Oscars 2025: ‘I’m Still Here’ Takes Home Best International Feature Film Award
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In a thrilling turn of events at the Oscars 2025, Brazilian film ‘I’m Still Here’ emerged as the winner in the Best International Feature category. The announcement was made at the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd. Directed by Walter Salles, the film is a poignant portrayal that sheds light on the resilience of its real-life inspiration, Eunice Pavia.
Standing on the grand stage to receive the Oscar, director Walter Salles expressed his deep gratitude and dedicated the award to the courageous spirit of Eunice Pavia. He honoured her unwavering resistance in the face of loss under an authoritarian regime. Salles also acknowledged the remarkable performances of Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro, who breathed life into the character of Pavia on screen.
Competing against strong contenders like ‘The Girl with the Needle’ from Denmark and ‘Emilia Pérez’ from France, ‘I’m Still Here’ carved out its place in the spotlight. The film not only won in the Best International Feature category but also received nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres. Torres’ stellar portrayal in the movie garnered further acclaim after she clinched the Golden Globe Award for Best Leading Actress in a Drama earlier in the year.
‘I’m Still Here’ delves into the narrative of a mother and activist grappling with the enforced disappearance of her husband during Brazil’s tumultuous military dictatorship era. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s biographical book of the same name, the film offers a powerful reflection on a dark chapter in history.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, ‘Emilia Pérez’, a French production, made a dazzling entry at the Oscars with a staggering 13 nominations, the highest of any film that year. The movie not only secured a spot in the Best Picture category but also earned recognition for lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón and supporting actress Zoe Saldaña. Director Audiard, too, received a nomination in the Best Director category for his exceptional work on the film.
However, the awards campaign for ‘Emilia Pérez’ was not without its bumps. Controversies surrounding past social media posts by Karla Sofía Gascón cast a shadow over the film’s journey to the Oscars. Despite the turbulence, Gascón, alongside her co-stars, stood tall at the ceremony, marking their presence on Hollywood’s most prestigious night.
As the curtain fell on the 97th annual Academy Awards, the glitz and glamour of the evening were not just about star-studded red carpets and glamorous gowns. It was a celebration of cinematic excellence, storytelling, and the indomitable spirit of filmmakers and actors who bring stories to life on the silver screen.
The Oscars 2025 will be remembered for the triumph of ‘I’m Still Here’ and the formidable presence of ‘Emilia Pérez’. These films serve as testaments to the power of cinema in capturing human experiences, igniting conversations, and transporting audiences to realms both familiar and unknown. The journey from script to screen, from audition rooms to acceptance speeches, encapsulates the essence of storytelling that resonates across borders and languages.
The Oscars 2025 not only honoured outstanding achievements in filmmaking but also underscored the industry’s ability to inspire, provoke, and unite audiences worldwide. As the applause fades and the glitter settles, the magic of cinema continues to weave its spell, beckoning us to explore new narratives, embrace diverse voices, and celebrate the art of storytelling in all its splendour.