If you blinked last night, you missed one of the most spine-chilling moments in the history of national cinema. Wagner Moura not only won the Best Actor in a Drama Film award at the 2026 Golden Globes, but he also delivered a speech that was an instant classic. The actor from Bahia took home the statuette for his visceral performance in “The Secret Agent,” beating out heavyweights from Hollywood.
Brazil on top of the world
This victory marks an unprecedented feat: it is the first time a Brazilian actor has won in this main category. Visibly emotional, Moura took the stage and began by thanking his team and the film’s director, Kleber Mendonça Filho, whom he called a “genius and brother.”
But it was the central message of the speech that silenced the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton. Speaking in English, he connected the film’s plot — set during the military dictatorship and focused on erased memories — with the current moment.
“I think that if trauma can be passed from generation to generation, values can be too. So, this is for those who are resisting with their values in difficult times,” the actor declared, also dedicating the award to his wife, Sandra Delgado, and their children.
“Long live Brazilian culture”
The high point, however, came at the end. Breaking the English-language protocol, Wagner looked into the camera and sent a direct message home: “And to everyone in Brazil, watching this right now… Long live Brazil, long live Brazilian culture.”
The night was a double win for Brazil. Shortly before, “The Secret Agent” had already secured the award for Best Non-English Language Film. The production solidifies the successful partnership between Moura and Kleber Mendonça Filho and puts the country back in the spotlight of the awards season with full force.
Wagner’s victory is not just a trophy on the shelf; it is confirmation that Brazilian talent plays — and wins — in the top tier of world cinema.
