bbc.com
Brazil Wins First Oscar for Best International Film: "Ainda Estou Aqui" Upsets Expectations
Ainda Estou Aqui," a Brazilian film directed by Walter Salles, unexpectedly won the 2025 Oscar for Best International Film, beating the heavily favored French film "Emilia Pérez" (13 nominations) and marking Brazil's first-ever win in this category; the victory was celebrated widely in Brazil and internationally.
- What is the significance of "Ainda Estou Aqui's" unexpected Oscar win for Best International Film, and what immediate impacts does it have on Brazilian cinema and global perceptions?
- Ainda Estou Aqui," a Brazilian film directed by Walter Salles, won the 2025 Oscar for Best International Film, marking Brazil's first-ever win in this category. This upset victory surprised many, as the French film "Emilia Pérez," with 13 nominations, was considered the frontrunner. The win was celebrated widely in Brazil, with President Lula expressing national pride.
- How did the critical reception of "Ainda Estou Aqui" before the Oscars contribute to its eventual victory, and what role did the film's narrative and Fernanda Torres's performance play?
- The unexpected win highlights the film's powerful narrative, based on a true story reflecting Brazil's history of authoritarianism. Variety noted the statistical improbability of "Ainda Estou Aqui's" victory given "Emilia Pérez's" numerous nominations, emphasizing the significance of the Brazilian film's triumph. The win also sparked discussions about the global reach and impact of Brazilian cinema.
- What larger implications does this win hold for the future of Brazilian cinema, and what broader conversations about representation, historical memory, and the global film landscape does it stimulate?
- This Oscar win could significantly boost international interest in Brazilian cinema, potentially opening doors for future collaborations and funding. The film's focus on historical trauma and its resonant themes may inspire similar projects exploring the legacies of authoritarian regimes worldwide. The success challenges previous assumptions about the dominance of European cinema in international film awards.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing consistently emphasizes the surprise and unexpected nature of 'Ainda Estou Aqui's' win. Headlines such as "Vitória chocante de 'Ainda Estou Aqui'" (Shocking victory of 'I'm Still Here') and the repeated use of words like "surpresa" (surprise) and "choque" (shock) throughout the piece shape the reader's perception of the event as an upset rather than a potential reflection of the film's artistic merit. This framing may downplay the film's intrinsic value, focusing instead on the unexpected outcome. The emphasis on Fernanda Torres's 'stunning' appearance also contributes to this bias, shifting attention from the film's artistic aspects towards more superficial observations.
Language Bias
The use of words like "chocante" (shocking), "surpresa" (surprise), and "azarão" (underdog) consistently portrays 'Ainda Estou Aqui's' victory as unexpected and against the odds. While these words accurately reflect the sentiment of some sources, they also shape the narrative towards an underdog story, potentially minimizing the film's artistic merit. More neutral language like "unexpected win" or "unpredicted outcome" could have been used. The frequent repetition of "surpresa" reinforces this biased framing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the international press's reaction to the win, particularly highlighting surprise and the underdog status of 'Ainda Estou Aqui'. However, it omits discussion of other potential biases present in the awards themselves or the selection process. There's no mention of the criteria used for judging, or a discussion of any controversies surrounding the nominations or the voting procedure. This omission limits the analysis of the context of the win.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic narrative of 'underdog wins surprise', contrasting the statistically likely win of Emilia Pérez with the unexpected victory of 'Ainda Estou Aqui'. While this is a valid observation, it doesn't fully explore the nuances of the competition or the artistic merit that might have contributed to the win, neglecting alternative explanations beyond mere statistical probability.
Gender Bias
While the article celebrates Fernanda Torres's performance and appearance, it doesn't delve into potential gender biases within the awards ceremony or industry. The focus on her appearance ('deslumbrou em um vestido Chanel') could be considered a subtle instance of gender bias, as such descriptions are less frequently applied to male actors. A more in-depth analysis of gender representation in the nominees and winners would provide a fuller picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film "Ainda Estou Aqui" tackles the legacy of Brazil's military dictatorship (1964-1985), prompting national reflection on authoritarianism and human rights. Its Oscar win brings international attention to this important historical period and its lasting impact, fostering dialogue and potentially contributing to justice and reconciliation.