Rio Kicks Off Carnival Parades with Oscars Glory in Sight

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, 3 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Rio de Janeiro launched the first day of its renowned Carnival samba parades on Sunday, with many revellers also keeping a close watch on events unfolding in Hollywood, where Brazil could make history by securing its first-ever Oscar.

While samba schools prepared to dazzle audiences with their elaborate performances, an added sense of excitement filled the air due to the possibility of Brazil achieving a milestone victory at the Academy Awards. The film I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles, has been nominated in multiple prestigious categories, including Best Picture, Best Foreign Film, and Best Lead Actress for Fernanda Torres, who has already won a Golden Globe for her powerful portrayal.

The film tells the poignant story of former congressman Ruben Paiva, who disappeared in 1971 during Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985), and the relentless efforts of his widow, Eunice, to uncover the truth.

Across the streets of Rio, Oscar anticipation is palpable. Billboards and posters in support of Torres adorn the city, while many Carnival-goers have dressed as her iconic character. Some parade groups have even dedicated their themes to celebrating the actress and her acclaimed performance.

“There is no better day than Carnival Sunday to win an Oscar,” said Rebecca Maria Darakjian Batoni, a 25-year-old reveller from Olinda, in the northeast of Brazil.

Among the enthusiastic crowds, street vendors are selling plastic golden statuettes, symbolising the nation’s hope for an Oscar victory. “Fernanda is an inspiration, an idol for all of Brazil, and today we will all pause to watch her claim the award!” declared Cristina Leite de Moraes, a 25-year-old doctor.

Torres, 59, has expressed her immense pride in seeing her image celebrated throughout the streets.

At Rio’s grand Sambadrome, the top twelve samba schools will compete from Sunday to Tuesday under a revised format, extending the competition from the traditional two-day schedule to three. This change allows each group up to 80 minutes to showcase their performances to approximately 70,000 spectators in the stadium, with millions more watching from around the globe.

Authorities have suggested that the buzz surrounding Brazil’s potential Oscar victory could further boost the economic impact of Carnival, with estimates indicating that this year’s festivities may generate close to $1 billion.

Additional Context:

Brazil has a long history of cinematic excellence, but despite numerous acclaimed films, the country has yet to secure an Academy Award for Best Picture or Best Foreign Film. Previous nominations include City of God (2002) and Central Station (1998), both of which received international recognition but fell short of winning the Oscar. If I’m Still Here emerges victorious, it would mark a historic moment for Brazilian cinema and culture.