Fernanda Torres: A Historic Golden Globe Win and Oscar Nomination in “I’m Still Here”

Fernanda Torres won the 2025 Golden Globe for Best Actress and received an Oscar nomination for her role in “I’m Still Here,” a film about political oppression in Brazil. Her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for an Oscar nearly three decades prior, making this a significant familial achievement. The film reflects on themes of resilience, personal transformation, and the importance of standing against tyranny, resonating with contemporary political concerns in Brazil.

At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, Fernanda Torres made history as she won the Best Actress award for her performance in the political biopic “I’m Still Here.” This achievement marked her as the first Brazilian actor to secure this honor, and subsequently led to her nomination for an Oscar, following in the footsteps of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated nearly three decades earlier.

In “I’m Still Here,” Torres portrays Eunice Paiva, the wife of Brazilian politician Rubens Paiva, who was kidnapped and murdered after the military coup of 1964. Notably, Montenegro also plays an older version of Eunice in the film, with direction by Walter Salles, who previously collaborated with Montenegro on “Central Station.”

The film recounts the events surrounding the Paiva family’s life during the 1970s following the coup, highlighting themes of tragedy, resilience, and personal transformation. Torres believes that the narrative illustrates Eunice’s evolution from being a supportive spouse to an empowered individual, as she confronts the harsh realities imposed by a dictatorial regime.

Eunice faces unimaginable hardships, including her daughter’s abduction by authorities, yet she remains composed, refraining from public displays of grief. This resilience serves as a powerful message against the dictatorship, reflecting a refusal to acknowledge victimhood in a way that conveys defeat.

The arrival of “I’m Still Here” in theaters coincides with recent political tensions in Brazil, particularly following attempts by the previous administration to undermine democracy. Torres is heartened by the film’s reception, as it has resonated with audiences across the political spectrum, prompting discussions about justice and human rights.

She expresses hope that the film can inspire viewers to advocate for democracy and social justice, emphasizing the critical importance of learning from historical experiences. By doing so, she underscores the relevance of Eunice’s legacy in today’s political climate, calling for a renewed commitment to maintaining democratic values.

The article highlights Fernanda Torres’s historic achievement as the first Brazilian actor to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her subsequent Oscar nomination, echoing her mother’s past nomination. The film “I’m Still Here” not only showcases a poignant historical narrative but also emphasizes themes of resilience and empowerment in the face of political adversity. Despite recent political turmoil in Brazil, the film has united audiences in reflection, advocating for justice and democratic principles.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au