During the red carpet at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for the Virtuosos Awards, we had the rare honor of speaking with Wagner Moura — the Brazilian actor making history this awards season. Already the first Brazilian ever nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his performance in The Secret Agent, Moura has become one of the most inspirational figures in contemporary cinema.
Right out of the gate, we asked Wagner how it feels to be carrying such major cultural representation on a global stage — not just as a Brazilian, but as a South American artist.
His answer was heartfelt and hopeful:
“It’s great. I feel very grateful. I feel very honored… but I also hope this will open the door so more of this can happen — not only with Brazilians but across South America.”
Wagner went on to name several countries whose emerging talent he believes deserves international attention — from Chile and Argentina to Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia — emphasizing the wealth of artistic brilliance that exists across the continent.
When asked about being honored tonight among some of the industry’s biggest names, Moura reflected on an unexpected sense of familiarity that award seasons create:
“…people you kind of bump into throughout this season — you start to feel like you know them… maybe even friends.”
Awards season kicked off in a big way for Moura:
- He’s the first Brazilian actor nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor.
- The Secret Agent has also earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and International Feature.
- Earlier this season he made history at the Golden Globes, winning Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama.
- He also won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival, another major milestone for both him and Brazilian cinema.
Speaking with Wagner Moura was a reminder of how awards seasons can highlight not just individual talent, but broader cultural narratives — from representation to international storytelling. He carries his achievements with both humility and joy, and that blend is part of what makes his journey so compelling.
Watch the full interview with the Academy Award nominee above.
