
Fernanda Torres’ haunting portrayal of a musician grappling with loss in I’m Still Here
has critics and audiences spellbound. The film, a quiet indie gem directed by Carlos Saldanha, has dominated festival circuits with its unflinching emotional depth. As awards season heats up, whispers of Torres’ name in the Best Actress conversation are now growing louder—a potential milestone for the Brazilian star. But behind the spotlight, a deeply personal story fuels her journey.
Behind Torres’s rising star lies a family legacy, redefining what victory means in Hollywood.
Fernanda Torres’ Oscar nod validates a family’s artistic legacy
When Fernanda Torres secured her 2025 Best Actress nomination for I’m Still Here
, it was not just a personal milestone—it was a validation of her mother’s lifelong philosophy. Fernanda Montenegro, Brazil’s first Oscar-nominated actor for 1998’s Central Station
, reacting to the news, shared a succinct yet profound statement to The Hollywood Reporter
: “She has already won — before, during and after. Being nominated is the Oscar itself.”
The quote, now trending globally, underscores the family’s belief that artistry eclipses awards.
Fernanda Montenegro when asked if she had any Oscars advice for Fernanda Torres:
“She has already won — before, during and after. Being nominated is the Oscar itself.” pic.twitter.com/R8L0tfDx8h
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 15, 2025
Torres’ preparation for I’m Still Here
became the stuff of legend. Director Carlos Saldanha revealed she isolated herself for weeks, learning guitar from scratch and journaling in character to embody the musician’s fractured psyche. Critics highlighted her ability to convey despair through subtle choices, like a scene where she smashes a teacup mid-rehearsal—an unscripted moment later hailed as the film’s emotional pinnacle. Unlike her mother’s Oscar-nominated role in Central Station,
Torres’ performance thrives in silence, rejecting melodrama for visceral authenticity.
Read More: Oscars Best Picture Nominees: Ranking Last to First, Who Deserves to Win It?
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