Fernanda Torres – Art, Resilience and the Golden Globes

A Life of Art and Reinvention

I’ve been wanting to write a special article about this fantastic actress for a long time (I still watch at least one episode of the series Os Normais every day), and I’m a huge fan of Fernanda Torres, who is one of the most versatile and influential figures in the Brazilian cultural scene. Actress, writer, scriptwriter and columnist, her multifaceted career is marked by a continuous process of reinvention. Over more than four decades of acting, she has built a legacy that transcends barriers between different artistic languages, standing out in theater, cinema, television and literature.

Born in the cradle of Brazilian drama, daughter of the legendary Fernanda Montenegro and Fernando Torres, Fernanda has established herself as an artist with her own identity. Since her early debut in theater at the age of 13, she has demonstrated a unique ability to play complex characters and establish a deep connection with the audience. This ability has led her to win prestigious awards, such as the Palme d’Or at Cannes and, recently, the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film for her performance in the moving “I’m Still Here.”

Her art is a reflection of Brazilian culture, covering themes ranging from irreverent humor to reflections on social and historical issues. On stage, in front of the camera or through her words, Fernanda challenges conventions and enriches the country’s artistic panorama. Internationally, her talent has opened doors, bringing Brazil’s name to renowned festivals and historic awards.

With a career that combines technical excellence, creativity and authenticity, Fernanda Torres is not just an artist, but a symbol of cultural resistance and an inspiration for new generations. Her career is a celebration of the power of art as a transformative force and a testament to how talent and dedication can break down barriers and conquer the world.

Youth and Education: The Beginning of a Brilliant Career

Fernanda Pinheiro Torres was born on September 15, 1965, in Rio de Janeiro, into a family that breathed art. Daughter of renowned actors Fernanda Montenegro and Fernando Torres, she grew up in an environment of intense cultural effervescence, where the theater was not only a place of work, but a space for exchange, learning and inspiration. Her exposure to the backstage of the performing arts from an early age shaped her perception of the world and awakened her love for acting.

As a child, Fernanda showed curiosity and interest in artistic expression, often accompanying her parents to rehearsals and performances. At the age of 13, she decided to follow her own path and enrolled in the traditional Tablado Theater School, one of the main training centers for actors in the country. There, under the guidance of great teachers, she began to develop her skills and discover her passion for the stage.

Her theater debut was in 1978, in the play Um Tango Argentino , by Maria Clara Machado, one of the most iconic figures of Tablado. Since then, Fernanda has enchanted audiences with her naturalness and depth on stage. Her experience at Tablado not only refined her technique, but also solidified her determination to build a career that honored her family’s artistic tradition and, at the same time, marked her own identity.

With this solid foundation, Fernanda Torres began a career that, over the years, would be marked by a combination of natural talent, hard work and a constant search for creative challenges. These first steps in theater were fundamental in shaping the artist who, years later, would become one of the greatest representatives of Brazilian culture on the national and international scene.

Career in Theater: An Intense and Award-Winning Performance

Fernanda Torres’ theatrical career is marked by memorable performances, bold choices and an unparalleled dedication to the characters she plays. Since her debut on stage, Fernanda has demonstrated a unique ability to bring complex texts to life, exploring the emotional and psychological nuances of each role with intensity and authenticity.

One of the highlights of her career in theater is the monologue A Casa dos Budas Ditosos , adapted from the novel of the same name by João Ubaldo Ribeiro. Premiering in 2003, the show not only consolidated her position as one of the greatest Brazilian actresses, but also redefined the standards for monologues in the country. On stage, Fernanda plays an octogenarian woman from Bahia who recalls her life full of eroticism and philosophical reflections on existence. Her intense and captivating performance won over audiences and critics, being seen by more than two million spectators over the decades it was on stage.

In addition to A Casa dos Budas Ditosos , Fernanda shone in productions such as Orlando (1989), directed by Bia Lessa, where she embodied the complex journey of a character that transcends time and genres; Da Gaivota (1998), a reinterpretation of Anton Chekhov’s classic; and 5x Comédia (1996), a landmark in Brazilian theater, in which she explored different facets of humor in an innovative format.

Her versatility also stood out in plays directed by Gerald Thomas, such as The Flash and Crash Days (1991), where she shared the stage with her mother, Fernanda Montenegro. These productions were taken to international stages, including countries in Europe and the United States, solidifying her global reputation.

With performances praised for their depth and emotional delivery, Fernanda has received numerous awards throughout her theatrical career, such as the Shell Award and the Prêmio Qualidade Brasil. Her work on stage has not only raised the artistic level of Brazilian theater, but has also attracted a new generation of spectators, demonstrating the transformative power of performing arts.

Fernanda Torres’ theatrical career is proof of her ability to constantly reinvent herself while remaining true to her essence as a performer. Her success on stage, both in Brazil and abroad, reaffirms her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, capable of moving, entertaining and provoking deep reflections in all audiences.

Cinema: Fernanda Torres in the Seventh Art

Fernanda Torres made her film debut in 1983 in the film Inocência , directed by Walter Lima Jr., an adaptation of the novel by Visconde de Taunay. Her sensitive and nuanced performance caught the attention of audiences and critics, marking the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with the seventh art. Since then, Fernanda has worked with some of Brazil’s greatest directors, such as Walter Salles, Andrucha Waddington and Arnaldo Jabor, consolidating her position as one of the most respected actresses in national cinema.

Among the many films in which she acted, Eu Sei que Vou Te Amar (1986), directed by Arnaldo Jabor, became a milestone in her career. In this intimate drama, Fernanda delivered a visceral and deeply emotional performance, which earned her the Palme d’Or for Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival. This achievement placed her in the select group of Brazilian artists to receive one of the most prestigious awards in world cinema, elevating her name to an international level.

Another iconic moment in her career in cinema was her work in Casa de Areia (2005), directed by Andrucha Waddington. Acting alongside her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, she explored the complex relationship between generations in a poetic and visually stunning narrative. This film not only highlighted her versatility as an actress, but also cemented her creative partnership with Waddington, which extends beyond cinema to her personal life.

More recently, in 2024, Fernanda starred in the film Ainda Estou Aqui , directed by Walter Salles, where she played Eunice Paiva, a lawyer who dedicated her life to the search for justice and the truth about her husband’s disappearance during the military dictatorship in Brazil. Her captivating performance was widely acclaimed, not only for her emotional delivery, but also for the depth with which she brought to light the dilemmas and resilience of her character. This performance earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture in 2025, becoming the first Brazilian actress to win the award in this category.

Throughout her film career, Fernanda Torres has accumulated awards, nominations and unforgettable collaborations, establishing herself as a central figure in the Brazilian film scene and a prominent representative of the country on the international stage. Whether in dense dramas or lighter narratives, her presence on screen always guarantees a moving, complex and unforgettable performance, reaffirming her position as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

The Golden Globes 2025: A Historic Achievement

Fernanda Torres’ win at the 2025 Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture is a milestone not only in her career, but also in the history of Brazilian cinema. Playing Eunice Paiva in the film Ainda Estou Aqui , Fernanda brought to life a determined woman who spent 40 years seeking justice and the truth about her husband’s disappearance during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Based on a true story, the film is a sensitive and powerful portrait of human resilience in the face of adversity, with a performance that moved both audiences and critics.

Directed by Walter Salles, Ainda Estou Aqui is an impeccable production that combines an engaging narrative with a profound look at universal themes such as love, loss and resistance. The collaboration between Fernanda and Salles, which had already yielded results in films such as Terra Estrangeira (1995), brought to light one of the most challenging roles of her career. Eunice Paiva, played with intensity and empathy by Fernanda, is a complex character who reflects the scars of a dark time in Brazilian history, while also symbolizing the fight for dignity and truth.

The Golden Globe win was received enthusiastically in Brazil and abroad. Fernanda competed with renowned actresses such as Nicole Kidman ( Babygirl ), Kate Winslet ( Lee ), Angelina Jolie ( Maria Callas ), Tilda Swinton ( The Room Next Door ) and Pamela Anderson ( The Last Showgirl ), standing out in a highly competitive category. Upon receiving the statuette from Viola Davis, Fernanda moved the audience by dedicating the award to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, recalling that she was also at the Golden Globes in 1999, when Central do Brasil won as Best Foreign Language Film.

“I want to dedicate this award to my mother. You have no idea… She was here 25 years ago. This is proof that art can remain in people’s lives, even in difficult times, like the ones Eunice Paiva experienced,” Fernanda declared in her speech.

The global repercussion of the win was immediate, with media outlets such as Variety , Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter highlighting the importance of the award for Brazilian cinema. In Brazil, the achievement was celebrated as recognition of talent and the ability to tell stories that resonate with international audiences.

The 2025 Golden Globes were not just an individual achievement for the fantastic Fernanda Torres, but also a demonstration of the power of Brazilian cinema to address universal issues with sensitivity and depth. Her victory reaffirms her position as one of the greatest actresses of her generation and an icon of cultural relevance in the global artistic scene!

Television: Humor and Drama on the Small Screen

Fernanda Torres is a notable presence on Brazilian television, with a career that combines humor, drama and innovation. Over the years, she has stood out in productions that have marked the history of TV, winning over audiences with her versatile talent and her ability to transition between different genres and formats.

One of the most iconic moments of her television career was the series Os Normais (2001–2003), where she starred alongside Luiz Fernando Guimarães. The comedy explored, with humor and innovation, the daily lives of an eccentric couple, Rui and Vani, in absurd and hilarious situations. The success was so great that the series became a cult phenomenon, generating two spin-off films and consolidating Fernanda as one of the great names in humor on Brazilian television. Her irreverent performance and chemistry with the cast earned her awards and remains to this day a reference for intelligent and popular comedy.

Another iconic production was Tapas & Beijos (2011–2015), where Fernanda shared the screen with Andréa Beltrão. The series narrated the adventures and misadventures of two inseparable friends, Fátima and Sueli, who worked in a wedding dress shop. The dynamic duo won a legion of fans, combining sharp humor and touches of drama that gave depth to the characters. Once again, Fernanda demonstrated her ability to captivate the audience and reinvent herself in memorable roles.

In addition to acting, Fernanda has also ventured into innovative projects as a presenter and scriptwriter. On the program Minha Estupidez (2016–2017), broadcast on pay TV, she conducted interviews and reflections on various topics, with a relaxed and insightful style. In A Playlist da Minha Vida , a podcast produced by the Deezer platform, she explored stories and emotional connections through music, showing her talent as an interviewer and scriptwriter.

Fernanda Torres’ versatility on television is not limited to comedy. In productions such as Sob Pressão (2018) and the adaptation of her book Fim for a miniseries on Globoplay (2023), she demonstrated her ability in more dramatic and profound roles, highlighting her range as an actress.

With a career full of remarkable moments, Fernanda left her mark on the history of Brazilian television, combining humor, intelligence and emotion. Her contributions as an actress, presenter and screenwriter demonstrate not only her artistic versatility, but also her ability to innovate and connect with different audiences over the decades.

Literature and Scripts: The Writer’s Voice

Fernanda Torres did not limit herself to the stage and screen to express her creativity. In 2007, she began her career as a writer, contributing columns to newspapers and magazines, where her ability to observe and translate aspects of everyday life with humor and depth was widely recognized. This new path led to the publication of her acclaimed novels, Fim (2013) and A Glória e Seu Cortejo de Horrores (2017), which solidified her position as one of the most talented writers of her generation.

The End , her debut novel, is an intimate work that addresses life and death from the perspectives of five friends who are growing old and facing their own mortality. With acerbic humor and acute sensitivity, Fernanda has created an engaging narrative that has sold over 200,000 copies and has been translated into seven languages, bringing her literary voice to readers from different cultures. The warm reception to the book paved the way for its adaptation as a 10-episode miniseries for Globoplay in 2023, with a script co-written by Fernanda, reaffirming her creative versatility.

His second novel, Glory and Its Procession of Horrors , delves into the world of theater and television, exploring the ups and downs of a fictional actor’s career. The work is an insightful analysis of vanity, success and the challenges of artistic life, blending humor and drama in a unique way. Like The End , the novel received critical acclaim for its narrative depth and innovative approach.

In addition to her contributions as a novelist, Fernanda has also worked as a screenwriter for film and television. Her talent as a writer has enriched productions such as Redentor (2004) and O Juízo (2018), both films that demonstrated her ability to create dense and visually rich narratives.

Whether in literature, screenwriting or adaptations of her works, Fernanda Torres has shown herself to be a skilled and creative storyteller, capable of transitioning between different formats without losing her authenticity. Her writing, marked by deep reflections and captivating characters, expands her artistic legacy and reaffirms her ability to innovate and reinvent herself in multiple languages.

Personal Life: The Woman Behind the Actress

Behind the acclaimed actress and talented writer, Fernanda Torres is a woman whose personal life reflects resilience, love and a deep connection with her family and her values. Daughter of Fernanda Montenegro and Fernando Torres, two icons of Brazilian theater and cinema, Fernanda grew up in an environment where art was not only a profession, but also a way of life. This closeness to her parents shaped her worldview and influenced both her career and her approach to life.

Fernanda had significant relationships throughout her career, the first of which was with TV presenter Pedro Bial, with whom she lived for three years. Later, she became involved with theater director Gerald Thomas, during a period in which she divided her life between New York and Rio de Janeiro. Her longest-lasting relationship was with filmmaker Andrucha Waddington, with whom she had two sons: Joaquim, born in 2000, and Antônio, born in 2008. Motherhood transformed her perspective on life and career, bringing challenges and joys that she always reconciled with her intense artistic work.

The relationship with Andrucha had its ups and downs, including a temporary separation in 2009, but the couple resumed their relationship in 2010. Despite the difficulties, Fernanda always found ways to balance family life and professional commitments, prioritizing the well-being of her children while continuing to dedicate herself to her art.

The connection with her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, is a constant in her life. More than a family bond, this relationship is an artistic and emotional partnership that transcends the limits of time. Together, they have starred in unforgettable moments, such as in the film Casa de Areia and in the series Amor e Sorte , recorded during the pandemic. Fernanda often highlights her mother’s influence, both as an actress and as a person, dedicating awards and words of admiration to her.

Balancing her personal life and career has always been a constant pursuit for Fernanda Torres. Whether it’s creating moving stories for the public or building a welcoming home for her family, she manages to integrate these two dimensions in a unique way. Her journey as a woman, mother and artist is an example of how dedication and passion can coexist in harmony, creating a legacy that transcends the stage and the screen.

The Art that Transcends Generations

Fernanda Torres has built a career that goes far beyond awards and acclaim. Her cultural impact is profound, both in Brazil and abroad, where her art and humanist vision resonate with different audiences. With more than four decades of dedication to theater, cinema, television and literature, Fernanda has become a symbol of artistic excellence and versatility, inspiring generations of artists and spectators.

In Brazil, her work is a vibrant and multifaceted representation of national culture. From her ability to portray everyday humor in iconic series such as Os Normais and Tapas & Beijos , to the depth of her performances in films such as Eu Sei que Vou Te Amar and Ainda Estou Aqui , Fernanda manages to capture the complexities of the human spirit and Brazilian society. Her contributions have helped redefine artistic standards, raising the bar for cultural production and creating space for narratives that engage with universal themes such as love, loss, justice and resistance.

Internationally, Fernanda has also left her mark. Her work has been recognized at festivals such as Cannes, where she won the Palme d’Or for Best Actress, and at prestigious awards shows such as the Golden Globes, which she won in 2025 for her performance in I’m Still Here . These achievements not only highlight her individual talent, but also reinforce the relevance of Brazilian cinema and culture on the global stage.

In addition to her artistic contributions, Fernanda Torres uses her platform to foster social dialogue. Her novels and chronicles address themes such as aging, death, vanity, and the contradictions of contemporary life, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences. In her interviews and speeches, she often highlights the importance of art as a tool for social transformation, especially in times of adversity.

Fernanda Torres’ legacy is not only that of an award-winning artist, but that of a creator committed to the truth and beauty of human expression. Her work transcends cultural and temporal barriers, remaining relevant and inspiring for future generations. As for the future, Fernanda continues to explore new art forms and narratives, reaffirming her commitment to innovation and her passion for creation.

Whether on stage, on screen or in the pages of a book, Fernanda Torres remains a vital force in Brazilian culture, showing that art, when made with passion and authenticity, is capable of transcending generations and transforming the world.

A Symbol of Excellence in Brazilian Art

Fernanda Torres is, without a doubt, an icon of Brazilian culture. Her multifaceted career in theater, film, television and literature reflects an unwavering dedication to art and the exploration of the most diverse aspects of the human condition. With a career spanning more than four decades, Fernanda has established herself as a versatile and innovative artist, whose contributions transcend national borders and inspire both contemporaries and future generations.

Winning the Golden Globe in 2025 for her masterful performance in I’m Still Here is a well-deserved crowning achievement for her artistic journey. This award, of international relevance, not only recognizes her acting skills, but also highlights the importance of Brazilian narratives on the global stage. The victory reaffirms her ability to move, provoke reflection and engage audiences around the world, consolidating her place among the greatest names in drama.

Fernanda Torres epitomizes excellence in Brazilian art because she combines talent, authenticity, and innovation with a deep respect for the country’s culture and history. Her ability to reinvent herself and explore new forms of expression keeps her work relevant and impactful, serving as an inspiration to those who seek to make art a powerful reflection of life.

More than just an award-winning artist, Fernanda is a storyteller who touches the deepest emotions of her viewers and readers. Her legacy is a testament to the transformative power of art, capable of transcending time and generations. Looking back on her career, it is clear that Fernanda Torres is not just an actress, writer and screenwriter – she is a cultural force who will continue to influence and inspire for many years to come.