Wagner Moura and Kleber Mendonca Filho reflect on The Secret Agent’s awards success and Brazil’s political climate

Brazilian actor Wagner Moura and director Kleber Mendonca Filho spoke about their political thriller The Secret Agent shortly after receiving a congratulatory phone call from Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The film has enjoyed significant international recognition, earning major accolades including awards at the Cannes Film Festival, Golden Globe wins for best actor and best non-English language film, Critics Choice recognition, and multiple BAFTA and Oscar nominations. Moura has made history as the first Brazilian actor ever nominated for the Academy Award for best actor.

Set in 1977 during Brazil’s military dictatorship, The Secret Agent follows a professor forced into hiding after defying a regime official. While rooted in the past, the film resonates with contemporary political tensions in Brazil. Moura and Mendonca Filho reflected on the cultural shift since Lula returned to office in 2022 after defeating far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. They described Bolsonaro’s tenure as hostile toward artists and cultural institutions, contrasting it with the current administration’s support for the arts.

Moura emphasized the importance of standing by one’s values in polarized times, drawing parallels between the film’s themes and recent Brazilian political struggles. He expressed concern about the erosion of shared facts in public discourse, calling it a dangerous development.

The interview also touched on controversy at the Critics Choice Awards, where the film’s international feature prize was presented on the red carpet rather than during the main ceremony. Mendonca Filho criticized the decision, particularly at a time of heightened political tension in the United States. Despite such issues, both filmmakers highlighted the growing global appreciation for international cinema and viewed the current moment as both challenging and creatively fertile for storytellers.