HISTORY WAS MADE

An unprecedented award for Brazil: Fernanda Torres wins Golden Globe for her performance in 'I'm Still Here'

The actress beat Hollywood stars to the trophy for her role as lawyer Eunice Paiva in a story about dictatorship

Brasil de Fato | São Paulo (SP) |
In her speech, Fernanda Torres dedicated the award to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who competed in the same category 25 years ago - Robyn Beck / AFP

A new chapter in Brazilian cinema was written on Sunday night (5). Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film for her performance in “I’m Still Here,” bringing the unprecedented statuette to the country. 

In Walter Salles' film, Fernanda plays lawyer Eunice Paiva, the widow of former federal deputy Rubens Paiva, who was murdered by the military dictatorship in the 1970s. 

This is the first time Brazil has won the award. Twenty-five years ago, Fernanda Montenegro, mother of Fernanda Torres, competed for the prize but did not win. She was nominated for her role in the 1998 film Central Station, also directed by Walter Salles. 

The awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles, USA. In her speech, the Brazilian actress celebrated the award and dedicated it to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro. 

"My God, I didn't prepare anything because I didn't know if I was ready. This has been an incredible year for the performances of actresses, so many actresses here that I admire so much. And, of course, I want to thank Walter Salles, my partner, and my friend. What a story, Walter!" she began, moved. 

She added, "And, of course, I want to dedicate this award to my mother. You have no idea, she was here 25 years ago, and this is proof that art lasts in life, even during the difficult times that Eunice Paiva went through and with so many problems in the world today, so much fear. "This is a movie that has helped us think about how to survive in times like these. Thank you so much!" said Torres. 

Fernanda was competing against big Hollywood stars such as Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Tilda Swinton, Pamela Anderson, and Kate Winslet. 

 "I'm Still Here" contended for the award in the Best Foreign Film category, but didn't win the trophy. This year, the Golden Globe went to the French production "Emilia Perez." 

'Pride of Brazil,' President Lula says 

 On social media, the victory was celebrated by celebrities, artists, and politicians. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that Fernanda Torres is the “pride of Brazil.” 

"Exciting! Fernanda Torres is the pride of Brazil. Best Actress in a Drama Film at the Golden Globes for her great performance in the film 'I’m Still Here.' As she says: 'A vida presta' [Life is worth it, in rough translation]. Congratulations!" the president posted on his X profile. 

Edited by: Dayze Rocha