Brazilian Film 'O Agente Secreto' Garners Three Golden Globe Nominations, Highlighting Wagner Moura's Historic Acting Nod

The Brazilian political thriller 'O Agente Secreto,' directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, has earned significant recognition with three nominations at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. These include Best Non-English Language Film, Best Drama Film, and a landmark nomination for Wagner Moura as Best Actor in a Drama, marking the first time a Brazilian has competed in this category.

Set in Recife in 1977 during Brazil’s military dictatorship, the film follows Marcelo, a technology specialist haunted by his violent past who returns to his hometown seeking peace but encounters paranoia and danger. Moura, who also stars in the film, competes against prominent actors including Joel Edgerton and Oscar Isaac. The Golden Globe nominations highlight 'O Agente Secreto' as a leading contender on the international stage, alongside films from France, Norway, and South Korea.

While director Kleber Mendonça Filho was not nominated for Best Director, the film's accolades reflect its wide acclaim. Apart from the Golden Globes, 'O Agente Secreto' secured Best Non-English Film at the Los Angeles Critics Association Awards and Best International Film at the New York Film Critics Circle, where Moura also received the Best Actor award. The film premiered at Cannes, winning Best Actor and Best Direction there, and has been nominated in other prestigious ceremonies such as the Critics’ Choice Awards and Spirit Awards.

The Golden Globe ceremony is scheduled for January 11, 2026, in Los Angeles, with Moura previously nominated in 2016 for his role in Netflix's 'Narcos.' Despite the absence of a Best Director nod for Mendonça Filho, the film’s multiple nominations affirm its importance in Brazil’s cinematic presence internationally. ‘O Agente Secreto’ competes as a major favorite for Brazil in the lead-up to the Oscars, reinforcing its status as a cultural and artistic achievement on the world stage.