Wagner Moura Talks Generational Trauma, Brazil Film Nabs 2 Golden Globes!

“The Secret Agent delves into themes of memory and the absence of it, alongside generational trauma,” remarked Wagner Moura during his acceptance speech for Best Actor in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globes on Sunday. He added, “If trauma can be inherited, so can values,” emphasizing the film’s focus on maintaining personal integrity during tough times.

“Making movies at this point in history is incredibly significant,” declared director Kleber Mendonça Filho when the Brazilian film clinched the award for Best Motion Picture – Non English Language.

Set against the backdrop of a military dictatorship in Brazil during 1977, The Secret Agent explores life under oppressive rule from 1964 to 1985.

Moura portrays Marcelo, a tech expert in his early forties, fleeing a corrupt regime and seeking to reconnect with his son. His journey takes him to Recife during Carnival, where he quickly discovers that the city is far from a refuge.

The references to such dire times were scarcely mentioned tonight except by presenter Judd Apatow, who addressed the audience, stating, “I believe we are in a dictatorship now.”

Previously nominated for a Golden Globe in 2016 for Narcos, Moura reflected on his political alignment with director Filho at the New York Film Critics Circle, where he received the Best Actor award. They share a common opposition to Jair Bolsonaro’s regime, Brazil’s former leader from 2018-2022, recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. Moura praised “Brazilian democracy and institutions” during his speech.

The film The Secret Agent was acquired by Neon at Cannes, where Filho was honored as Best Director, Moura as Best Actor, and the film also secured the FIPRESCI Prize.