Brazilian film wins Cannes awards
In 2025, a Brazilian film titled The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, caused a sensation at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won two Palms: one for best direction and another for best male interpreter, awarded to Wagner Moura. International recognition follows
The film, which was also nominated for the César Awards and the Oscars, was crowned best foreign film at the Golden Globes. Wagner Moura also received a Golden Globe for best actor in a dramatic film for his role in the film. Audience numbers and streaming availability
The film attracted 412,048 French spectators in cinemas and 2.3 million television viewers in Brazil. In France, the film was available on streaming on the Canal+ platform as of summer 2026. It earned 4.5 million dollars worldwide. Plot and historical context
The film is set in 1977 during a military dictatorship, following Armando Solimões, a former professor from the Federal University of Pernambuco, who is forced to change his identity to Marcelo Alves and is hunted by two hired killers across Brazil. Critical reception and director's insight
The press noted The Secret Agent with a rating of 4.6 out of 5. Wagner Moura stated in an interview with the media Trois Couleurs that the film speaks of a man who remains in agreement with his values while everything around him is the opposite. Differing audience ratings
The film is also available on HBO Max abroad and is rated 3.8 out of 5 by AlloCiné members. The film press was more enthusiastic, giving the film a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
