Wagner Moura, star of the brand new movie “The Secret Agent,” was introduced with IndieWire Honors‘ Efficiency Award throughout a December 4 ceremony at Nya West in Los Angeles. Whereas accepting the award, the Brazilian actor was each playful — dancing a samba as he walked as much as the stage — and critical, giving a speech in regards to the legacy of fascism in his residence nation.
“The Secret Agent” is ready in 1977, in the course of the navy dictatorship that managed Brazil for 21 years, and stars Moura as a professor making an attempt to flee persecution from the authoritarian authorities. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho, additionally identified for the movies “Aquarius” and “Bacurau,” was current to help Moura, who gave the filmmaker a shout out throughout his speech.
“He’s extraordinary,” the actor mentioned, thanking Filho. “This superb artist, this very Brazilian artist, and in addition a unprecedented buddy.”
Moura additionally thanked Neon, in addition to Brazilian audiences, for his or her help of the movie, which premiered on the Cannes Movie Pageant earlier than releasing within the U.S. in November.
“It’s actually cool to be amongst so many artists you admire. Thanks, Neon. You guys are superior. Thanks for all the trouble and laborious work you’re placing on this movie, on this Brazilian movie,” Moura mentioned. “I need to thank, after all, my buddies, my household, all Brazilians all over the world, and Brazilians that really feel represented by this movie. It means rather a lot to us.”
Referencing the movie’s storyline, Moura mentioned that he was born in the course of the Brazilian navy dictatorship and associated to his character’s struggles to stay to his values within the face of oppression. He then provided a message of hope, evaluating the place his nation is now to the place it as soon as was, whereas alluding to present political points within the U.S.
“I’m very proud to say that, proper now, Brazilian democracy is in very, superb form,” Moura mentioned. “There may be hope. Let’s all follow our values.”
Following the premiere of “The Secret Agent” at Cannes, Moura obtained the pageant’s Finest Actor award for his main function within the movie. He has since obtained a nomination on the Gotham Awards for Excellent Lead Efficiency, and received the New York Movie Critics Circle’s Finest Actor award.
The occasion occurred on Thursday, December 4, in Los Angeles with an intimate cocktail reception and awards ceremony. Keep tuned for extra unique editorial and social content material from the night time, together with video interviews, outtakes, and extra.
You may watch Moura’s full acceptance speech within the video above.
