Chapter 14 – Brazil Makes History
The night of March 2, 2025 arrived like a hurricane.
Since the morning, Gustavo had felt the weight of expectation on his chest. He knew that this would be the most important day of his life.
The day of the Oscars.
The Dolby Theatre was dazzling. Golden lights, a red carpet that seemed to stretch into infinity, photographers' flashes capturing every detail. The whole world was watching.
Gustavo was sitting in the audience, next to Walter, Selton and Fernanda.
He wore a classic black tuxedo, impeccably tailored to his body. His hair was slicked back, his beard well trimmed. Mature, confident.
But inside?
Inside, he was pure nervousness.
The ceremony began.
Conan O'Brien, the evening's host, took the stage and, as expected, began with his sharp jokes.
— Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Oscars! Tonight we have incredible talent... and also some people who paid a fortune to sit here!
The audience laughed.
He continued:
"We have young and talented nominees this year. One of them is Gustavo Salles, nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Gustavo is only 19 years old. I repeat: NINETEEN YEARS OLD. At 19, I couldn't even pay rent properly, and this kid could leave here with an Oscar!"
The camera focused on Gustavo, who laughed and shook his head.
Selton Mello nudged him.
"You've already become an icon, kid."
Gustavo laughed.
"This still doesn't seem real."
Fernanda held his hand for a moment.
"Enjoy it, Gustavo. Today is history."
And he knew she was right.
The awards were handed out.
With each new winner, the speeches were moving, inspiring, and making people laugh.
Gustavo watched everything in silence, feeling his stomach churn.
Until…
The Best International Film category arrived.
The Dolby Theatre fell into absolute silence.
On stage, Penélope Cruz opened the envelope.
The moment seemed to last an eternity.
Gustavo held his breath.
Fernanda closed her eyes.
Selton bit his lip.
Walter remained still.
And then, Penélope's voice echoed through the theatre:
— And the Oscar goes to...
Silence.
Hearts racing.
— I'm Still Here.
Brazil exploded.
Gustavo jumped from his seat, shouting and applauding.
Fernanda held her face, tears in her eyes.
Selton hugged Gustavo and Walter at the same time, laughing with pure joy.
The audience at the Dolby Theatre gave a standing ovation.
Walter stood up, took a deep breath and walked to the stage. Gustavo and Fernanda watched, their eyes shining, as he picked up the golden statuette. The first Oscar in Brazil's history.
Walter held the award, took a deep breath and spoke into the microphone: — This moment is more than an award. It is the realization of a collective dream. A dream that has been held for decades by Brazilian cinema.
The audience listened attentively.
— I dedicate this Oscar to all the filmmakers, screenwriters, actors and technicians of Brazil, who for years fought for our cinema to be recognized worldwide. This victory is for you.
Fernanda held Gustavo's hand, moved.
Walter continued. — I thank my cast. Fernanda Torres, a force of nature. Selton Mello, an immeasurable talent. And Gustavo Salles…
The camera focused on Gustavo, who felt his heart race.
— My brother, you arrived shy, insecure, and today you are sitting there as an Oscar nominee. You deserve all of this.
Gustavo felt his eyes well up.
Walter raised the statuette and concluded:
— Brazil is here. And always will be. Thank you!
The theater erupted in applause.
Gustavo couldn't stop smiling.
He looked at Fernanda, looked at Selton, looked at Walter on stage... and he knew.
Nothing would ever be the same again.
They had made history.
And the world would never forget that moment.
Chapter 15 – The Big Night Continues
The Oscar for Best International Film still echoed in Gustavo Salles' mind. He felt the adrenaline pumping, his body still vibrating with the historic victory of Still Here.
Brazil's first Oscar.
Walter had already returned to his seat, the golden statuette resting on the table, and the emotion had not yet subsided.
Gustavo looked at the award shining under the lights of the Dolby Theatre and felt a shiver.
But the ceremony was not over.
Now, the most anticipated moment of the night had arrived.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen," said Conan O'Brien on stage, "it's time to find out the big winner of the night...
Best Film."
The air grew heavy.
Gustavo felt the tension in the room. That was the most important award of the night.
He exchanged glances with Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello. There was hope.
The name of Still Here was there, among the nominees.
It was a historic moment.
Fernanda took a deep breath, crossing her fingers.
Walter, despite being calm, had his eyes fixed on the stage.
Selton smiled slightly, but Gustavo knew he was tense.
The presenters of the category slowly opened the envelope.
The silence in the theater was absolute.
— And the Oscar goes to…
A second that seemed like an eternity.
And then:
— "Anora!"
The audience burst into applause.
Gustavo felt a chill in his chest.
But he was the first to start applauding.
Walter did the same.
Selton did the same.
Fernanda stood up and clapped proudly.
The producers and cast of Anora went up on stage, excited, holding the statuette.
Gustavo looked at Walter and smiled.
— We lost, but we still made history.
Walter nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes.
"This was never about winning or losing. This was about showing the world what we can do."
And Gustavo knew he was right.
They didn't leave defeated that night.
Brazil had already won.
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