History was made last night when the Brazilian film, I’m Still Here took home the Academy Award for Best International Film. This win marked the first Academy Award win for Brazil. The film, which is based on the story of the real-life Paiva family, stars Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva as she battles to learn the truth behind her husband’s disappearance. Torres’ mother, famed Brazilian actress Fernanda Montenegro also played the role of Eunice in the film.
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In his acceptance speech, the film’s director, Walter Salles, dedicated the award to the real-life Eunice Paiva and the actresses who brought Eunice’s story to life on screen. “This goes to a woman who after a loss suffered during an authoritarian regime, decided not to bend, and to resist,” he said.
Salles continued, “And it goes to the two extraordinary women who gave life to her.”
I’m Still Here was also nominated in the Best Picture category while it’s star, Fernanda Torres was nominated for Best Actress. Fernanda Torres previously won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
Fernanda Torres is the second-ever Brazilian woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for her work in the 1998 film Central Station, which was also directed by Walter Salles.
