Oscar 2025: extolling democracy, Lula celebrates victory for “I’m still here”

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) celebrated the conquest of Brazil’s first Oscar with the film I’m still herethis Sunday (2), and stated that victory is, above all, a celebration of democracy.

In a post on social networks, Lula expressed his pride in Brazilian cinema and the democratic resilience of the country, highlighting the importance of art in the fight against authoritarianism.

Today is the day to feel even more proud to be Brazilian. Proud of our cinema, our artists and especially pride of our democracy. Janja and I are very happy watching everything live.

The Oscar for Best International Movie for I’m still here is… pic.twitter.com/boi8kqzwxj

– Lula (@lulaoficial) March 3, 2025

Lula said that the conquest of the Oscar prides the Brazilian arts and represents a recognition of the work of director Walter Salles, actress Fernanda Torres, the family of Eunice Paiva and all those involved in production.

“Today is the day to feel even more proud to be Brazilian. Proud of our cinema, our artists and, especially, proud of our democracy, ”wrote the president.

The Oscar for best international film was delivered by Spanish actress Penelope Cruz to Walter Salles, who honored Eunice Paiva in her speech.

I’m still herewho tells the story of Eunice Paiva, mother of five children who faces her husband’s disappearance during the military dictatorship, is the first Brazilian production to conquer the statuette after five previous nominations.

The movie surpassed competitors like The seed of the sacred fruit (Iran), Emilia Pérez (France), Flower (Latvia) and The needle girl (Denmark).