Brazil's 'O Agente Secreto' and Wagner Moura Gain Four Oscar Nominations for 2026
The Brazilian film 'O Agente Secreto' and lead actor Wagner Moura received four Oscar nominations for 2026, sparking national celebration and international acclaim for Brazilian cinema.
- • 'O Agente Secreto' nominated for four Oscars including Best Film and Best International Film.
- • Wagner Moura received a Best Actor nomination, recognized for his role as Marcelo.
- • The film is set in the 1970s, portraying a professor fleeing Brazil's military dictatorship.
- • The nominations sparked widespread celebrations from Brazilian leaders, celebrities, and public figures.
Key details
The Brazilian film 'O Agente Secreto,' directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, has received four nominations for the 2026 Oscars, marking a significant achievement for Brazilian cinema. The nominations include Best Film, Best International Film, Best Ensemble, and Best Actor for Wagner Moura, who leads the film with a powerful performance.
Wagner Moura's portrayal of Marcelo, a university professor fleeing his violent past amid Brazil's 1970s military dictatorship, earned him a Best Actor nomination alongside renowned actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Ethan Hawke. Moura's performance has been widely celebrated, having already earned him the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama.
'O Agente Secreto' centers on Marcelo's attempt to escape from São Paulo to Recife during the carnival season, only to find himself under intense surveillance and caught in turmoil. The film has been available in Brazilian cinemas since November 2025 and has garnered critical acclaim internationally. At the Cannes Film Festival, it received a 15-minute standing ovation, winning Best Director for Mendonça Filho and Best Actor for Moura. Additionally, it earned the Critics Choice Award for Best International Film in 2026.
The Oscar nominations announcement on January 22 prompted strong celebrations across Brazil. Recife's mayor João Campos expressed pride in the city's cultural representation, highlighting the film's positive impact on local tourism. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised Wagner Moura for his exceptional talent and applauded the director's achievements. Cast members and prominent figures in Brazil’s entertainment industry, including Lázaro Ramos, Walcyr Carrasco, Leandra Leal, and Ana Maria Braga, shared their excitement and congratulated the team for the film’s success.
The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Along with 'O Agente Secreto,' Brazil also has a nomination in the Best Cinematography category for 'Sonhos de Trem,' showcasing the country's growing influence in international cinema. For viewers eager to watch the nominated films, many titles—including 'O Agente Secreto'—are accessible on popular platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as ongoing theatrical runs in Brazil.
This marks the second consecutive year Brazil has earned Oscar nominations, highlighting a sustained period of recognition for the country's film industry on the world stage.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (5)
Source comparison
Film's narrative details
Sources report different details about the film's narrative and setting.
r7.com
"The film follows the story of Marcelo, a university professor who escapes to Recife from São Paulo to avoid persecution by the military dictatorship."
extra.globo.com
"The film's narrative is set in 1977, focusing on Marcelo, a technology teacher who attempts to escape a violent and mysterious past."
Why this matters: Source 267378 states the film is set in 1977 and follows a technology teacher, while Source 267375 describes the story as involving a university professor escaping persecution during the military dictatorship. This difference in character roles and timeline could lead to confusion about the film's premise.