Wagner Moura poised to make Oscar history for Brazil

Wagner Moura is on the verge of leaving a mark in Oscar history, a chance of becoming the first Brazilian to receive the Best Actor Academy Award.

The 49-year-old actor was nominated due to his powerful acting in the Brazilian dictatorship thriller, The Secret agent. 

He stars as Armando, a former professor who is in dire need to escape the nation under the military rule in the 1970s. 

The role brought Moura back to the Brazilian cinema after becoming known worldwide with the film, Narcos.

The Brazilian actor and filmmaker already made a history win with to the Golden Globe award of Best Actor in a Drama on January. 

The win caused an impetus, one year after another female Brazilian star Fernanda Torres received the Best Actress.

"It's very special receiving all this attention for a Brazilian film and a Brazilian story," Moura said. "This is a historic moment for my country's cinema."

The Oscar battle is close, Moura snubbed by the SAG Awards, which has sparked arguments on crossing the waters of non-English language performances in the eyes of Academy voters. 

He is currently at 11.77 percent, and the competition is fierce at the top of the charts headed by Timothée Chalamet.

Notably, The Secret Agent has received four nominations such as best picture, which is increasing his chances to win.

Former nominees from Brazil were Fernanda Montenegro in 1999 and Fernanda Torres in 2025 in actress categories. 

This nod of Moura has introduced a Brazilian into the race and made himself indelible in history.