Selton Mello, portraying ex-deputy Rubens Paiva in the film “I’m Still Here,” celebrated the three nominations received by the movie directed by Walter Salles for the 2025 Oscars. The production competes in the categories of Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actress, with Fernanda Torres’ nomination, and Best Film. This is the first time a Brazilian film competes in the main category of the award.
“We made a film. It was born victorious for various reasons: for remembering what can never be forgotten, for moving audiences with austere beauty, for filling movie theaters again, for taking our sensitivity to the world, for restoring our cultural self-esteem,” began the actor on his Instagram profile.
“Our country needed it”
“For opening so many doors for those who will come after, for restoring love for Brazilian cinema, for creating something emotionally powerful, for achieving the rare balance between aesthetics & ethics, for being sublime in its simple fairness,” continued Selton Mello.
According to the actor, the film has already made history in Brazilian cinema. “Many layers. Our country needed this film. The whole world needed this film. At this very moment. Three Oscar nominations. With the Best Film nomination, we have made our mark in history. Forever, we are still here. Eunice, Rubens, us & you,” concluded Selton Mello.
An unprecedented achievement
Walter Salles was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1999 with the movie “Central Station.” At the time, the film also competed for the Best Actress award with Fernanda Montenegro, Fernanda Torres’ mother. It’s the first time in history that a Brazilian film competes in the top category of the Oscars.
The main competitor of “I’m Still Here,” the French musical drama “Emilia Pérez,” led the nominations with 13 in total, including Best Film and Best Foreign Language Film. The second most nominated was “The Brutalist,” with 10 mentions. The 2025 Oscars will take place on March 2 in Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien.