Podcast Summary: O Assunto – O Brasil no Oscar e a Expectativa Sobre ‘O Agente Secreto’

Date: March 13, 2026

Host: Ana Tuzaneri (G1)
Guest: Isabela Boscov (Jornalista e Crítica de Cinema)
Notable Contributor: Roberto Sadowski

Overview

This episode explores the historic moment for Brazilian cinema at the Oscars, focusing on the aftermath of the first-ever Brazilian film to win Best International Feature ("Ainda Estou Aqui") and the mounting anticipation around "O Agente Secreto," a new Brazilian production breaking records and earning international acclaim in the 2026 Oscar race. Host Ana Tuzaneri is joined by film critic Isabela Boscov in a discussion that spans the impact of recent Brazilian cinematic achievements, the uniqueness and international reception of "O Agente Secreto," and the Oscar campaign process from Brazil’s perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Brazil's Historic Oscar Win and Current Hopes

• Historic Moment for Brazil:

  • “Ainda Estou Aqui,” directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres, was the first film completely produced in Brazil to win the Oscar for Best International Feature, generating national celebration (00:11).
  • The excitement was compared to a World Cup victory, affecting culture, social media, and even Carnival celebrations (00:25–00:44).

• New Oscar Contender:

  • "O Agente Secreto," headlined by Wagner Moura, is Brazil's main contender this year, securing four Oscar nominations—matching "Cidade de Deus" from 22 years earlier (01:04–01:52).

2. International Recognition & Campaign Achievements

• Awards and Recognition:

  • "O Agente Secreto" won multiple Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards, unprecedented for a Brazilian film (02:08–02:24).
  • Wagner Moura is the only non-US nominee for Best Actor, earning high praise from outlets like Variety and The New Yorker (03:45–04:53).
  • Noted as the only fully non-English language film among Best Picture nominees (05:19).

• Wagner Moura’s Perspective:

  “É uma sensação boa porque são muitos meses de trabalho viajando com o filme. É aquela sensação muito rara... de você ver um trabalho reconhecido.”
  — Wagner Moura (02:24)

  “Parece que o trabalho já foi feito, agora é a gente parar e curtir mesmo a onda de participar de um momento importante para o cinema brasileiro. Eu estou com muita esperança... e eu quero me divertir.”
  — Wagner Moura (03:26)

3. What Distinguishes "O Agente Secreto” Internationally?

• Critical Acclaim Explained:

  • Isabela Boscov attributes the film’s appeal to its specificity and authenticity:

    “Quando uma pessoa fala com conhecimento de causa... adquire uma outra dimensão. É muito mais profunda e... mais fácil para o espectador se relacionar.” (05:57)

  • The film avoids generalizations and instead draws viewers in with a story that feels lived rather than manufactured for mass appeal.

• Unique Qualities:

  • The exceptional ensemble cast, including standout Tânia Maria, and seamless direction by Kleber Mendonça Filho are emphasized (06:49–07:47).
  • The film’s artistic unity is praised—a rare indivisibility where script, direction, and performances are interdependent (07:47, 09:09).
  • Narrative innovation:

    “A outra coisa eu acho que é a surpresa da narrativa. Não segue nenhuma convenção mais habitual... esse frescor que o filme traz também é motivo de muito prazer.”
    — Isabela Boscov (09:09)

• Direction & Visuals:

  • Roberto Sadowski explains how location shooting and organic period reconstruction contribute to the film's immersive atmosphere (08:27):

    “Essa direção de arte que transforma as cidades... é integrada na história, mas não de uma forma exibida, mas de uma forma orgânica.”

4. Deep Dive on Wagner Moura’s Performance

• Renowned Authenticity:
  • Boscov describes Moura’s rare talent for making a character “emanate” directly from himself, with total coherence and impact (09:53):

    “Não tem gesto do Wagner, não tem fala do Wagner... que não pertença intrinsecamente àquela pessoa que ele está retratando.”

  • His reserved, nuanced acting—“o oposto de canastrão”—invites viewers to pay close attention to his subtleties (10:35).

5. Oscar Campaign and Voting Realities

• Festival Launchpads:

  • European festivals like Cannes are crucial for Oscar visibility (11:20).
  • "O Agente Secreto" built momentum post-festival by releasing closer to Oscar voting season, sustaining buzz.

• Oscar Voting Mechanics:

  “A academia tem tentado o máximo... garantir que uma pessoa vote só tendo visto todos os concorrentes daquela categoria... são 11 mil votantes... A gente não tem corte demográfico...”
  — Isabela Boscov (16:03)

  • Factors influencing voting are a mix of technical merit and industry perceptions, with a degree of popularity contest.

6. Translating Brazilian Culture for the World

• Navigating Regionalisms:

  • The film’s use and translation of Northeastern Brazilian slang highlighted the challenge—and success—of communicating local color internationally (18:00–18:33).

    • Examples: “Raparigueiro” = “whore lover,” “Pirraça” = “mischief”

  • Moura’s charisma and campaign skills also play a key role in captivating international audiences (19:35):

    "He has the sauce, he has the sauce." (Discussing American reactions to Moura's unique presence)

7. Industry Impact: Is Brazilian Cinema's Ascendancy Here to Stay?

• Fostering Sustainable Growth:
  • Boscov warns that capitalizing on Brazil’s recent success requires treating audiovisual as an economic and diplomatic asset (“soft power”) and building consistent state policy, immune to political shifts (20:59–22:50).

8. Oscar Predictions & Closing Thoughts

• Best Picture Race:

  • “Pecadores” and “Uma Batalha Após a Outra” are the leading candidates for Best Picture. "Pecadores" seen as the rising favorite (23:33–24:06).

• Brazil’s Outlook:

  • While it would be historic to win two years in a row, even nomination and visibility are major wins.

  “Mas se a gente não trouxer, eu já tô muito orgulhosa do Brasil. O Kleber Mendonça Filho, o Wagner Moura...”
  — Ana Tuzaneri (24:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A gente virar boneco de Olinda, isso sim é consagração.”
  — Isabela Boscov, on the cultural impact of Brazil's Oscar win (00:44)

• “Na verdade, é um tanto de concurso de Miss, mesmo, sabe? No Oscar. Quem é a pessoa que você quer ver no palco naquele ano?”
  — Isabela Boscov on Oscar voting (16:03)

• “Ele é um filme único mesmo… é muito raro alguém ter uma história diferente e contada de uma maneira tão natural para essa história.”
  — Isabela Boscov (14:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:11–01:11: Celebration of Brazil’s first Oscar, cultural impact
• 01:52–03:26: Introduction of "O Agente Secreto" as new contender, Wagner Moura’s reaction
• 05:19–06:49: What sets “O Agente Secreto” apart internationally
• 09:53–10:57: Wagner Moura’s celebrated performance style
• 11:20–12:46: Breakdown of Oscar campaign cycles and international rivals
• 16:03–18:00: Oscar voting process and behind-the-scenes influences
• 18:00–19:49: Challenges and success in translating regional Brazilian dialects/culture
• 20:59–22:50: The case for audiovisual as national policy; ensuring Brazilian cinema’s global future
• 23:33–24:28: Oscar predictions and public sentiment

Conclusion

The episode offers deep insight into the unprecedented achievements of Brazilian cinema on the global stage, the unique artistry behind "O Agente Secreto," and the interplay of cultural, political, and industrial forces shaping Brazil’s Oscar moment. Through expert testimony and lively analysis, listeners receive a nuanced look at what it means for Brazil to not just win awards, but secure long-term recognition and cultural influence through film.