewhere is probably laughing about Oscar karma.
Fast forward to 2025 and history is kind of repeating itself but with a twist. Fernanda Torres the daughter is now nominated for Best Actress for "I'm Still Here"! And guess what? It's directed by Walter Salles who also directed her mother in "Central Station"! Talk about full circle.
'I'm Still Here': More Than Just a Movie It's a Story About Brazil's Painful Past and Present Oscar Buzz
"I'm Still Here" is not just some random movie. It is a powerful drama set during Brazil's military dictatorship era. It is based on real events and tells the story of a family torn apart by political violence. Fernanda Torres plays a woman whose congressman husband "disappears" in 1971 and the movie follows her fight for justice and truth.
The film has been a huge hit in Brazil and surprisingly it has gained traction in the US awards season too. It got nominated for Best Picture and Best International Feature at the Oscars which is a big deal for a non-English language film. But the real spotlight is on Fernanda Torres's Best Actress nomination. Could she finally bring home the Oscar that many feel her mother deserved?
From Comedy Star to Oscar Nominee: Fernanda Torres's Incredible Journey and Hollywood Glamour
Fernanda Torres is a major star in Brazil but she is known for something different there: comedy! She is famous for sitcoms and lighthearted roles. So people in Brazil were maybe even a little surprised to see her in such a serious dramatic role in "I'm Still Here". But boy did she nail it.
In the movie she is incredible. She plays a woman dealing with intense anxiety denial and strength all at the same time. Even better her own mother Fernanda Montenegro appears in the film playing the older version of Fernanda Torres's character. Talk about a powerful mother-daughter moment in cinema!
Fernanda Torres has been doing the whole Hollywood awards circuit thing and she is totally owning it. She walked the Oscars red carpet in a stunning Chanel dress looking every bit the movie star. At the Golden Globes she actually won Best Actress in a Drama which was a surprise to everyone including herself. She dedicated the award to her mom which was a super sweet moment.
Will History Repeat or Will Brazil Finally Celebrate? Oscar Night and National Pride
Of course everyone wants to know will Fernanda Torres win the Oscar? It's a tough category she is up against some strong competition like Demi Moore and Mikey Madison. But even just being nominated is a huge win for her and for Brazil. She is only the second Brazilian ever nominated for an acting Oscar the first being her mom.
Regardless of whether she wins or not Fernanda Torres has already made history and brought so much pride to Brazil. In Brazil the Oscars are a huge deal especially this year. The ceremony is happening during Carnival in Brazil but people are saying they will pause the Carnival celebrations to watch the Oscars and cheer on Fernanda. That's how big this is. It is like the moon landing for Brazilian cinema they are saying.
Mother-Daughter Oscar Nominees and a Nation's Hopes: Key Facts About Fernanda Torres and the Oscars
- Historic Nomination: Fernanda Torres is only the second Brazilian actress ever nominated for an Oscar (Best Actress).
- Following Mom's Footsteps: Her mother Fernanda Montenegro was the first Brazilian actress nominated for Best Actress in 1999 for "Central Station".
- "I'm Still Here" Oscar Buzz: The movie is nominated for Best Picture and Best International Feature Film in addition to Fernanda Torres's nomination.
- Golden Globe Win: Fernanda Torres already won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama.
- Brazilian Icon: Fernanda Montenegro is a national treasure in Brazil and her 1999 Oscar loss is still remembered.
- Movie Theme: "I'm Still Here" is a political thriller set during Brazil's military dictatorship.
- Carnival Stop: Brazil is expected to pause Carnival celebrations to watch the Oscars.
So Will Brazil Finally Get Their Oscar Moment? Tune In and Find Out!
Whether Fernanda Torres wins or not one thing is for sure: she has already made her mark and given Brazil a reason to celebrate. It's an amazing story of a daughter following in her mother's footsteps and potentially righting a wrong from Oscars past. Win or lose Fernanda Torres and "I'm Still Here" have put Brazilian cinema in the spotlight and that is a victory in itself. Fingers crossed for Oscar night! Brazil is definitely rooting for her.