In a historic moment for Brazilian cinema, Walter Salles’ powerful drama I’m Still Here claimed the Oscar for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025. This victory marks the first time a Brazilian film has won the prestigious category, making it a defining moment in the country’s cinematic history.
The film, a deeply emotional exploration of love, loss, and political repression during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s, emerged as a dark horse in the awards race, edging out frontrunner Emilia Pérez. While it was also nominated for Best Actress (Fernanda Torres) and even Best Picture, the Oscar win for Best International Feature was enough to spark widespread celebrations across Brazil.
Nationwide Celebrations in Brazil
As the Oscar announcement echoed across the world, the streets of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília erupted in joy. The timing of the win couldn’t have been better, coinciding with Brazil’s Carnival season, an already festive time of year.
Social media exploded with celebratory posts, and in Rio de Janeiro, fans gathered for impromptu street parties. Many compared the victory to Brazil’s World Cup triumphs, showcasing the national pride felt over the historic win.
Adding to the excitement, Fernanda Torres, who played the lead role of Eunice Paiva in the film, became an unlikely cultural icon of Carnival. Costumes inspired by her character were spotted among revelers, reflecting the deep connection audiences felt with her portrayal of a grieving wife searching for her disappeared husband.
Box Office Triumph in the UK and Ireland
Beyond critical acclaim, I’m Still Here has enjoyed unprecedented commercial success—particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Released by Altitude Film Distribution on February 21, 2025, the film debuted across 141 locations and quickly broke records.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
In its first weekend, the film grossed just over $600,000 in the UK and Ireland, becoming:
- The biggest foreign-language film opening of the year
- The highest-grossing Latin American film debut in UK history
- The biggest UK opening for a Walter Salles film, surpassing The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
How the Film Built Momentum Before Its Release
Despite the film’s critical success at the Venice Film Festival (2024), where it received a 10-minute standing ovation and won Best Screenplay, UK distributors were initially cautious.
Mark Jones, Altitude’s head of publicity, noted that the film had an uphill battle:
“Walter Salles is a well-respected filmmaker, but he hadn’t released a major film in over a decade. Plus, Fernanda Torres, while a legend in Brazil, is not a household name in the UK. We didn’t expect it to become this big.”
However, the film’s success at Venice and Toronto, followed by an emotional London Film Festival premiere in October 2024, helped build momentum.
Bryony Forde, Altitude’s director of sales, shared that the London premiere was a turning point:
“We were nervous because it was being screened at the Royal Festival Hall, which seats 2,000 people. But it sold out almost instantly. It was like The Beatles had arrived.”
As it turned out, I’m Still Here struck a chord with London’s large Brazilian community, with many fans eager to see Torres on the big screen.
Golden Globes Victory: A Game Changer
A key moment in the film’s rise came at the Golden Globes in January 2025, where Fernanda Torres shocked the world by winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
This unexpected win generated a surge of interest in the film. Distributors seized the opportunity and delayed the UK release from February 7 to February 21, ensuring that it capitalized on awards-season buzz. The strategy paid off:
- More theaters were willing to screen the film
- Demand for advance tickets skyrocketed
- Dublin’s Light House Cinema sold out an entire week of previews
Expanding to Mainstream Audiences
While I’m Still Here initially relied on its Brazilian fanbase in the UK, it soon expanded into mainstream audiences. The film’s BAFTA nomination for Best Film Not in the English Language and its ongoing Oscar buzz encouraged even more viewers to seek it out.
Mark Jones from Altitude emphasized that the team worked hard to ensure the film wasn’t just limited to niche audiences:
“There’s a misconception that foreign-language films can’t do well in mainstream cinemas. But we believed that if we marketed it right, the film’s universal themes—love, grief, and resilience—would resonate with all audiences.”
By the time the Oscars rolled around, I’m Still Here had expanded to over 200 locations across the UK and Ireland and surpassed $1 million at the box office—outperforming Salles’ previous films On the Road and Central Station.
Director Walter Salles’ Return to the Spotlight
Walter Salles, one of Latin America’s most revered filmmakers, had not directed a feature film since 2012’s On the Road. Returning with a deeply personal film, he dedicated the Oscar win to Eunice Paiva, the real-life inspiration behind the story.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Salles said:
“This film is a tribute to all those who fought for justice and truth during Brazil’s darkest times. Eunice Paiva’s story is one of resilience, and I hope this film ensures that her courage is never forgotten.”
The Impact on Brazilian Cinema
The Oscar victory is being hailed as a game-changer for Brazilian cinema, with industry experts predicting that it will open doors for more Brazilian filmmakers on the global stage.
Hollywood studios have reportedly taken notice, with streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime already in talks to acquire Salles’ next project. Additionally, the success of I’m Still Here has sparked renewed interest in Latin American cinema, with other films from the region now seeing increased international distribution opportunities.
What’s Next for I’m Still Here?
With its Oscar win, I’m Still Here is expected to continue its box office surge worldwide. In the coming weeks:
- More theaters across the UK and Europe will add screenings
- Streaming platforms will announce international release dates
- The film will likely become Brazil’s highest-grossing international feature
A Legacy That Will Last
I’m Still Here is more than just an Oscar-winning film—it’s a cultural milestone. It has broken records, inspired audiences, and reignited global interest in Brazilian cinema. With its powerful storytelling, stunning performances, and real-life historical significance, the film is set to be remembered as a landmark achievement for years to come.
