Brazil selects ‘The Secret Agent’ as Oscar submission

Brazil’s selection committee has chosen Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent as the country’s Oscar submission in the international feature film category. 

‘The Secret Agent’ review: 

The 1977-set thriller about an academic who flees an enemy back to his birthplace in Recife premiered in Cannes. Filho was named best director on the Croisette and accepted the best actor award on behalf of Wagner Moura.

The next stop-off for The Secret Agent is New York Film Festival later this month, where it plays in Main Slate.

Neon holds North American rights and it is understood will mount a multi-pronged awards push led by Moura in the best actor contest.

Mubi holds UK & Ireland, India, and Latin American rights excluding Brazil, where Vitrine Films distributes. Mk2 represents international sales.

Last season, Brazil’s I’m Still Here by Walter Salles won the international feature film award.

The submission deadline for the international feature film category is October 1, and the Academy will announce the shortlists on December 16. The nominations are announced on January 22, 2026.

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