“The Secret Agent” makes history at Golden Globes with two awards
Brazilian cinema experienced a historic night this Sunday (Jan. 11) at the Golden Globes, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles (USA). The film The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, won two of the ceremony’s main categories: Best non-English Film and Best Actor in a Drama Film, awarded to Wagner Moura.
Despite the impressive performance, the Brazilian film did not win the Best Drama award, the ceremony’s main category, which went to Hamnet. Even so, the so-called “Brazilian night” consolidated the country’s presence among the highlights of the awards.
The announcement of Best non-English Film was made by actors Orlando Bloom and Minnie Driver. Upon revealing the winner, Driver greeted the Brazilian audience with the word “Parabéns,” meaning “Congratulations” in Portuguese. In the category, The Secret Agent surpassed productions from five countries: Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirât (Spain), No Other Choice (South Korea), The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia), and It Was Just an Accident (France).
Upon receiving the statuette, Kleber Mendonça Filho began his speech by saying: “I want to say hello to Brazil: hello, Brazil.” He then thanked Brazilian distributor Vitrine Filmes, his producer and partner Emilie, as well as the crew and cast. “Thank you, Wagner Moura. The best things happen when you have a great actor and a great friend. I dedicate this film to young filmmakers. This is a great moment,” the director stated.
Best actor
Wagner Moura made history by becoming the first Brazilian to win the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Film. In his acceptance speech, he spoke in Portuguese and celebrated Brazilian culture. “Long live Brazilian culture,” the actor said, highlighting his partnership with Kleber Mendonça Filho, whom he described as “a genius,” as well as the friendship built throughout the project.
Besides Wagner Moura, the nominees in the category were Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Oscar Isaac (Frankenstein), Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Jeremy Allen White (Springsteen).
With two statuettes and strong international impact, The Secret Agent reinforces Brazil’s status as one of the leading protagonists of the current awards season in world cinema.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on social media that he was happy with the award and congratulated the team on their victory. “Long live Brazilian cinema, which continues to be a source of pride on the world’s main stages,” he stated.
“The Secret Agent is an essential film to ensure that the violence of the dictatorship and the resilience of the Brazilian people are not forgotten,” the president added.
