‘The Secret Agent’ Earns Four Oscar Nominations as Wagner Moura Makes History

Brazilian cinema arrives at Oscar 2026 with its strongest showing in years. In total, the country earned five nominations, spread across two films. “The Secret Agent” (2025), directed by Kléber Mendonça Filho, leads the national presence with four nominations. It competes for Best Picture, Best Cast, Best International Feature and Best Actor, a category in which Wagner Moura is in the running for the statuette.

Wagner Moura Makes History in the Best Actor Race at Oscar 2026

Indeed, Wagner Moura’s nomination carries real historical weight for Brazilian cinema. He becomes the first Brazilian actor ever nominated in the Best Actor category in the Academy’s history. Until now, the Academy had recognized Brazilian actresses in different categories. However, no Brazilian actor had ever competed for the statuette in the leading male category.

Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso rounds out the list of Brazilian nominees. He is nominated for Best Cinematography for his work on the drama “Train Dreams”. Moreover, experts view the simultaneous presence of technical and acting nominations as a sign of Brazilian cinema’s growing maturity. After all, the country’s presence in the Oscars’ main categories had historically been limited to the Best International Feature race.

Brazil’s Oscar Run and the Legacy of “I’m Still Here”

Brazilian cinema’s momentum in Hollywood also gained strength from the result of the 2025 Oscars. That year, “I’m Still Here”, directed by Walter Salles, won Best International Feature — Brazil’s first win in the category. Thus, the string of nominations and awards consolidates a cycle of greater visibility for Brazilian film on the international market. Brazilian auteur films have been earning both critical recognition and a wider audience outside the country.

Finally, the 2026 Oscar ceremony takes place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the traditional home of the awards since 2002.

The complete list of Oscar 2026 nominees is available on the official website of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Meanwhile, readers can follow more film news in OnTheNet’s culture section. Broadcasters in dozens of countries are expected to air the ceremony live. Anticipation is high around how “The Secret Agent” will perform across its four nominated categories.