The 2026 Oscar ceremony, scheduled for Sunday (15), marks a significant moment for Brazil as it competes in five categories, the most in its history. 'The Secret Agent' stands out with nominations in Best Film, Best International Film, Best Ensemble Casting, and Best Actor for Wagner Moura. Additionally, Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso is nominated for Best Cinematography for the American film 'Dreams of Train'. This showcases the increasing recognition of Brazilian cinema on the world stage.

There is considerable optimism among Brazilian fans as they hope for a repeat of the success seen in the 2025 Oscars, where Walter Salles' film 'I’m Still Here' won the International Feature Film, marking Brazil's first Oscar for a fully national production. The expectations for 'The Secret Agent' are supported by its impressive performance in various award circuits, having garnered victories at notable events like the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the Cannes Film Festival, which positions it as a strong contender.

In a recent episode of the podcast 'The Subject', host Natuza Nery discusses these developments with cinema journalist and critic Isabela Boscov. They delve into the realistic chances of Brazil securing new Oscars this year and examine how past performances and industry trends impact the current landscape of Brazilian cinema's presence at international accolades.