Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Contigo
Fernanda Torres’ groundbreaking role may very well earn her the Best Actress award at the Oscars in 2025. As the Academy Awards approach, one question looms over cinephiles, industry insiders, and audiences worldwide: Will the Oscars finally embrace a night of true cinematic history? A night that transcends language barriers, cultural divides, and the traditional stronghold of Hollywood’s English-dominated narratives? If the Academy is ready to celebrate the universal power of storytelling, there is only one choice for Best Actress this year: Fernanda Torres for her breathtaking, transformative performance in I’m Still Here.
A Performance for the Ages
Fernanda Torres’ portrayal in I’m Still Here is nothing short of a cinematic revelation. She embodies Eunice Paiva, a woman who begins a lonely battle to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her husband, former PTB deputy Rubens Paiva, while desperately trying to keep her family together. Her raw, unfiltered performance is one of the most daring, challenging, and emotionally exhausting portrayals in recent memory. She carries the weight of the film with an authenticity that makes the audience question whether they are watching a performance or witnessing a soul laid bare on screen.
I’m Still Here is a deeply introspective film that captures the relentless pursuit of justice, the emotional toll of loss, and the strength required to face an oppressive system. Torres’ commitment to the role is evident in every frame, and her ability to convey deep, visceral emotion beyond the limitations of spoken language is a testament to her unparalleled talent.
A Legacy of Brilliance: Fernanda Torres, Fernanda Montenegro, and the Power of Brazilian Cinema
Fernanda Torres’ triumph at the Oscars would be deeply symbolic, not just for her, but for the legacy of her mother, the legendary Fernanda Montenegro. Montenegro, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her unforgettable performance in Central Station, has long been a beacon of excellence in Brazilian and international cinema. In a poetic twist of fate, Montenegro also portrays Eunice Paiva in I’m Still Here, uniting two generations of talent in a story that demands to be told. This film is more than a historical drama, it is a testament to perseverance, a bridge between past and present, and a powerful reminder of the strength of Brazilian storytelling. A win for Torres would honor not only her extraordinary talent but also the generations of artists who have paved the way, proving that true cinematic brilliance knows no borders.
A Personal Perspective: A Win for Brazil and Beyond
Having worked behind the scenes in the industry for over seven years, this film has brought me mixed feelings and emotions. Unlike English-language films that naturally receive global recognition, I’m Still Here exists in a space where international cinema often struggles to break through. Watching this movie resonate so powerfully, yet not be in the public eye like many English-speaking productions, is both frustrating and hopeful. It is more than just a win for Fernanda Torres; it is a win for the entire nation of Brazil. It is a moment that signifies not only the brilliance of an actress but also the strength of a country’s storytelling, one that deserves the same recognition as any Hollywood blockbuster.
The Competition: A Year of Strong Contenders
This year’s Best Actress category is stacked with remarkable talent. The race features Hollywood heavyweights, indie darlings, and global superstars, all delivering performances worthy of acclaim. Among the frontrunners: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofia Gascon (Emilia Perez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
While these actresses have all delivered stunning work, Fernanda Torres stands apart. She represents more than just a performance, she represents a movement.
The Oscars Must Embrace Global Cinema
The Academy has taken slow but meaningful steps toward recognizing the power of international storytelling. From Parasite‘s historic Best Picture win to the recognition of Roma, the world has made it clear: Cinema is not limited to one language, one country, or one culture. I’m Still Here embodies this shift, a film that speaks beyond words and communicates through raw human experience.
A victory for Fernanda Torres would be a victory for every artist who has ever been told that a film must be in English to succeed. It would be a win for subtitles, for cultural exchange, for the breaking of barriers that have kept international talent in the shadows of Hollywood’s dominance.
A Night of History
The Oscars have the power to define cinematic history, to reward not just performances but progress. This year, the Academy has the chance to honor more than just another great acting achievement. They have the opportunity to make a statement. They can declare that the world of film belongs to everyone, that language is no barrier to art, and that the best performances transcend borders.
Fernanda Torres has given us a performance that will be remembered for decades to come. Now, it is time for the Academy to prove that it is ready to recognize greatness. Wherever it comes from.This should be a night to remember. A night to break barriers, to celebrate culture, subtitles, and the global language of cinema. A night where I’m Still Here and Fernanda Torres take their rightful place in film history.