Fernanda Torres became the first Brazilian actress to win a Golden Globe for her role in “I’m Still Here,” also earning her an Oscar nomination, paralleling her mother’s nearly three-decade-old achievement. The film recounts the tragedy of Eunice Paiva during Brazil’s dictatorship, focusing on her transformation into a resilient figure. Torres hopes the film encourages renewed attention to justice and democracy in contemporary Brazil.
Fernanda Torres, at 59, made history by winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance in the political biopic “I’m Still Here,” marking her as the first Brazilian to achieve this accolade. This success led to her nomination for the Oscars, where she follows in the footsteps of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated nearly 30 years prior. Torres expressed a sense of shared legacy, claiming, “I feel that we have a nominated DNA.”
In “I’m Still Here,” Torres portrays Eunice Paiva, the wife of Rubens Paiva, a politician abducted and killed during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Montenegro embodies an older Eunice, while both actresses are directed by Walter Salles, who has a personal connection to the Paiva family. The film has also received nominations for Best International Feature and Best Picture, a first for a Brazilian production. Torres noted, “What’s happening is so miraculous with Walter Salles, like all the knots coming together.”
The narrative unfolds from 1970, six years post-coup, depicting a briefly idyllic life for the Paiva family, ultimately disrupted by tragedy. Salles recalls how the family’s home symbolized a vibrant Brazil, until the oppressive climate closed in, forcing them into silence. After Rubens’s disappearance in 1971, Eunice embarks on a quest for truth, which subjects her to arrest and torture. This journey of resilience sees Eunice ultimately graduate law school, becoming an expert in indigenous rights.
Torres observed Eunice’s evolution from a passive role to a strong independent figure, stating, “it’s like a luminous tale of a woman saying goodbye to the utopian patriarchal family and becoming herself.” The film realistically portrays Eunice’s harrowing experiences, including the traumatizing arrest of her daughter. Torres emphasized Eunice’s strength, affirming that real resilience prevents portraying oneself as a victim: “You do not cry during tragedy because it’s unbearable.”
The film resonates deeply in contemporary Brazil, emerging after political tensions under former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of attempting a coup. Torres expressed surprise at the diverse audience supporting the film, noting a unity against past injustices. She believes that the film’s relevance resonates with calls for justice, democracy, and human rights amid ongoing political strife, sharing that “the world is not well.”
Torres sees her role as a representation of ongoing societal issues faced today, stating, “I think the film is a result of the work of Eunice, of what she understood, and she’s a great guide for right now.” This cinematic portrayal of a tumultuous educational journey advocates for recognition and action regarding historical injustices in Brazil.
Fernanda Torres has achieved both recognition and historical significance with her recent Golden Globe award and Oscar nomination for her role in “I’m Still Here.” The film, which addresses a dark chapter of Brazil’s history, showcases the transformation of Eunice Paiva into a symbol of resilience and strength amidst tragedy. As the narrative echoes today’s political challenges, it serves as a vital reminder of the importance of democracy and justice.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
