Fernanda Torres becomes muse of Brazilian Carnival

SAO PAULO — This year, Brazil’s Carnival features an inspiring figure: Fernanda Torres. Unlike the usual parade of divas and samba school queens, Torres is in the limelight as she competes for the Best Actress Oscar this Sunday.

Coinciding with the heart of Carnival, Brazil’s grandest festivity, the Oscars this year have captivated national attention, weaving together the country’s jubilation with its cultural pride on the global stage.

“Imagine her winning the Oscar this Carnival Sunday. It’s like a double celebration,” remarked Clarissa Salles, 33, in Sao Paulo. She was purchasing a replica of the Oscar statuette to enhance her costume.

Torres has been nominated for her role in the film “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles, which is also competing for Best Picture and Best International Feature. The Oscars’ buzz prompted Brazil’s largest network, TV Globo, to resume live broadcasting of the ceremony. They have chosen to air the Oscars nationwide instead of high-rating Carnival parades, except in Rio.

Across Brazil, bars and nightclubs are hosting Oscar watch parties, and even in Rio’s Sambadrome, where tens of thousands gather, the awards will be displayed on a large screen.

“Today, Brazil is united, rooting for ‘I’m Still Here’ and Fernanda Torres at the Oscars,” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shared on social media.

Even in remote parts such as the Amazon, excitement prevails. An Indigenous community in Inhaa-be village hosted a screening of the film, followed by traditional war and victory rituals, expressed shaman A-yá Kukamíria. They performed with a hopeful spirit, wishing best for Torres.

The fervor surrounding Torres has generated merchandise, from masks featuring her face to T-shirts and caps with her memorable Golden Globe nomination quote, “Life is worth it!” Entire street parties during Carnival have been dedicated to her.

“Seeing impersonators of my characters at Carnival is an honor,” Torres admitted with pride at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, observing how her fame has reached every corner.

For some, the Torres enthusiasm signifies a unifying force, akin to a World Cup victory, feminist writer Milly Lacombe argues. Lacombe sees this phenomenon as a much-needed unity for a politically divided Brazil.

“I’m Still Here,” since its local release last November, has seen impressive box office success, second only to Marvel’s “Captain America.” Beyond entertainment, the film has ignited discussions on the historical repercussions of Brazil’s military dictatorship.

Starring as Eunice Paiva, Torres delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman seeking justice for her husband’s mysterious arrest during the dictatorship era. Her intense yet subtle performance marked a departure from her acclaimed comedic roles.

Fernanda Torres’ ascent to the Oscars carries the weight of her mother, actress Fernanda Montenegro’s legacy. Montenegro’s near Oscar win in 1999 for “Central Station” still resonates with many Brazilians who felt Paltrow’s win for “Shakespeare In Love” was unjust.

“Fernanda created her own legacy,” said journalist Pedro Bial. “Her role in ‘I’m Still Here’ redefined her artistry and sparked Oscar hopes, perhaps fulfilling her mother’s unfinished journey.”

For Brazilians craving for international acknowledgment, especially in arts, Torres represents their rich and diverse cultural identity, helping break barriers and carrying forth their stories.

Journalist and influencer Clara Novais sees Torres as a modern trailblazer. On Sunday, she will celebrate in Olinda, dressed in an Oscar-themed costume, commemorating Torres’ groundbreaking role.

“Fernanda showcases how culture, entertainment, and history can coexist, similar to Carnival itself,” Novais concluded.

While Torres’ journey intensifies the global spotlight on Brazilian cinema, it also strengthens national unity during one of its most iconic festivities.