From Brazilian acting dynasty to Oscar glory, meet Fernanda Torres

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Fernanda Torres is a name that's quickly gaining international recognition, but in Brazil she's been a celebrated star for decades. With her recent Oscar nomination for 'I'm Still Here' (2024), the acclaimed actress finally stepped into the global spotlight, but this achievement is just the latest chapter in an extraordinary career.

From her comedic genius to powerful dramatic roles, Torres has captivated audiences across various platforms for years. Click on to learn more about this versatile actress, her artistic family, and the roles that shaped her remarkable journey in cinema.

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Fernanda Torres comes from a prestigious acting family. Her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, is a legendary actress in Brazilian TV and cinema, while her father, Fernando Torres, was a renowned actor, director, and producer. Surrounded by talent, she was destined for success.

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This connection is even more meaningful as Torres continues her mother’s trailblazing legacy of bringing Brazilian cinema to a global audience.

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After a successful career in theater and TV, Fernanda Montenegro’s standout performance in 'Central Station' (1999) catapulted her to international fame. Her success helped pave the way for later Brazilian hits like 'City of God' (2002) and 'Elite Squad' (2007).

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Her performance earned Montenegro a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. This recognition not only celebrated her talent, but also showcased the global appeal of Brazilian cinema.

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That same year, Montenegro made history as the first Latin American actress nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. 'Central Station' was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, a category now known as Best International Feature Film since 2019.

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More than 25 years later, Torres made waves internationally as the second Brazilian, after her mother, to win a Golden Globe, for her role in 'I’m Still Here' (2024). It was a long time coming, and the recognition didn’t go unnoticed.

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Following yet again in her mother’s footsteps, Torres was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, with 'I’m Still Here' also up for Best International Feature Film and earning a nomination for the prestigious Best Picture award.

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But getting there didn’t happen overnight. Let’s take a closer look at Torres’ career, personal life, and how she became one of the most celebrated actresses of award's season.

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Torres has a career spanning four decades. The actress made her theatrical debut in 1979 at the age of 13. She made her television debut and enjoyed her first film appearance in 1983.

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At just 20, Torres made history as the first Brazilian actress to win the Palme d'Or for Best Actress, for 'Love Me Forever or Never' (1986). Unable to attend the ceremony due to filming in Brazil, the actress later admitted she was in disbelief over the win and chose not to celebrate with others, instead taking the day off "to rest and reflect."

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Alongside Brazilian stars like Claudia Raia (pictured, center right), a young Torres (left) attended the 42nd Cannes Film Festival in May 1989, for the screening of 'Kuarup,' nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or. The film, directed by Ruy Guerra, tells the story of a Jesuit priest who ventures into the Amazon to live and work with the Xingu Indians.

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At 21, Torres starred in a remake of the iconic Brazilian soap opera 'Selva de Pedra,' landing the leading role in a primetime production deeply rooted in Brazilian culture—something many actresses dream of.

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However, she boldly decided to step away from soap operas afterward, stating, "I wasn’t born to be the damsel in distress," signaling the bright career that lay ahead.

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She continued her long career in television and film, with over 60 productions to her name. This success is reflected in her 43 nominations and 27 wins at awards and festivals, according to IMDb.

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In 1997, Torres starred in 'Four Days in September,' nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Directed by Bruno Barreto, the film, based on real events from Brazil's military dictatorship, reflects themes also explored in 'I’m Still Here.' In this '90s film, Torres played the role of a key character involved in the kidnapping of the American ambassador Charles Burke Elbrick.

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In 2005, Torres co-starred with her mother in the film 'The House of Sand,' directed by Andrucha Waddington.

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Torres has been married to Waddington since 1997. Their partnership extends beyond personal life, as Waddington has directed several of Torres' films.

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As mentioned, Torres was already a household name in Brazil, starring in films and TV shows that shaped the country's entertainment scene. While known for her dramatic talent, she has also showcased impressive versatility, effortlessly transitioning from comedy to intense, thought-provoking roles.

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Torres truly shone in comedy, with standout performances in iconic Brazilian TV shows like 'Normal People' (2001-2003) and 'Slaps & Kisses' (2011-2015).

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Her effortless humor made her a fan favorite, and many of her lines and scenes have become so memorable that Brazilians quote them in everyday conversations.

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Her role in 'I’m Still Here' has clearly marked a turning point. This performance propelled her into the international limelight, a place she had yet to solidify until now.

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Directed by Walter Salles, who also helmed 'Central Station,' the film tells the true story of a family during Brazil’s 21-year military dictatorship, which ended in 1985. In 1971, former congressman Rubens Paiva (played by Selton Mello) was abducted by military police and disappeared, leaving his wife, Eunice (Torres), to raise their five children.

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As Eunice goes on to become a human rights lawyer, she tirelessly seeks the truth about her husband's fate and holds the state accountable. On the day the Oscar nominations were announced, reality intersected with the film: Paiva’s death certificate, previously listing him as missing, was amended to reflect that his death was "violent" and "caused by the Brazilian state."

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Based on the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva (pictured on the left), son of Rubens and Eunice, the film sheds light on a still-taboo topic in Brazil: the torture, persecution, and deaths that occurred during the military dictatorship. It introduces this crucial history to a new generation of Brazilians who may not fully understand its context.

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Since the film's release and Torres' critical acclaim, more visitors, including young people, have been frequently placing flowers at Eunice Paiva’s tomb in Araca Cemetery, São Paulo.

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Many of Torres' most memorable roles focus on complex, strong, and multifaceted women—qualities that resonate with audiences. In 'I’m Still Here,' she’s praised for conveying deep emotions with just a glance, showing the power of silent expression to reveal her character's depth.

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'I’m Still Here' became the first Brazilian film in 22 years to surpass the US$4-million mark at the country’s box-office. Only two other Brazilian films—'City of God' and 'Central Station'—have achieved this milestone. Including its international earnings, 'I’m Still Here' has grossed $34.6 million worldwide.

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The film also made history by earning Brazil's first Oscar in a major category, marking a groundbreaking achievement for the country in the world of cinema and putting Brazilian cinema on the global stage.

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Torres' achievements have gone beyond the film industry, influencing Brazilian culture with a blend of political statement and national pride. As seen in this photo, a mural in Porto Alegre, Brazil, depicts Torres holding her Golden Globe trophy, with the inscription "Dictatorship never again."

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When Fernanda Montenegro (pictured at the foot of the statue) received her Oscar nomination, Brazil erupted in celebration. The streets were filled with banners, and people gathered to honor her achievement, showcasing the nation’s pride in her success.

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Similarly, Torres has been a major figure of celebration since her Oscar nomination. In fact, she even appeared on national TV asking fans not to treat her potential win "like the World Cup." With Carnival coinciding with the Oscars in 2025, Torres became a central figure in the festivities.

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As is tradition during Carnival, revelers often dress up in costumes or impersonate relevant figures from Brazilian culture. In Torres' case, they’ve been donning costumes of her iconic characters, and an entire block party was organized in her honor. In January 2025, participants took part in a pre-Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro entirely dedicated to the Oscar-nominated actress.

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Despite her recent accolades and media attention, Torres remains humble, approachable, and lighthearted. She often praises fellow actresses, recalling in an interview how she was sure she wouldn’t win her Golden Globe, and how she was moved to see Tilda Swinton, Nicole Kidman, and Kate Winslet cheering for her as she walked to the stage.

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Fernanda Torres' unwavering dedication to her craft and her rare ability to deeply connect with audiences ensure that she will leave a lasting legacy in the world of cinema for years to come.

Sources: (IMDb) (BBC) (UOL) (Folhapress) (AdoroCinema)

From Brazilian acting dynasty to Oscar glory, meet Fernanda Torres

Torres follows in her mother’s footsteps

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