Fernanda Torres – deservedly – took the lead in the awards season race with a not-so-unexpected, yet ultra-important victory. What does it mean for the Oscars?
Just like her, we felt some surprises (Jodie Foster, I’m thinking of you) give some perspective for the Emmys too. Let’s take a look at the recap and our guesses?
A quarter of a century and “Proof that art endures throughout life”
Apart from all the “patriotism” of the viral behavior of those who summarize “Brazil’s victory”, Fernanda Torres‘ recognition in the United States is undoubtedly exciting because although she is the daughter of a legend, she is iconic. “Nanda”, as her friends call her to differentiate her from her mother, “Fernandona”, is the most successful (in terms of awards) of the Brazilian actresses with international reach, without ever having taken a break or focused on moving to another country to gain greater fame or broaden her artistic horizons.
This is not a criticism of those in Hollywood, but a fact. Fernanda won the Best Actress award at Cannes when she was still 20 years old, in 1986, but stayed in Brazil, moving between TV, Theater, and Cinema, building a solid legacy that is as important as that of her famous parents. Her work in I’m Still Here is unanimous and if she had a chance to repeat her mother’s footsteps 25 years later, winning at the Golden Globes (where Fernanda Montenegro lost), it was vital.
Walter Salles lived two realities that are paradoxically similar and opposite. In 1999, Central do Brasil won Best Foreign Film, despite the presence and efforts of Harvey Weinstein to promote his productions and artists. There was the phenomenon Life Is Beautiful, but “Brazil beat Italy” in the foreign press. In the Actress category, Fernandona lost – at the Golden Globes – to Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, we felt it at the time but today it is reasonably accepted.
In 2025, Walter returns to the awards, being interrupted by the phenomenon that is Emilia Perez, and “Brazil lost to France” in the film category, kind of cooling off those who were not paying attention. Among the actresses, Nicole Kidman was the favorite, Angelina Jolie was strong, but Fernanda had everything to win: Nicole is kind of “overexposed” and Angelina did not rock like Maria Callas. The race for the Oscar now has more weight in the name of Demi Moore for The Substance, which brings together the irresistible formulas of Hollywood and gave a historic and moving speech. And Fernanda? She now has everything to be among the nominees.
For those who see Fernanda Torres winning as a response to Fernanda Montenegro‘s defeats, it is worth remembering that in 25 years a lot has changed in Hollywood. The chances of a foreigner winning – at the time – were even lower than they are today. Even more so in a foreign film spoken in Portuguese. That’s why the actress’s affection, intelligence, and education were a show of class and merit. “I want to dedicate this award to my mother. You have no idea… She was here 25 years ago. This is proof that art endures throughout life, even in difficult times, like the ones Eunice Paiva faced.”
What’s “against” Fernanda is the limited international reach of films not spoken in Italian, Spanish, French, or English, which are very restricted for the American public (who generally are averse to subtitles). She is not among the finalists for other awards such as the BAFTA and the Critics’ Choice Awards, but who knows if it was different among the actors?
Tomorrow the SAG Awards list will be released, and this is indeed a sign of what will happen at the Oscars. And this victory, right in the middle of the voting season for the Academy nominees, puts Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres among the top five. The third spot is certainly Nicole Kidman‘s. Will Angelina Jolie and Tilda Swinton secure their spots? I’m not betting much, and neither of them gained traction…
Congratulations Fernanda, it was beautiful.
A party that still needs adjustments
The Golden Globes has undergone changes in recent years, both behind the scenes and on stage. In terms of ‘format’, it is still long, but it has excluded the broadcast of some categories that could have extended the duration, such as the Cecil B Demille and the Carol Burnett Awards, and it has also not paid tribute to the dead. Were they missed? I have my doubts.
Host Nikki Glaser inherited a difficult role, but in general, she performed well. She made “almost” dangerous jokes, but with tact and agility so as not to create embarrassment. She did not expose her intimacy with the stars or appear intimidated by them. She did enough to be one of the highlights of the broadcast.
The position of the cameras and the backdrop of the tables still create strangeness. The presenters have their backs to part of the audience, often with their backs to the nominees. This is bad. The format of a duo making jokes among themselves is as old as these parties and has rarely achieved the desired effect. It would be better if they got straight to the point.
The underdogs of the night
For the Emmys, we will have some possible surprises. The awards for Baby Reindeer and Shogun are still a reflection of the success of these series in 2024 (they were released after last year’s awards), but Jodie Foster‘s victory left many people outraged. Me too, because I forgot that she is f*g Jodie Foster, wonderful in everything she does, and that she had already won the Emmy for the same role!
This does not take away Kristin Millioti‘s chance (Jodie will be out of the running because True Detective will not be eligible), but it reminds us that although the series was considered only reasonable, the Foster effect always applies.
In the field of actors, Ralph Fiennes is losing ground to the unanimous Adrien Brody and The Brutalist have been winning. Of the 10 films for the Oscar, four are set: The Conclave, Wicked, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist. The biggest dispute will be in the Best Actress category.
Before we go, let’s talk about The Bear‘s karma? The hit series of the last three years has become a hit, winning everything, but sparked controversy for being in the wrong category. The series, defined as a comedy, took the wave of growth away from Abbot Elementary, never gave Only Murders in the Building a chance, and was only interrupted by Hacks, itself a drama series but about comedy and with (from the beginning) comical moments. As a result, the ones who suffer are the actors, all brilliant but with each award that passes, paying the price. The only one who still holds the lead is Jeremy White Allen, but even he will start to feel rejected.
Thus, the 2025 Golden Globes were much more positive than in recent years, signaling an interesting return to prestige, surprises, and influence in the industry. Great news to start the year!
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