Brazilian cinema has once again taken center stage on the international scene with the victory of The Secret Agent at the 2026 Golden Globes, in the Best Non-English Language Film category. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the feature was honored at one of the world’s premier audiovisual awards, marking a historic achievement for the country after nearly three decades without a win in the category.
G1 reporting highlights the symbolic impact of the win for Brazil in the global film circuit. Brazil’s last victory in the category had occurred 27 years ago, with Central Station. While taking the stage to accept the award, Kleber Mendonça Filho made a point of addressing the Brazilian public directly. The filmmaker sent a “hello, Brazil,” thanked the cast, and highlighted his partnership with Wagner Moura, the film’s lead. “The best things happen when you have a great actor and a great friend,” the director stated, praising the actor.
During the speech, Kleber also dedicated the recognition to the country’s new filmmakers and emphasized the historical context of contemporary cinema. “I dedicate this film to young filmmakers. This is a very important moment in history to make films, here in the United States and in Brazil. Let’s keep making films,” he declared.
After the ceremony, the director reiterated the importance of Brazilian audiovisual production during a press conference, in response to a question from Globo TV. He highlighted the international reach of local narratives and encouraged new talents to keep filming. “We’re thrilled to see a Brazilian film generating so much positive discussion about Brazil’s history. And I really want to see young Brazilian male and female filmmakers. You can use your phone, make your own project. When we speak from our home, everyone around the world listens,” he said. In the Golden Globe competition, The Secret Agent competed against international productions such as Valor Sentimental, Foi Apenas um Acidente, A única Saída, Sirat, and A Voz de Hind Rajab. The winner announcement was made by actress Minnie Driver, the category presenter, who surprised everyone by starting the reveal with a Portuguese word: “Parabéns,” before announcing the film’s name in English.
Set in the 1970s, the feature follows the journey of a university professor played by Wagner Moura, who returns to Recife to reconnect with his youngest son amid the risks imposed by the military dictatorship era. The narrative blends personal drama and political context, an element that has contributed to the film’s widespread international acclaim.
The victory solidifies The Secret Agent as a recent milestone in national cinema and reaffirms the relevance of Brazilian stories when told from an auteur perspective, connected to the country’s memory, politics, and identity.
Source: brasil247.com