Brazil’s Oscar Victory for ‘I’m Still Here’ Sparks the Wildest Carnival Celebration Yet!

Carnival in Rio was buzzing with excitement, but then everything paused. The Oscar for Best International Feature was about to be announced, and everyone held their breath, hoping for Brazil’s first win with *I’m Still Here*, a gripping drama set during the country’s military dictatorship.

The streets were alive with colorful floats and spirited dancers celebrating the film’s nomination, which stretched thousands of miles to Hollywood. Some creative souls even dressed up a giant puppet to portray star Fernanda Torres holding an Oscar statue. It was quite the watch party!

Then, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived. Penélope Cruz announced *I’m Still Here* as the winner, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Some watched it on big screens, while others followed the news online. Brazilian music icon Daniela Mercury shared the exciting news from her float, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

*I’m Still Here* had already made waves in Brazil, selling over five million tickets and sparking crucial dialogues about the country’s history. The film addressed long-buried traumas, and its Oscar recognition highlighted a shift in how Brazil’s past is acknowledged.

Directed by Walter Salles, a pride of Brazil, the film features outstanding performances from Torres, who comes from a legendary acting family. There was hope that she might take home an Oscar, especially after her surprise win at the Golden Globes.

Bruna Santos, director at the Brazil Institute, called this a defining moment for both Brazilian cinema and the country’s ongoing healing process. Rafael Ioris, a political historian, simply labeled it as a historic night.

The movie tells the poignant story of Eunice Paiva, a woman fighting against oppressive military rule to seek justice after her husband’s abduction. As Brazil grapples with a rise in far-right politics, this story resonates deeply, offering hope and inspiration to many.

Salles emphasized the importance of Eunice’s resilience, urging people everywhere to resist authoritarianism, a call that echoed loudly during the Oscars.

The Academy’s recognition of non-Hollywood films illustrates its evolving approach. While some fear this might overshadow American cinema, it also breathes life into global film industries, including Brazil, where experts stress the need for stronger support to nurture a vibrant film culture.

Similar celebrations happened globally, such as in Latvia, where the animation *Flow* also won an Oscar and inspired joyous reactions across the capital.

Despite the excitement, there was a bittersweet moment when Torres lost to Mikey Madison for Best Actress. While some felt disappointed, experts believe this won’t dampen the joyful spirit in Brazil. As Bruna Santos humorously noted, winning over Brazilian audiences may be a tough challenge for Madison.

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