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In the wake of her husband's disappearance during Brazil's military regime in the 1970s, a mother's story in "I'm Still Here" earned Fernanda Torres her first Academy Award nomination. However, winning Best Actress is not her main goal.

Torres' wish for the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2 is for the movie itself, depicting the true story of Rubens Paiva and his wife Eunice, to triumph. The film, spoken entirely in Portuguese, is nominated for Best International Feature and Best Picture, a first for Brazilian cinema.

Expressing her thoughts to Reuters, Torres emphasized the deserving nature of the Paiva family and Eunice Paiva for recognition, highlighting that an international award would be significant.

Reflecting on the film's portrayal of Eunice Paiva's struggle for truth, Torres stressed the movie's "fulfillment of a civic duty" in illustrating life under an authoritarian regime. She explained how the narrative expands the understanding beyond historical texts, making the impact more profound.

Acknowledging the recent backlash over past performances involving blackface, Torres issued a statement expressing regret, noting the film addresses topical themes with a nuanced perspective.

Torres elaborated on Eunice Paiva's universal appeal, emphasizing the empathetic response to the family's hardships and the protagonist's resilience as inspirational on both personal and political levels.

Discussing the relevance of Eunice Paiva's story amid contemporary crises, Torres highlighted the resurgence of authoritarian tendencies globally and the need for caution in such circumstances.

The film's resonance internationally signifies a departure from the insular nature of Brazilian culture, revealing its potential to attract foreign investment in the industry, Torres stated optimistically.

Anticipating the award season, Torres drew inspiration from her mother's past Oscar journey, preparing for the demanding promotional activities with humility and determination.

Looking ahead, Torres, now 59, humorously noted her rootedness in Brazil, hinting at a grounded perspective on her future career endeavors.

After the emotional rollercoaster of the award ceremonies, Torres plans to remain steadfast in her commitment to Brazilian cinema, drawing from her rich heritage and experiences.