Notícias
CULTURE
Lula to Walter Salles: Oscar for I’m Still Here refreshes the spirit of Brazilian people and cinema
Director Walter Salles receiving the Oscar for Best International Film on Sunday: an unprecedented achievement for Brazil. Image: Getty Images
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke by phone with filmmaker Walter Salles, director of I’m Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui), and congratulated him on winning the Oscar for Best International Film on Sunday night (1/3) in Los Angeles. The award, considered one of the highest honors in world cinema, is unprecedented for Brazil.
You made history. You, Fernanda and the whole team and everyone who took part. Because this is not the result of one person alone. It happened because of the story that moved you, that touched you, and I am very proud”
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic
“I want to tell you that it was a golden night. You have done other very important things, but this time you managed to refresh the spirit of the Brazilian people, of Brazilian cinema, and to recover the story of Rubens Paiva in an important way,” said Lula, alongside First Lady Janja Lula da Silva.
“You managed to give Fernanda Torres' demeanor the seriousness and lightness it needed to play Eunice Paiva. I have met the real family and this was fantastic. It is extraordinary. I think you made history. You, Fernanda and the whole team and everyone who took part. Because this is not the result of one person alone. It happened because of the story that moved you, that touched you, and I am very proud of it”, said Lula.
Salles said he was honored by the call and would share the President's affection with the entire team that worked on the movie. “Thank you so much, Mr. President. Your words honor me, as has the opportunity to adapt Marcelo Rubens Paiva's book about his parents, which is luminous and extraordinary. And Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro elevated this story,” he said.
“I will share these words with a very talented, extraordinary team, both in front of and behind the cameras. I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to tell this story. I attempted to honor it with the assistance of these individuals, who elevated our film. Thank you so much for this phone call that honors our entire team,” expressed the director. Before I’m Still Here, Walter Salles had made history with Central do Brasil, released in 1998, which led to the nomination of Fernanda Montenegro —mother of Fernanda Torres, the star in I’m Still Here— for an Oscar for Best Actress.
Towards the end of the call, the President said he hopes to meet Walter Salles in person to congratulate him once again on his achievement. “A kiss on the heart, dear. A kiss for you and the whole team. And until the day I can give you a real hug. You are a source of pride for Brazil”.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS — Released in 2024, the movie topped the Brazilian box office, attracting over 5 million spectators. It has already become the third highest-grossing national film since 2018, trailing only My Mother is a Character 3 (Minha Mãe é uma Peça 3, 2018) and Nothing to Lose (Nada a Perder, 2019). I'm Still Here has gained international recognition, winning several major awards. Fernanda Torres received the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film, while the film won Best Screenplay and the Green Drop Award at the Venice Film Festival. It also secured the Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Mill Valley Film Festival, and the Miami Film Festival GEMS. In France, at the Pessac Festival, it won both the Danielle Le Roy Award and the Audience Award, further cementing its success with critics and audiences alike.
STORY — The story follows the life of Eunice Paiva, whose husband—former federal deputy Rubens Paiva—was taken from their home in 1971 and murdered by the Brazilian military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva and her family's search for answers about what truly happened became a symbol of the fight for truth and the defense of human rights.