Brazilian Film 'O Agente Secreto' and Korean Star Ahn Hyo Seop Shine at Oscar 2026
Brazil's "O Agente Secreto" and Korean actor Ahn Hyo Seop's animated feature gain attention at the 2026 Oscars, highlighting global cinema.
- • "O Agente Secreto" is nominated in major Oscar categories including Best Picture and Best Actor for Wagner Moura.
- • The film explores repression during Brazil's 1977 military dictatorship and social inequalities.
- • Ahn Hyo Seop attends his first Oscars for the animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters," nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
- • The Oscars will feature a live performance of the song "Golden" by HUNTR/X, blending traditional and modern Korean music.
Key details
The 98th Academy Awards in 2026 continue to spotlight significant international contributions, with Brazil's "O Agente Secreto" making a strong presence alongside South Korea's rising star Ahn Hyo Seop.
"O Agente Secreto," directed by acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, is nominated in several major categories including Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, Best Actor for Wagner Moura, and Best Ensemble Cast. Released on Netflix on March 7, 2026, the film is a historical fiction set in 1977 Brazil, delving into the repression of academia during the military dictatorship. It begins at the Federal University of Pernambuco, where a scientist discovers a human leg inside a dissected shark. The film explores themes of authoritarianism, corruption linked to the regime, and social and racial inequalities, offering a reflection on both past and contemporary Brazilian realities.
Meanwhile, South Korean actor Ahn Hyo Seop is making his Oscar debut at the ceremony in Los Angeles on March 14, 2026. He stars in the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" ("Guerreiras do K-Pop" in Brazil), which is nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden." Ahn plays Jinu, the leader of the Saja Boys, a group of demon hunters disguised as K-Pop idols. The film, directed by Maggie Kang, excels not only as a fantasy but also in its message about authenticity, mirroring Ahn's personal connection to the project. The Oscars will showcase a live performance of the nominated song by the female group HUNTR/X, blending traditional Korean elements with contemporary pop energy.
These nominations highlight the expanding global footprint of cinema, with Brazilian and South Korean works gaining prominence on the prestigious Oscar stage. Both narratives underline cultural uniqueness while addressing universal themes, enriching the 2026 awards with diverse voices and stories.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
