Over the nearly century-long history of the Academy Awards, only six Latin American women have been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Their nominations stand as milestones, highlighting moments when Latin American talent broke through the American industry's barriers to earn recognition on cinema's biggest stage.
Brazilian star Fernanda Montenegro became the first Latin American actress to receive a Best Actress nomination for her performance in Central Station / Central do Brasil (1998), directed by Walter Salles. Her deeply moving portrayal of a retired schoolteacher who forms an unlikely bond with a young boy on a journey across Brazil was groundbreaking, proving that performances in non-English-language films can resonate with the Academy.
In 2002, Mexican actress Salma Hayek was nominated for her portrayal of iconic painter Frida Kahlo in Frida, directed by Julie Taymor. Hayek not only starred in the film but also played a crucial role in bringing it to the screen as a producer. Her English-language nomination marked a significant achievement for Mexican representation in Hollywood, reinforcing her status as a major figure in the industry.
Two years later, Colombian novel actress Catalina Sandino Moreno earned a nomination for her role in Maria Full of Grace, a harrowing portrayal of a young woman who becomes a drug mule to escape economic hardship. Her breakthrough nomination marked a landmark moment for independent filmmaking, as the film—directed by Joshua Marston—was a small-scale production that gained international acclaim.
The next Latin American Best Actress nominee came over a decade later, when in 2018, another Mexican actress, Yalitza Aparicio, received a nomination for Roma. As an Indigenous woman with no prior acting experience, Aparicio’s nomination was unprecedented. Her performance in Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical film about a domestic worker’s life in 1970s Mexico City was lauded for its quiet power and emotional depth, bringing visibility to marginalized communities rarely represented in mainstream cinema.
In 2023, Cuban actress Ana de Armas was nominated for Blonde, directed by Andrew Dominik, in which she portrayed Marilyn Monroe. Her nomination was notable for bringing a Latina actress into the race for playing an iconic Hollywood figure, a rare occurrence in Academy history.
And this year, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres joined her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, as the second Oscar-nominated actress from Brazil. Torres earned a nod for her role as Eunice Paiva—a mother and activist grappling with the forced disappearance of her husband—in the political family drama I’m Still Here / Ainda Estou Aqui. Director Salles was again nominated in the Best International Feature competition, helping both mother and daughter secure Oscar nominations. Torres’ widely acclaimed performance marks another international breakthrough for Brazilian cinema.
These six women have carved a path for future Latin American actresses in an industry where representation remains a challenge. Their nominations serve as reminders of the richness of Latin American cinema and the powerful performances that continue to break barriers, inspiring the next generation of talent to reach for Hollywood’s highest honor.
