Wagner Moura Makes Golden Globes History With Best Actor Win

Wagner Moura made history Sunday night by winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama for his role in The Secret Agent, becoming the first Brazilian actor ever to take home the award.

Accepting the honor, Moura spoke about the deeper meaning behind the film. “The Secret Agent is a film about memory — or the lack of memory — and generational trauma,” he said. “If trauma can be passed down through generations, values can too. This award is for those who hold on to their values in difficult times.”

Moura faced strong competition in the category, which included Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Oscar Isaac (Frankenstein), Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Jeremy Allen White (Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere). He had previously earned a Golden Globe nomination for his TV work on Narcos, but this win marks a major milestone in his film career.

The ceremony took place at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles during the annual Golden Globe Awards and was hosted for the second consecutive year by comedian Nikki Glaser.

The Secret Agent also made history beyond Moura’s win. It is the first Brazilian production ever nominated for Best Motion Picture — Drama, and it is also in the running for Best Foreign Language Film.

Set in Brazil in 1977 during the country’s military dictatorship, the political thriller follows a technology expert and political dissident trying to escape persecution while resisting an authoritarian regime. The film is directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho.

The movie first gained attention at the Cannes Film Festival, where it emerged as one of the most celebrated titles of the year. Moura won Best Actor at Cannes, Mendonça Filho received Best Director, and the film also claimed the FIPRESCI Prize and the Art House Cinema Award.

Since its debut, Moura’s performance has earned him multiple nominations, including recognition from the Gotham Awards, Satellite Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and several critics’ and guild organizations.

With his Golden Globe victory, Moura has not only delivered a career-defining performance but also opened a new chapter for Brazilian cinema on the global awards stage.