I’m Still Here by Walter Salles
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just announced its shortlists in 10 categories for the 97th Academy Awards, including for International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature Film, where two Latin American productions were included.
The Brazilian film I’m Still Here / Ainda Estou Aqui by Walter Salles was the only Latin American film that made it to the shortlist. Starring Fernanda Montenegro, Maeve Jinkings, Fernanda Torres, and Selton Mello, the film tells the true story of the Paiva family and their five children. In 1970s Rio de Janeiro, during the military dictatorship, former deputy Rubens Paiva was taken from his home by soldiers for interrogation and was never seen again. The search for the truth lasted 30 long years, but just as answers began to emerge, Eunice Paiva, his wife, began showing the first signs of Alzheimer's disease.
This marks the fourth time Salles has secured Brazil’s Oscar candidacy, following Exposure (1991), Central Station (1998), and Behind the Sun (2001). Salles aims to bring Brazil its fifth nomination, having already earned one for Central Station, which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, with its lead, Fernanda Montenegro, also receiving a Best Actress nomination.
In the documentary feature competition, Frida, the debut feature by Peruvian-American editor Carla Gutiérrez made it to the next round of the Oscars. An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of Frida Kahlo, Gutiérrez’s documentary tells the artist’s story through her own words for the first time. Drawing from her famed illustrated diary, revealing letters, essays, and candid print interviews, the film is brought vividly to life with lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork. Frida offers a striking context for why the artist—and her art—remain as powerful and relevant as ever.
The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on Friday, January 17, 2025.
