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URGENT: 'The Secret Agent' receives four Oscar nominations; ties record set by 'City of God

Prepare for an exhilarating mix of emotion, suspense, and Brazilian culture as "The Secret Agent" takes center stage at the 98th Academy Awards, promising a captivating journey led by professor Marcelo in a thriller set against the backdrop of Pernambuco's Carnival and urban landscape.

Marcus Thompson · 2 min read

Four Oscar Nominations for 'The Secret Agent' - Ties Record Set by 'City of God'; Conan O’Brien to Host on March 15

The Secret Agent has been nominated for four Oscars, matching the record set by City of God. The film is in contention for Best Ensemble Directing, Best International Film, Best Actor (for Wagner Moura), and Best Picture. Adding to the anticipation, the awards ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien in Los Angeles on March 15, as it was in 2025. The Kleber Mendonça Filho film stars Moura as Marcelo, a professor sheltering in Recife during Carnival 1977. As Marcelo tries to reconnect with his son, he is forced to evade danger amidst the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. This tense thriller blends family drama with popular entertainment elements, using the city itself to build suspense.

In Case You Missed It

In other cinematic news, Bruno Pferd invites you to explore his compelling piece on the four top award nominations for Kleber Mendonça Filho's masterpiece "The Secret Agent", including Best Film and Best Actor (Wagner Moura), published January 20th. This thought-provoking analysis dives into Marcelo's return home and the unsettling truths he unearths about Brazil's society and politics in Recife during the tumultuous '70s. Meanwhile, Marcus Thompson reports that following its Golden Globe wins and pre-Oscar nominations, "The Secret Agent" is now playing in over 300 cinemas nationwide, attracting audiences by the tens of thousands. And mark your calendars for January 25th, as Sophie Laurent reveals Spcine is hosting a free film marathon to celebrate São Paulo's birthday, titled "Spcine Hosts Free Screenings of 'The Secret Agent' and 'Wicked: Part 2'", featuring award-winning films like "The Secret Agent" and animated delights for the kids. Check out Bruno's analysis here The Secret Agent" Nominated for Best Film of 2025 by International February Award, find out more about "The Secret Agent"'s impressive expansion here After Awards, 'The Secret Agent' Expands to More Cinemas, and don't miss out on the free screenings here Spcine to Host Free Screenings of 'The Secret Agent' and 'Wicked: Part 2' on January 25.

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Movie info

Official Name
The Secret Agent
Brief Summary
Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a technology expert in his early 40s, is on the run. Hoping to reunite with his son, he travels to Recife during Carnival but soon realizes that the city is not the safe haven he was expecting.
Released
July 23, 2025
Duration
161 minutes
Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Production Companies
Lemming Film, One Two Films, CinemaScópio, ARTE France Cinéma, MK Productions, Primo Content
Countries of Origin
BR
Actors
Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Roney Villela, Gabriel Leone, Alice Carvalho, Hermila Guedes, Isabél Zuaa, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Thomás Aquino, Laura Lufési, Isadora Ruppert, Igor de Araújo, Ítalo Martins, Udo Kier, João Vitor Silva, Luciano Chirolli, Geane Albuquerque, Fafa Dantas, Suzy Lopes, Gregorio Graziosi, Joálisson Cunha, Aline Marta Maia, Buda Lira, Wilson Rabelo, Erivaldo Oliveira, Enzo Nunes, Márcio De Paula, Fabiana Pirro, Rubens Santos, Kaiony Venâncio, Licínio Januário, Marcelo Valle, Robson Andrade, Albert Tenorio, Edilson Silva, Nivaldo Nascimento, Cely Farias, Beto Quirino
Director
Kleber Mendonça Filho
Authors
Kleber Mendonça Filho
Producers
Emilie Lesclaux, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Winston Araújo
Ratings
7.7/10 (184 reviews)
Homepage
https://www.neonrated.com/film/the-secret-agent

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