meet her competitors for the Best Actress award

Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres has achieved a historic milestone by being nominated for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best Actress category for her performance in “Ainda Estou Aqui.” Directed by Walter Salles, the film also received nominations for Best Picture and Best International Feature, marking an unprecedented achievement for Brazilian cinema. The Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, promises one of the fiercest competitions in the Best Actress category in recent years, featuring heavyweights like Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Cynthia Erivo.

This is only the second time a Brazilian actress has been nominated for Best Actress in the history of the Academy Awards. The first was Fernanda Montenegro, Fernanda Torres’ mother, in 1999 for her role in the iconic “Central Station.” Torres’ nomination underscores the growing significance of Brazilian cinema on the global stage, showcasing its ability to captivate audiences with high-quality storytelling that resonates with universal themes.

Fernanda Torres’ performance in “Ainda Estou Aqui” has been widely acclaimed by international critics, earning her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film. In the film, Torres portrays Eunice Paiva, delving deeply into emotional, social, and political issues. This exceptional performance has heightened expectations for the Oscars, making her nomination a symbol of recognition for Brazilian cinema.

Strong contenders for Best Actress

The Best Actress category for the 2025 Oscars brings together remarkable performances, with each nominee offering unique contributions to this year’s race. Fernanda Torres shares the spotlight with acclaimed veterans and rising stars who have already collected awards and praise throughout the season.

Demi Moore, at 62 years old, returns to the forefront with her transformative role in “The Substance.” Moore plays a woman facing profound physical and emotional transformations, challenging societal and aesthetic norms. Her performance earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, marking her first major acting award in a career spanning over 45 years.

Mikey Madison, just 25 years old, wowed critics with her leading role in “Anora,” which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, portraying the unlikely romance between a stripper and a young Russian heir, established Madison as one of the season’s top contenders. Her performance is praised for its vulnerability and strength in challenging scenes.

Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination is another historic moment. The Spanish actress, who portrayed a drug cartel leader transitioning genders in “Emilia Pérez,” became the first openly transgender person nominated for an Oscar in an acting category. Her performance earned her acclaim at Cannes, making her a pivotal figure in discussions about diversity and representation.

Cynthia Erivo brings her theatrical expertise to the big screen as Elphaba in “Wicked.” Already an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, she is just one Oscar away from joining the prestigious EGOT club. If she wins, Erivo will become the youngest person to achieve this milestone at 37. She was previously nominated for her performance in “Harriet” (2019) but did not take home the award.

The cultural impact of “Ainda Estou Aqui”

“Ainda Estou Aqui” transcends the boundaries of traditional Brazilian cinema by tackling deeply human and social themes through an engaging narrative. Under the direction of Walter Salles, the film stands out for its sensitivity in addressing issues such as memory, identity, and justice. The production has not only captured the hearts of audiences but also impressed international critics, becoming the first Brazilian film to earn nominations in both the Best Picture and Best International Feature categories.

Fernanda Torres’ portrayal of Eunice Paiva is the heart of the film. Her performance conveys complex emotional layers, reflecting a painful yet hopeful reality. Torres herself has described the role as one of the most challenging of her career, requiring intense preparation to embody the depth of the character.

Fernanda Torres’ acting journey

Fernanda Torres, daughter of legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro, is one of Brazil’s most celebrated cinema and theater figures. Her career spans decades of acclaimed performances, earning her prestigious accolades such as the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for “Love Me Forever or Never” (1986). Now, with her Oscar nomination, Torres reaffirms her unparalleled talent and relevance.

On the international stage, her nomination represents a significant achievement for Brazilian cinema, which, despite its rich cultural diversity, faces structural and financial challenges in competing with major Hollywood productions. “Ainda Estou Aqui” demonstrates that Brazilian talent can achieve the same level of artistic excellence as its international counterparts.

Key moments of the awards season

The race for the 2025 Oscars has been marked by significant milestones that have cemented the nominees as favorites in their categories. Demi Moore, for instance, won the Golden Globe and received nominations at the SAG Awards, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice Awards. Mikey Madison also secured these nominations, solidifying her position as a strong contender.

Karla Sofía Gascón made history with her recognition at prestigious film festivals, while Cynthia Erivo maintained her prominence as a versatile performer seamlessly navigating different mediums. These wins and nominations have fueled intense discussions about who will take home the coveted statuette.

Highlights about the nominees

• Demi Moore is a strong contender after winning the Golden Globe for her role in “The Substance.”
• Mikey Madison, at 25, has already garnered awards and acclaim for her complex role in “Anora.”
• Karla Sofía Gascón is breaking barriers as the first transgender actress nominated for an Oscar.
• Cynthia Erivo is poised to achieve EGOT status with her role in “Wicked.”

Representation at the 2025 Oscars

This year’s nominations reflect a growing commitment to diversity in Hollywood, both in terms of narratives and the talent being recognized. The inclusion of Karla Sofía Gascón as the first transgender actress nominated and the acknowledgment of a Brazilian film like “Ainda Estou Aqui” signal an industry gradually broadening its perspective on whose stories deserve to be told and how they should be portrayed.

Representation is not just a symbolic gesture but an indicator of structural changes within the Academy. In recent years, initiatives aimed at diversifying Oscar voters have shown tangible results, and the 2025 nominations are a testament to that progress.

Global recognition of Brazilian cinema

Walter Salles’ film has sparked meaningful discussions about historical memory and the impact of cinema as a tool for social reflection. In Brazil, “Ainda Estou Aqui” reignited conversations about justice and cultural identity, proving that national cinema can address complex themes with universal appeal.

The international success of the film also serves as an incentive for other Brazilian filmmakers to seek global visibility. Its inclusion among the Oscar nominees paves the way for similar projects to find an international audience.

Oscar ceremony expectations

The March 2, 2025, ceremony is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events in recent years. The Best Actress category, in particular, showcases performances of exceptional caliber, making the outcome unpredictable. Regardless of the results, this year’s nominations have already made a significant impact on the history of the Academy Awards.

Awards and nomination statistics

• Fernanda Torres is only the second Brazilian actress to be nominated for Best Actress, following Fernanda Montenegro in 1999.
• Karla Sofía Gascón is the first transgender actress to receive an acting nomination at the Oscars.
• Cynthia Erivo has the potential to become the youngest EGOT winner at 37.
• “Ainda Estou Aqui” is the first Brazilian film to receive three major Oscar nominations.