Fernanda Torres: A Legacy in Film and Resilience Against Political Adversity
Fernanda Torres won the 2025 Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in “I’m Still Here,” making her the first Brazilian actress to achieve this accolade. The film, which tells the true story of Eunice Paiva amidst Brazil’s military coup, has sparked strong audience support. Torres emphasizes the importance of resilience and advocates for justice in light of contemporary political issues.
In a surprising turn of events, Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in 2025 for her role in the political biopic “I’m Still Here.” This achievement marks her as the first Brazilian actress to receive this accolade, coinciding with her nomination for an Academy Award—the same honor that her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for nearly three decades prior. Torres expressed a sense of familial legacy, stating, “I feel that we have a nominated DNA.” The film, directed by Walter Salles, portrays the true story of Eunice Paiva, the wife of Rubens Paiva, a politician who was abducted and killed by the government after Brazil’s 1964 military coup. In this project, Montenegro portrays an older version of Eunice, emphasizing the strong mother-daughter bond featured in the film. “I’m Still Here” begins in 1970, highlighting a brief period of happiness for the Paiva family before they face severe political turmoil. Rubens returns from political exile to reunite with Eunice and their children, but their life of joy is short-lived, as the government’s oppressive tactics resurface. This narrative not only explores personal tragedies but also the broader implications of a dictatorship on society. Following Rubens’s abduction, Eunice becomes a resolute figure, seeking truth and justice while facing the harrowing consequences of political repression. The gripping tale illustrates her transformation from a supportive wife to an empowered individual advocating for justice, culminating in her remarkable achievements, such as graduating from law school at 48. Torres acknowledged the importance of portraying strength amid suffering, noting that the real Eunice refrained from displaying vulnerability, believing that crying would signify defeat against the dictatorship. She observed, “You do not cry during tragedy because it’s unbearable. It’s something beyond human comprehension.” This perspective captures the essence of resilience amidst adversity. Interestingly, the film resonated with Brazilian audiences, leading to unexpected support across diverse political views. Torres remarked on the film’s impact, highlighting how viewers united in recognizing the threat of authoritarianism in their contemporary society. She expressed hope that the film would inspire a commitment to advancing democracy and human rights in Brazil, especially in light of recent political strife. “The world is not well. We all know it, and that’s why this film, I think, touches and serves so much for this moment,” Torres stated, emphasizing the film’s timeliness with respect to today’s global climate. Through “I’m Still Here,” Torres aims to honor Eunice’s journey while prompting discussions on justice and political accountability.
Fernanda Torres’s significant win at the Golden Globes, coupled with her nomination for an Academy Award, underscores her personal connection to a legacy of Brazilian actors. The film “I’m Still Here” not only recounts a poignant chapter in Brazil’s history but also serves as a call to action for contemporary audiences regarding the importance of justice and democracy. Torres hopes this cinematic experience will foster unity and awareness in today’s politically charged environment.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
