I’m Still Here: A Historic Best Picture Nomination for Brazilian Cinema
The Oscars nominations are in, and I’m Still Here is one of the biggest surprises in the Best Picture category. The Brazilian film, directed by Walter Salles, has made history by becoming the first Brazilian movie to be nominated for Best Picture. I’m Still Here also received nominations for Best International Feature Film and Best Actress In A Leading Role for Fernanda Torres’ performance.
I’m Still Here is based on the true story of Eunice Paiva, an activist whose husband was taken by the military and “disappears” during the military dictatorship in Brazil in the 1970s. The film follows Eunice as she tries to learn the truth about what happened to her husband, Rubens Paiva, a former congressman who had lived in exile for opposing the military government. After being arrested and tortured herself, Eunice eventually learns from non-official sources that her husband was killed.
The film’s awards run began at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, where it had its world premiere. Torres’ performance as Eunice Paiva put the movie on the map, and as her performance gained worldwide attention, the film as a whole gained more recognition. Despite the Brazilian-American film Kiss of the Spider Woman being nominated for Best Picture in 1985, I’m Still Here’s nomination marks a significant milestone for Brazilian cinema.
I’m Still Here’s nomination is a testament to the growing recognition of non-English language films beyond the International Feature Film award. The film’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on audiences worldwide.