Brazil's film 'The Secret Agent,' directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, was nominated for the Best International Film at the César Awards held in Paris on April 26, 2026. Unfortunately for Brazil, the film was ultimately unsuccessful, losing to the American production 'One Battle After Another,' directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Other nominated films in the category included 'Sentimental Value' from Norway, 'Sirāt' from Spain, and 'Black Dog' from China.

The loss adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the Brazilian film in European competitions, notably following a prior defeat at the BAFTA Awards. The César Awards are considered the French equivalent of the BAFTA and the Oscars, and the results from such high-profile events can impact future nominations and perceptions in upcoming award ceremonies, particularly the Oscars.

'One Battle After Another' enters the American awards circuit with significant momentum, having already secured victories at the BAFTA, Golden Globe Awards, and Critics' Choice Awards. With both films competing against each other for Oscars in two of their shared nominations—Best Film and Best Actor—the stakes are high, not only for the filmmakers but also for the representation of Brazilian cinema on the global stage.