After the Golden Globes, social media users are rallying behind a Brazilian actress, calling her a top contender as The Academy unveils its Oscars selections.
It’s Oscars season once again, and The Academy has announced the nominees for the Actress in a Leading Role category, sparking lively debates and mixed emotions among fans.
A netizen’s reaction to the missing nominations of Pamela Anderson and Marianne Jean-Baptiste for the Oscars | Source: Facebook/TheAcademy
The nominees are Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked,” Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez,” Mikey Madison for “Anora,” Demi Moore for “The Substance,” and Fernanda Torres for “I’m Still Here” (“Ainda Estou Aqui”).
A netizen’s comment about Fernanda Torres’s Oscar nomination | Source: x/natydiasdeluxe
Among the nominees, Torres, 59, has drawn significant attention for her role in “I’m Still Here.” Set in 1971 Brazil, during the oppressive grip of a military dictatorship, the film follows Eunice Paiva, a mother forced to reinvent herself after her family’s life is shattered by an act of arbitrary violence.
Torres and her mother, the 95-year-old actress Fernanda Montenegro, star together as the Paiva matriarch, delivering a powerful portrayal of resilience and strength.
The film also features an ensemble cast, including Selton Mello, Valentina Herszage, Marjorie Estiano, Maria Manoella, Bárbara Luz, Antonio Saboia, Humberto Carrão, and Maeve Jinkings.
The film and Torres’s performance have ignited social media with fans rallying behind the Brazilian actress. One enthusiastic supporter declared, “And the Oscar goes to FERNANDA TORRES [sic],” proudly accentuating their post with Brazilian flag emojis. A second exclaimed, “Fernanda Torres as Best Actress!!!”
Another supporter urged viewers to give her film a chance, “OMG FERNANDA TORRES MADE THE LIST Guys, dont be afraid of subtitles gice ‘Im Still Here’ a chance [sic]”.
Fernanda Torres attends the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another admirer wrote, “I’m not brazilian but i’ve been watching how they are online campaigning for fernanda with so much passion, it’s truly incredible. i traveled to brazil just to watch “ainda estou aqui” in the theaters. fernanda is out of this world. i’ve never seen a more oscar-deserving actress [sic]!”
A fan voiced support for Torres as the predicted winner, while another highlighted her film and performance as key moments of this year’s Oscars buzz.
Other nominees received varying degrees of support, but some fans lamented snubs. “Where are Pamela Anderson and Marianne Jean-Baptiste??? Of this group, I’d love to see Demi get it,” a user asked. Another expressed frustration, “Where’s Angelina Jolie????”
A netizen expressed disappointment over the absence of Angelina Jolie from the nominations, specifically mentioning her performance in “Maria.”
A netizen’s comment about Angelina Jolie not being nominated for the Oscars | Source: Facebook/TheAcademy
As fans debated the snubs and surprises, Torres’s own journey stood out, shaped by her personal connection to one of Brazil’s most iconic actresses—her mother.
In a December 2024 interview with The New York Times, Torres described the prospect of an Oscar nomination as “a big victory” but tempered her expectations. “It would be an incredible story if I got there, following my mother,” she said of Montenegro. “Now, winning — I consider it impossible.”
A quarter-century ago, Montenegro made history as the first Brazilian actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for her role as a letter writer for illiterate people in the Brazilian classic “Central Station,” directed by Walter Salles.
Although she ultimately lost to Gwyneth Paltrow, Brazil has never forgotten what many saw as a significant snub.
“It had great symbolism for Brazil,” Torres said, reflecting on her mother’s historic achievement. She highlighted how her mother’s nomination showcased Brazil’s ability to produce exceptional talent, describing the moment as deeply meaningful and beautiful.
Fernanda Montenegro arrives at the annual Oscar nominees luncheon on March 8, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
The mother-daughter duo’s connection comes full circle in “I’m Still Here,” where Montenegro and Torres share a character in a film that has deeply moved Brazil. For Montenegro, this carries immense personal symbolism, marking what she called “a really special moment.”
Torres further strengthened her momentum at the recent Golden Globes by winning Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in the 2024 film.
Fernanda Torres her trophy at the 82nd Golden Globes on January 5, 2025 | Source: Getty Imafes
She triumphed over a strong field of nominees, including Kate Winslet for “Lee,” Nicole Kidman for “Babygirl,” Pamela Anderson for “Showgirl,” and Tilda Swinton for “The Room Next Door.”
Another Oscar contender, Moore, also earned recognition at the Golden Globes, winning Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for “The Substance.”
Demi Moore wins Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes on January 5, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Her standout performance edged out a talented group that included Amy Adams for “Nightbitch,” Zendaya for “Challengers,” and fellow Oscar nominees Erivo, Gascón, and Madison.
With their Golden Globes wins, Torres and Moore have kept netizens buzzing with excitement, further fueling anticipation for this year’s Oscars.
