When Brazilian cinema appears on the Oscars’ radar or gains recognition abroad, many people view it as some kind of creative miracle, as if, every so often, a brilliant film were to emerge that puts Brazil on the world cinema map. But the truth is that what is happening today is no miracle at all.
The international recognition our films have been receiving is the result of a long process marked by learning, professionalization, and the maturation of the industry. Brazilian cinema did not reach this point by chance; it was built step by step by directors, technicians, producers, and actors who helped raise the standard of national film production.
A trend that has gained momentum thanks to major films
To understand the current situation, it is important to look at some of the films that helped put Brazil on the international map. Films such as *Central Station*, directed by Walter Salles, and *City of God*, by Fernando Meirelles, demonstrated that the country had compelling stories to tell and the technical quality to compete at major film festivals.
Later, *Elite Squad*, directed by José Padilha, demonstrated that Brazilian cinema was also capable of connecting with a wide audience through intense storytelling, a modern pace, and solid production values. Each of these films helped lay the foundation for an industry that is now beginning to reap the rewards of its maturation.
From cinema as a passion to cinema as an industry
One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the way the industry now views itself. For a long time, Brazilian cinema was seen primarily as an artistic endeavor, heavily dependent on public funding and the directors’ artistic vision. That is still part of the equation, but today there is also a much stronger industrial focus.
According to data from the National Film Agency (Ancine), the Brazilian audiovisual industry generates approximately 25 billion reais annually. This reflects a robust production chain, with thousands of professionals and an increasingly professional infrastructure. Producers, screenwriters, and directors have come to understand that artistic quality and market strategy must go hand in hand.
The shift from soap operas to TV series
Another interesting trend is emerging within the Brazilian audiovisual industry itself. For decades, Brazil’s main cultural export was soap operas, which dominated television and established a very strong narrative tradition. However, in recent years, the focus has begun to shift to another format: TV series.
With the rise of streaming, Brazilian productions have begun to gain traction on international platforms. Series such as Max’s *Beleza Fatal* and Netflix’s *Os Donos do Jogo* have garnered attention abroad and demonstrate the enormous potential of this format. This could mark the beginning of a new era for the Brazilian audiovisual industry, in which Brazil moves beyond exporting only soap operas and begins to compete for a share of the global series market.
Brazilian talent in front of and behind the camera
Another sign of this transformation is the growing presence of Brazilian professionals in international productions. Actors such as Wagner Moura, Rodrigo Santoro, and Bruna Marquezine are gaining increasing visibility in international projects.
But the spotlight isn’t just on the actors; Brazilian professionals are also making their mark in technical fields. Adolpho Veloso, who is nominated for the 2026 Oscar in the Best Cinematography category for the film *Sonhos de Trem*, is the most prominent example at the moment. This Brazilian presence extends to other roles, such as screenwriting and production. In animation, we have Carlos Saldanha, who made his mark with major productions like Ice Age and Rio. And a new generation of directors is beginning to emerge strongly, such as Fernando Coimbra, demonstrating that there is creative renewal within the industry.
Why are major studios turning their attention to Brazil?
The maturation of the Brazilian film industry has also changed the way international companies view the country. Entertainment giants like Sony Pictures and Netflix are no longer just looking for unique stories from Brazil; what they find here is an infrastructure capable of producing content that can compete on a global scale. Skilled technical teams, universal narratives, and a large domestic market make Brazil an increasingly attractive partner for international productions.
In addition, there is a trend that could open up new opportunities for the industry in the coming years. With the growth of streaming platforms, it is increasingly common for international companies to hire local production companies to provide so-called production services —that is, to carry out local productions designed for the global market. This is fostering the emergence of new domestic production companies. As demand for projects increases, so does the need for teams, infrastructure, and companies capable of supporting these productions. In the future, this could mean an even more diverse industry, with more players and opportunities for audiovisual professionals.
There are still challenges
Despite this positive momentum, it is important to keep our feet on the ground. The Brazilian market is still small compared to that of the United States, and much of domestic production continues to depend on tax incentives. Issues such as legal certainty, regulatory stability, and greater private-sector investment remain significant challenges to the industry’s growth. In other words: Brazilian cinema has come a long way, but it still has a long road ahead.
An industry that has finally gained traction
Despite these challenges, one thing has clearly changed: consistency. In the past, Brazil was seen as a country capable of producing great films only sporadically. Today, there is a structure in place that allows high-quality productions to emerge much more frequently.
Between the legacy left by directors such as Fernando Meirelles, Walter Salles, and José Padilha and the emergence of new creative voices, the Brazilian film and television industry appears to be entering a more mature phase. The international recognition we see today is no fluke: it is the result of decades of hard work and, most likely, just the beginning of a new era for Brazilian films and series.
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