Fernanda Torres made history by winning the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama at the recent Golden Globes 2025 for her unforgettable performance in I’m Still Here.
This marked her first time attending the award show, and her victory was particularly significant as she became the first Brazilian actress to achieve this honor.
In a surprising turn of events, Torres's win came at the expense of several Hollywood heavyweights, including Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Pamela Anderson, Tilda Swinton, and even Angelina Jolie, who was considered the frontrunner for her role in Maria.
So, who is Fernanda Torres? Here’s everything you need to know about the 59-year-old acclaimed star.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 15, 1965, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Torres is no stranger to the entertainment world.
She hails from a family of actors. Her mother is the renowned Fernanda Montenegro, the first Brazilian actress to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress 25 years prior, while her father is the late actor Fernando Torres.
At just 16 years old, Torres made her film debut in Inocência, directed by Walter Lima Junior, and quickly established herself with this breakthrough role.
Over the years, she has become a versatile actress in theater, television, and cinema. Fernanda gained critical acclaim for her performances in films such as Foreign Land (1994), Midnight (1998), and most recently, I’m Still Here (2024).
She has collaborated with some of the most esteemed directors in Brazilian cinema, including Walter Salles, and has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career.
Notably, she won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress in 1986 for her role in Love Me Forever or Never.
Beyond acting, Torres is also an accomplished writer. She has penned scripts for several films and television shows and authored novels such as The End (2014) and Glory and Its Litany of Horrors (2017).
Her contributions to Brazilian culture extend beyond performance. She has been involved in various projects that advocate for social issues and reflect on the complexities of Brazilian life.
Fernanda Torres’ Winning Role in I’m Still Here
Directed by Salles, Torres portrays Eunice Paiva in I’m Still Here, a mother who becomes an activist during Brazil's military dictatorship. In the film, she struggles to have her husband's death recognized after he is kidnapped and murdered.
Her exceptional acting skills have garnered widespread praise, making her victory at the Golden Globes 2025 all the more remarkable, especially considering she was up against some of Hollywood's biggest names.
As the second Brazilian actress to receive a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globes—following in the footsteps of her mother, Montenegro—Torres dedicated her award to her mom during her acceptance speech. She stated:
"Of course, I want to dedicate it to my mother. You have no idea; she was here 25 years ago."
Montenegro was nominated for the same award in 1999 for her role in Central Station, which was also directed by Salles.
She also addressed the modern issues the world faces today in her speech, emphasizing the resilience portrayed in the film. She remarked:
"There is something happening now in the world with so much fear. And this film helps us think about how to survive in tough times like this."
Her victory not only represents a significant achievement for her personally but also recognizes the talent of Latin Americans in Hollywood.