Brazilian cinema scored a major triumph today as The Secret Agent / O Secreto Agente, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura, took home two of the top awards at the Cannes Film Festival for Best Director and Best Actor.
Mendonça Filho was recognized for his masterful direction of The Secret Agent , a taut political thriller that deftly blends genre with the director’s signature social critique. The award marks a new high point in his already celebrated career and reaffirms his place as one of the most vital voices in contemporary Latin American cinema.
Wagner Moura, whose international breakout came with his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in Narcos, was honored with Best Actor for his commanding performance as the film’s conflicted protagonist. In The Secret Agent , Moura delivers a nuanced and deeply internalized portrayal of a man navigating the shadows of state power, ideology, and personal loyalty.
The Secret Agent has been widely praised since its premiere for its sharp political commentary and atmospheric tension, with particular acclaim for the collaboration between Mendonça Filho and Moura—two of Brazil’s most influential film talents. The film’s success on the festival circuit is both a testament to the strength of Brazilian storytelling and a reminder of the country's enduring influence on global cinema.
The Secret Agent, also starring Udo Kier, and Gabriel Leone, is a politically charged thriller that blends Mendonça Filho’s signature formal rigor with themes of surveillance, disinformation, and the erosion of democratic norms. Set in 1977, during the final years of Brazil’s military dictatorship, the film follows Marcelo, a 40-year-old teacher who returns to Recife in search of peace, only to find that the city is far from the refuge he hoped for.
With these awards, The Secret Agent positions itself as a key title to watch in the upcoming awards season.
