‘The Secret Agent’ Lands Brazil’s Second Best Picture Oscar Nomination

Brazilian cinema has made history once again at the Academy Awards. The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, has earned a coveted Best Picture nomination at the 98th Oscars, marking only the second time a Brazilian film has achieved this honor.

Brazil’s Breakthrough Moment

Just last year, Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here became the first Brazilian film ever nominated for Best Picture. Now, The Secret Agent continues the momentum, signaling a new era for Brazilian filmmaking on the global stage. The film is also nominated for Best International Feature, where it is considered a frontrunner after winning at both the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes. If victorious, Brazil would become the first country in nearly 40 years to secure back-to-back wins in the category, a feat last accomplished by Denmark with Babette’s Feast (1987) and Pelle the Conqueror (1988).

Wagner Moura’s Historic Nomination

Lead actor Wagner Moura has also made history, becoming the third Brazilian ever nominated for an acting Oscar. He joins Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) and her mother, Fernanda Montenegro (Central Station). Moura’s performance has already earned him a Golden Globe win, and he now competes in a star-studded Best Actor field alongside Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Michael B. Jordan (Sinners).

A Film Born of Political Struggle

Set in 1970s Brazil during the military dictatorship, The Secret Agent blends surrealism with political commentary. Unlike I’m Still Here, which was rooted in true events, Mendonça Filho’s film is fictional, sprawling, and irreverently surreal. The director has spoken openly about how Brazil’s recent political climate shaped the project. Following the end of Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency in 2022, artists and intellectuals felt freer to create bold, critical works. Moura himself described the film as a response to years of repression, noting that universities, artists, and journalists had been under attack.

Awards Season Trajectory

Like I’m Still Here, The Secret Agent built momentum through festival acclaim and strong reviews. Its success at European premieres and subsequent wins at major awards shows positioned it as an underdog against flashier contenders such as Norway’s Sentimental Value. Yet, its steady rise and recognition of Moura’s performance have cemented its place as one of the most talked-about films of the season.

A Statement for Brazilian Cinema

The back-to-back recognition of Brazilian films underscores the country’s growing influence in world cinema. For decades, Brazil struggled to gain traction at the Oscars, with Central Station in 1998 being the last major breakthrough. Now, with two consecutive Best Picture nominations, Brazilian filmmakers are proving their ability to compete at the highest level. The winners of the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on March 15, 2026, in a ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien. Whether The Secret Agent takes home the trophy or not, its nomination marks a milestone moment for Brazil and its vibrant film industry.