Wagner Moura Makes History With Golden Globe Win for Drama
Brazilian actor Wagner Moura clinched the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama for his gripping performance in The Secret Agent, a landmark moment for Brazil’s film industry.
At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, Wagner Moura captured the spotlight by earning the trophy for Best Actor in a Drama. His role as Marcelo, a technology professor on the run in Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Set in 1977, the film follows Marcelo as he escapes Brazil’s military regime, only to return to Recife in search of his son. The journey thrusts him into a dangerous world of assassins, corruption, and government-backed violence.
Celebrating a Landmark Performance
The Secret Agent drew widespread acclaim, even landing a spot on Barack Obama’s much-anticipated list of favorite films from 2025. Moura’s win marks a significant achievement for Brazilian cinema, as he becomes the first performer from Brazil to take home this particular honor. The competition was fierce, with Oscar Isaac (Frankenstein), Michael B Jordan ( Sinners ), Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine), and Jeremy Allen White (Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere) all vying for the same award.
A Moment of Reflection
During his acceptance speech at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Moura addressed the audience with heartfelt words.
“The Secret Agent is a film about memory – the lack of memory – and generational trauma. If trauma can be passed along generations, values can too.”
His remarks underscored the film’s exploration of legacy and the impact of history on families and society.
Behind the Scenes: A Long-Awaited Collaboration
Reflecting on his journey to this moment, Moura shared insights in an interview with W Magazine. He spoke about his passion for both film and politics, and how these interests brought him and director Kleber Mendonça Filho together.
“I love movies, and I love politics. Politics is what put [director Kleber Mendonça Filho’s] and I together. We met 20 years ago in Cannes. I was obsessed with working with him, but it never worked out. Then, in Brazil from 2018 to 2022, it was a bad moment in terms of the government.”
Moura explained that both he and Mendonça Filho were outspoken critics of the political climate in Brazil during those years, which led to personal and professional challenges.
“Kleber and I were very vocal against what was going on, and we both suffered the consequences. We talked about how we could show the perplexity that we were experiencing. It took us two, three years to make the film happen.”
At last year’s 82nd Golden Globes, Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor in a Drama award for his role in The Brutalist. Moura’s victory this year not only highlights his talent but also signals a new era for Brazilian storytelling on the global stage.