Wagner Moura Reveals His Top Four Must-See International Films

Wagner Moura, widely recognized for his chilling portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the Netflix sensation Narcos , has recently made waves in the awards circuit with his powerful performance in The Secret Agent. This role, which has been chosen as his country’s submission for Best International Feature at the Oscars, has earned him accolades from the Cannes Film Festival, Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and the New York Film Critics Circle. Moura’s remarkable work in The Secret Agent is a testament to his depth as an actor, but his talents extend beyond acting —he also directed the political thriller Marighella. Given his diverse filmography, it ’s no surprise that his personal film favorites reflect a global perspective.

Italian Masterpieces That Shaped Moura’s Taste

The first film on Moura’s list is Il Posto, a standout of Italian neorealism directed by Ermanno Olmi. While the movement is often linked to earlier classics like Bicycle Thieves and Germany, Year Zero, Olmi’s 1961 film was celebrated for its seamless blend of humor and drama. Il Posto even took home an award at the Venice International Film Festival, making it a significant, if somewhat under-the-radar, choice. Moura’s next pick is the universally adored Cinema Paradiso, a heartwarming coming-of-age tale set in Sicily. The film’s nostalgic look at the magic of moviegoing has resonated with audiences worldwide, especially as the future of theaters faces uncertainty in the streaming era. Moura’s appreciation for Cinema Paradiso feels especially timely.

Brazilian Cinema and Social Commentary

Among his selections, Moura highlights Iracema – Uma Transa Amazônica, a film from his native Brazil that he describes as

a spectacular film

. Released in 1974, around the same period depicted in The Secret Agent, Iracema explores the resilience of Brazilian culture during the country’s military dictatorship. The film is a key work of the Cinema Novo movement, known for its focus on social issues and equality. Moura’s admiration for this film underscores his connection to stories that challenge the status quo and highlight the struggles of ordinary people.

Action and Artistry in Brazilian Film

Rounding out his list is Terra Estrangeira, an action-driven feature directed by Walter Salles. Moura’s fondness for this film is hardly surprising, given his own forays into genre cinema with projects like The Gray Man and Civil War. Salles, a celebrated Brazilian filmmaker, recently won the Best International Feature Oscar for I’m Still Here. With Brazil’s growing presence in the international film scene, Moura’s performance in The Secret Agent could very well mark another milestone for the country at the Academy Awards.

Wagner Moura’s Four All-Time Favorite Films

• Il Posto (Ermanno Olmi, 1961)
• Cinema Paradiso (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988)
• Iracema – Uma Transa Amazônica (Jorge Bodanzky, Orlando Senna, 1981)
• Terra Estrangeira (Walter Salles, 1995)