In the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s Carnival this year witnesses an unexpected star—aided not by the usual prominent divas or samba school icons, but by the focused anticipation surrounding Fernanda Torres, a contender for the best actress Oscar this Sunday at the prestigious award ceremony. The Oscars overlap with Carnival, a time when Brazil typically immerses itself in festive revelry until Tuesday, allowing the world outside to recede. However, this year’s buzz around the Oscars shines a spotlight on the cultural pride Brazilians feel and their aspiration for global recognition.
“Imagine her winning the Oscar on Carnival Sunday—it would be a double celebration!” remarked Clarissa Salles, 33, during her purchase of a replica Oscar statuette for her Carnival costume in Sao Paulo. Torres has been nominated for her lead role in the film “I’m Still Here” by Walter Salles, which has also garnered nods for best picture and best international feature. The anticipation surrounding the Oscars was so immense that TV Globo, a major network in Brazil, resumed its live broadcast of the Oscars after a hiatus, even foregoing nationwide broadcasts of the highly-rated Carnival parades, except in Rio.
Various bars and nightclubs across the country have prepared to host Oscar watch parties. Meanwhile, the ceremonies will also be played on large screens to the crowds at Rio’s Sambadrome. The celebration transcends distances, as seen in a small Amazonian Indigenous community in Inhaa-be village, which held a film screening last Friday, complete with traditional singing and dance in support of Torres. “This ritual is aimed at channeling our emotions and energy towards Fernanda Torres,” expressed shaman A-yá Kukamíria, with the group gathering around a sign declaring, “The Oscar is ours!”
Additionally, masks and merchandise featuring Torres’ face paired with her famous quote “Life is worth it!” have become popular, evident at many street parties. Torres herself felt the impact, noting on Feb. 10 at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, “Being seen as a Carnival costume in Brazil means peak fame.”
This enthusiasm has grown into a national movement likened to the celebration of a World Cup win. “In a country divided by political rifts, the unity found in supporting Torres is a fresh breath,” commented feminist writer Milly Lacombe. This nationwide passion has further developed as Torres’ film has drawn attention to Brazil’s film industry, advocating for overlooked cultural narratives.
Since its debut, “I’m Still Here” has drawn millions in Brazil, topping box office charts, standing out alongside international blockbusters. Its narrative unearths the wounds left by Brazil’s military dictatorship, with Torres portraying Eunice Paiva—a mother whose quest for justice in the disappearance of her husband touches viewers. First rising to fame as a teenager in Brazilian soap operas, Torres won early notable awards and continued captivating audiences across different media with her comedic talent, yet her latest role as a dramatic lead redefines her public image.
Understanding the significance of Torres’ Oscar nod involves recognizing the legacy tied to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who portrayed an elder Eunice in the film’s latter scenes. Montenegro remains a revered acting icon and was nominated for an Oscar in 1999, which many Brazilians regarded as unfairly awarded to Gwyneth Paltrow. This contention spurs hope in Torres achieving what once eluded her mother, as mentioned by journalist Pedro Bial.
Torres’ international acknowledgment mirrors a desire in Brazil for recognition, akin to sentiments connected to national heroes in sports and entertainment. “We wish to be visible, to show that Brazil produces unique and extraordinary culture,” Lacombe articulated. In a prior interview, Torres touched upon this national complex—hoping to bridge cultural expression with the world on a significant scale.
Journalist and influencer Clara Novais, heavily involved in Carnival culture, admires Torres for embodying a multifaceted figure, bringing together entertainment and social commentary. Celebrating in Olinda, Novais plans to don an Oscar-inspired ensemble, harmonizing cultural pride with festive joy, seeing Torres as a representation of the essence and spirit of Carnival itself.
