Filmmaker Fernanda Schein says Golden Globe wins for “O Agente Secreto” and Wagner Moura raise Brazil’s profile and fuel Oscar buzz.
Wagner Moura’s win for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama and “O Agente Secreto” taking Best Motion Picture in a Non-English Language at the Golden Globes put Brazil back at the center of awards season. The film was not widely seen as the favorite. Still, it ended the night as a standout and strengthened its Oscar narrative.
Filmmaker Fernanda Schein, who closely follows the audiovisual market in Los Angeles, says the outcome reflects work built over time. In her view, the film’s campaign gained momentum throughout the season. This way, it reached the ceremony with a real shot at winning.
How the film built momentum
“O Agente Secreto has been developed in a very beautiful and very effective way. It goes through the Cannes Film Festival, gains major visibility and keeps building throughout the season until it reaches the Golden Globes with a real chance of a win for Wagner.”
Schein says the buzz underscores Brazil’s growing visibility within the international industry. In addition, she argues awards reshape how professionals view Brazilian cinema abroad. However, she notes the momentum requires long-term support.
A shifting international perception
“In the years I’ve been here in Los Angeles, it’s very interesting to see how people’s approach to Brazilian cinema has changed. Before, you’d only hear people talking about City of God and Central Station. Now there is greater interest and curiosity. The perception of Brazilian cinema has changed.”
She argues the new phase also depends on domestic structure. She cites the need for streaming regulation and tax incentive laws. As a result, Brazilian productions could better compete on equal terms internationally.
Oscar voting and broader impact
With the Golden Globe wins, attention shifts to the next stage of the season. Schein points to the start of Oscar voting. Therefore, the award changes the level of attention the film receives.
“When you win a Golden Globe, people look at you differently.”
She says the recognition directly affects how the film circulates among voters. In addition, it increases conversation around the title. In this way, the movie becomes more watched, discussed and debated.
“That makes the film be seen, talked about, discussed. It’s a moment when everyone starts paying attention.”
Schein also highlights a ripple effect beyond a single movie. In her view, when one Brazilian film reaches that level, it pulls others forward. Finally, it opens space for curiosity and for Brazilian cinema to be taken more seriously.
About Fernanda Schein
Originally from Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul countryside, Fernanda Schein is now based in Los Angeles. She is a filmmaker and editor with a master’s degree from the New York Film Academy. In addition, she has worked on titles such as “Neymar: O Caos Perfeito” (Netflix) and “Forbidden Wish” (Prime Video).
Her credits also include “Poisoned” (Netflix), described in the material as an Emmy winner. Next, she worked on the documentary “O Caso dos Irmãos Menéndez,” which premiered on Netflix in October. Her career also includes independent productions such as “The Boy in The Mirror.”
She served as lead editor on projects directed by Rob Styles, including “A Social(Media) Construct” and “Sleeping Awake.” She also worked on “I See You” and “Envenenados: O Perigo na Nossa Comida” for Netflix. On the other hand, she has credits on features and shorts such as “Farewelling” and “Last Minute.”