Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in “I’m Still Here,” becoming the first Brazilian to do so. The film, which highlights Brazil’s dark history during the 1964 coup, also earned an Oscar nomination for Torres, the second Brazilian after her mother. Torres plays Eunice Paiva, showcasing her resilience amidst tragedy. The film has resonated with audiences and serves as a reminder of past injustices and the ongoing struggle for democracy.
Fernanda Torres recently made history by winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in the political biopic “I’m Still Here,” establishing herself as the first Brazilian actor to receive this honor. This achievement also earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, following in the footsteps of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated nearly 30 years ago. Torres remarked on this familial legacy, saying, “I feel that we have a nominated DNA.”
In “I’m Still Here,” Torres portrays Eunice Paiva, the widow of Rubens Paiva, a politician who was kidnapped and murdered during the military coup that gripped Brazil in 1964. The film features Montenegro as an older version of Eunice, and both women are directed by Walter Salles, further intertwining their professional paths.
The film begins in 1970, six years after the coup, showcasing life for the Paiva family before tragedy struck. While initially depicting a semblance of normality, the narrative soon pivots to the dark realities they faced when Rubens was taken by the government, leaving Eunice to navigate her family’s devastation. Torres discussed the resilience of Eunice, highlighting her refusal to portray herself as a victim of oppression.
Eunice’s strength is emphasized throughout the film, as she endures unspeakable grief yet does not succumb to tears. This portrayal aligns with Torres’ understanding of resilience, as taught by her mother, who emphasized the importance of enduring hardship without publicly displaying vulnerability.
Despite initial concerns about the film’s reception, it has garnered significant support across Brazil, resonating with diverse audiences who recognize its themes of historical oppression and the potential for injustice. Torres expressed hope that “I’m Still Here” will inspire a renewed commitment to justice and human rights in contemporary political discourse.
The film arrives at a critical moment, echoing historic political tumult reminiscent of recent events under former president Jair Bolsonaro, which adds further relevance to its message. Torres believes that it serves as a poignant reminder of the lessons of the past and highlights the continued fight for democracy and social justice.
Fernanda Torres’s acclaim at the Golden Globe Awards and her nomination for the Oscars represent a significant moment in Brazilian cinema, bridging generational legacies. The film “I’m Still Here” not only tells a compelling story of resilience amid tyranny but also serves as a cautionary tale for contemporary society, urging vigilance against the repeated cycles of political oppression. Ultimately, the film advocates for the importance of justice and human rights, reinforcing its relevance in today’s political climate.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
