Fernanda Torres is making the Oscar run of her life. For Brazilians, she’s already won something larger

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In a conversation with The Times back in 2019, renowned Brazilian actress Fernanda Montenegro likened the experience of being nominated for an Academy Award 20 years prior for her role in Walter Salles’ “Central Station” and all the efforts she put into it, to a journey as far-off as a trip to Jupiter.

In an unparalleled event, Montenegro received recognition in the U.S. for the first time – a significant milestone marking the debut of a Brazilian actor at the Oscars. However, the dazzling sequence of interviews, social gatherings, and industry events left the esteemed performer bewildered and utterly alien to this new experience.

Montenegro said, ‘At age 70, I found myself expressing a different culture through another language, yet I was honored by prominent artists whose work I’ve always admired on screens. They respected me as if I were one of them.’

In an enchanting turn of events reminiscent of a timeless fairy tale, my daughter, Fernanda Torres, finds herself standing at the threshold of cinematic glory – garnering her first Oscar nomination for the leading role in “I’m Still Here,” a gripping period drama set against the backdrop of the 1970s. Remarkably, this marks Brazil’s second ever lead actress nod, and I find myself deeply moved as I witness this milestone unfold. In an added touch of serendipity, my dear friend, Walter Salles, directed the film, and even I, at 95 years of age, grace the screen in a brief cameo. This is indeed a moment to cherish as we celebrate Fernanda’s well-deserved recognition in the realm of cinematic artistry.

In a recent interview at CAA’s offices in Century City, Torres, who is 59 years old, shared that her awards-season journey was similar to a trip to Jupiter, but this time she had an upgraded spaceship. This was said shortly after she engaged in a Q&A session with Salles at the agency’s screening room.

Awards

In simpler terms, the actress Fernanda Torres was awarded the title of Best Female Lead Actress in a Drama Movie, outperforming well-known actresses like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Pamela Anderson.

She’s recently spent several months in Los Angeles, a busy period filled with screenings, press conferences, and television appearances, including an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Despite our conversation taking place towards the end of this lengthy trip, the relaxed yet stylish Torres, sporting a leather jacket, continues to discuss “I’m Still Here” with infectious enthusiasm and frequent laughter.

Her many postscreening Q&A sessions remind her of a missionary’s journey. “It’s similar to a preacher traveling from town to town, spreading the word,” she explains.

The Portuguese film ‘I’m Still Here,’ which is based on Marcelo Paiva’s memoir, may not be the most apparent choice for awards, but it tells an inspiring true story. The movie follows Eunice Paiva (Torres), a housewife who transforms into a lawyer and activist after her husband, Rubens, a former politician, vanished in 1971 during Brazil’s military regime. She raises her children and tirelessly pursues justice for his disappearance.

Torres comments, “This movie has a unique power to stir emotions within us. Initially, it was whispered about among people, but as time went on, it gained traction, surprising everyone amidst the more prominent films.

The movie campaign proved successful. Surprisingly, “I’m Still Here” was recognized with an Oscar nomination for the international film category and, even more unexpectedly, for the best picture award, alongside blockbusters like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two.

In January, Torres became the first Brazilian actor to receive a Golden Globe, creating a wave of excitement among Brazilians. Ever since then, they’ve been showering her social media posts and the film with countless likes in the millions.

Torres states, “In Brazil, we take great pride in our unique culture and tend to enjoy it ourselves. However, it’s quite unusual for someone to achieve success abroad. When they do, there’s a sense of pride because it shows that the world is recognizing a talent that we’ve always believed was inherent. It feels like validation.

Torres’ Golden Globe victory and subsequent Oscar nomination sparked immense joy and celebration throughout the entire South American nation.

A woman with a humble demeanor expressed, ‘I believed I was among them. That award was meant for me, for every artist. It belonged to us,’ recounts Torres, deeply touched by a viral clip of the actor’s Golden Globe win on TV. ‘In Brazil, it has reached such depth. I have experienced fame, but this is not just fame; it transcends that.’

In a delightful twist of fate, Montenegro, who once saw Gwyneth Paltrow outshine him at the Oscars for “Shakespeare in Love,” now finds joy in his daughter emulating that surprising achievement by being nominated years later.

Torres expresses her joy and pride, her face radiating affection for her energetic mother. At 95 years old, she’s as busy as a relentless lion. For her to witness these events at this age, and for a film where we both star, is truly enchanting. It’s nothing short of magical.

1999 saw Brazilians plunged into a deep sense of disappointment when Montenegro didn’t emerge victorious. As reported by media outlets, fans have carried this sorrow with them over the years, often revisiting it on Oscar night via social media, referring to it as “the greatest injustice ever.” This year’s race has seen renewed hope among fans that Torres will fare better.

However, surrounded by luxury events, camera flashes, and high-profile meetings with esteemed celebrities in Tinseltown, there’s a potential to overlook genuine values, Torres points out.

She comments, ‘It’s easy to get caught up thinking it centers around you.’ In my case, I always ensure I recall that people are amazed by my role in the movie because I embodied Eunice Paiva authentically. She is the leading lady here. Eunice taught me valuable lessons about acting, managing emotions, avoiding melodrama, and self-restraint.

Awards

During an era of authoritarian rule, Fernanda Torres spent her childhood in Brazil. She drew upon those memories when portraying her character in the film ‘I’m Still Here.’

Ever since its debut at the Venice Film Festival the previous year, “I’m Still Here” has been earning critical acclaim for Torres’ understated performance, rooted in profound sorrow hidden within. Besides Salles’ direction, Torres was also influenced by some valuable guidance from her mother.

In one conversation, my mom shared with me, “If you’re performing a Greek tragedy, don’t start crying at the first piece of bad news; instead, you need to bear up and persevere.” This advice resonated with me during my portrayal of Eunice.

Given the tangible danger of authoritarian regimes confronting the U.S. and numerous other nations globally, Torres posits that her character’s steady yet determined resistance could serve as an inspiring blueprint for how we can persevere and vanquish reactionary beliefs and oppressive administrations.

Torres said, “She recognized that ending the dictatorship would require a significant amount of time, and her struggle would span decades, but she never wavered. Instead, she returned to education and specialized in human rights law, demonstrating resilience similar to Eunice, who prepared for a long, enduring race.

In 2018, Paiva’s influence continued posthumously through the impact of “I’m Still Here” movie. This film has not only bridged the gap between conflicting ideologies in Brazilian cinemas (it has sold over 4 million tickets since its November release), but it has also sparked a significant conversation in the Supreme Court. Minister Flávio Dino referenced Salles’ film when discussing the potential alteration of a 1979 amnesty law. If passed, this change would allow for prosecution of certain crimes committed during the dictatorship, such as the hiding of a body.

Apart from political aspects, Torres believes that “I’m Still Here” has been successful worldwide due to a universal resonance with the raw empathy people feel towards a mother and her struggling family. The storyline by Salles concentrates on portraying the deeply personal human experience during challenging times.

Walter frequently references your mom’s quote, “She expressed a desire for ‘experimental’ or ‘abstract’ theater.” And it turns out, Walter created an abstract film.

Regarding the potential impact of the movie’s attention and her performance on her career, Torres remains prudent. Following her winning an acting award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1986 (a historic achievement for Brazil), nothing significantly altered in her career path.

Looking back, she remembers that there weren’t many opportunities for her abroad at the time. Her English skills weren’t as strong as they are now, and she didn’t have the advantage of youthful beauty to help her. So, she returned to her homeland where there was no film industry, and instead, she immersed herself in theater.

This period, following numerous fruitful years on high-profile TV productions, she expresses a strong desire to collaborate with directors Pedro Almodóvar or Denis Villeneuve, or join the cast of “Severance.” (She’s even gone as far as saying, “I’d gladly pay to work alongside Ben Stiller, John Turturro, and Christopher Walken,” expressing her fervent admiration.)

Nevertheless, Torres will always maintain some connection to Brazil since it’s the place where she believes she can create the most impact through her off-screen roles as a columnist, novelist, and playwright.

“When people ask me about Hollywood I think, ‘What is Hollywood?’ Hollywood can be anywhere.”

The Oscars will occur during Carnival week, the lively nationwide celebration in Brazil. According to Torres, there would be great excitement if “I’m Still Here” were to win an award. At present, Torres has surpassed her prior fame and joined the exclusive realm of Brazilian consciousness in a fresh manner.

In Brazil, reaching the peak of success is akin to being portrayed in a Carnival costume – people donning costumes modeled after you, walking down the streets, explains Torres with a smile. This phenomenon is currently taking place. People are donning costumes depicting me holding a Golden Globe or me in one of the sitcoms I’ve acted in.

On Oscar night, the graceful and endearing Torres is opting to express gratitude for the recognition she’s previously received rather than focusing on potential future awards.

Torres admits that the likelihood of him winning is quite slim, expressing a modesty perhaps characteristic of the race’s unpredictable nature. However, he does not dismiss the possibility entirely; it could still happen, but he remains uncertain. He dislikes setting expectations and just wants to participate, content with being there regardless.

Whether or not Torres’ name is in the envelope, it’s already etched in Brazil’s history.

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2025-02-14 14:39