Movies & TV

In Talk Show, Wagner Moura Recounts Discovering His Oscar Nomination on a Flight

Wagner Moura, fresh off his Oscar nomination, shares excitement and praise for President Lula's cultural support, acknowledging Fernanda Torres' nomination too.

Ahmed Hassan 4 March 2026 · 3 min read

Key takeaways

Wagner Moura has been nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Secret Agent, making this a significant moment for Brazilian cinema as the film is also up for four other Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
The film The Secret Agent portrays the student body demographics of 1977 Brazil, featuring a young Black mother from the outskirts of Sao Paulo named Flavia, and draws on oral history recordings made by dissidents during the dictatorship.
Wagner Moura has expressed the importance of remembering history and standing together during periods of authoritarianism and ecological crisis, and he recently received a congratulatory phone call from President Lula after the Oscar nomination.
Moura will perform in a contemporary stage adaptation of Ibsens Enemy of the People next summer in Spain, film a version of Abbas Kiarostamis Taste of Cherry, and direct his second feature film, Last Night at the Lobster.

During an appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark on Tuesday, actor Wagner Moura recounted receiving news of his Oscar nomination while on a flight from Paris to Los Angeles. Moura told Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos that he typically avoids using the internet while flying. However, knowing the Oscar nominations would be announced, he stayed online. "I began receiving messages from my friends that I had been nominated," Moura said. "I thought, 'I’ve been nominated for an Oscar.' I looked around and everyone was sleeping. I wanted to hug someone. I asked for a wine and told the flight attendant: 'I’ve been nominated for an Oscar.' She congratulated me, and I drank my wine alone." This nomination underscores a significant moment for Brazilian cinema. Moura's film, The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, has been nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Moura. Set in 1977, the thriller features Moura as Armando, an academic who goes into hiding after conflict with business interests tied to the authoritarian government.

Wagner Moura's Multiple Projects and Political Reflections after Oscar Nomination for 'The Secret Agent

Brazilian philosopher Marilena Chaui has shared her experiences of the period depicted in Mendonca Filho's film. The Secret Agent portrays students working on an oral history project, using tape recordings made by dissidents during the dictatorship. The film highlights the changing student body demographics by featuring Flavia, a young Black mother from the outskirts of Sao Paulo. Moura and writer-director Kleber Mendonca Filho discussed the film in an interview on Your Morning. Moura also spoke about the importance of remembering history and standing together during periods of authoritarianism and ecological crisis. Moura received a congratulatory phone call from President Lula after the Oscar nomination, according to O Globo. "I felt amazing," Moura stated. "He’s a president who loves culture, loves films, loves art. And I think that’s something very important." Looking ahead, Moura will perform in a contemporary stage adaptation of Ibsen's Enemy of the People, titled The Trial: Enemy of the People, in Spain next summer. He then plans to film a version of Abbas Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry with Lisandro Alonso and direct his second feature film, Last Night at the Lobster. This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Portal Uai.

In Case You Missed It

In other exciting news, Jonathan Dubinski's latest piece, "Wagner Moura Set for Jimmy Kimmel Live Ahead of Oscars," is a must-read. Just days before Oscar voting ends, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura will be discussing his nominated role on the show. Be sure to catch the clips posted by ABC post-show on YouTube and social media Wagner Moura Set for Jimmy Kimmel Live Ahead of Oscars. Meanwhile, in a fascinating exploration of personal tragedy's impact on art, Carlos Mendoza delves into the life and untimely death of William Shakespeare's son Hamnet in his latest piece. Published just yesterday, "The Sad Tale of Hamnet Shakespeare, Deceased at 11 Years Old," examines Maggie O'Farrell's book 'Hamnet', exploring how Shakespeare's personal grief may have shaped some of his most renowned plays The Sad Tale of Hamnet Shakespeare, Deceased at 11 Years Old. And if you're a fan of international cinema, Ahmed Hassan's recent article is not to be missed. "The Secret Agent Wins Spirit Award for Best International Film" delves into Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho's latest triumph at the Independent Spirit Awards The Secret Agent Wins Spirit Award for Best International Film.