By Roger Costa
ADOLPHO VELOSO
Praised for his fascinating work with natural lights and unusual frames resembling the divine, cinematographer Adolpho Veloso scored one of the year’s most impressive, original and contemplative works in visual composition with the period piece “Train Dreams”. A versatile and committed cinematographer, Veloso has lensed World War I tale “Mosquito”, the Amazon-set “Rodantes”, and the stunning “Jockey” directed by Clint Bentley, set in the world of horse-riding and starring a phenomenal Clifton Collins Jr. “Train Dreams” marks his second collaboration with director Bentley (Oscar nominated last year for the screenplay of “Sing Sing”) and will be on NetFlix on November 21st.
AFFONSO GONÇALVES
Fresh off the success with “May December” and “I’m Still Here”, Sao Paulo-born editor Goncalves has three major projects this Awards season, therefore, three chances to score a nod. Two are among the most acclaimed films of the year, Jim Jarmusch’s Venice top winner “Father Mother Sister Brother” which opens on Christmas, and Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet” which is being called as Oscar-frontrunner for Best Picture and Best Actress. His other editing work is Ira Sachs’ indie interview-drama “Peter Hujar’s Day” which is now playing in theaters across the country.
CARLOS FRANCISCO
If “The Secret Agent” is basically a love letter to cinema, its influence in Recife and to the father/son genre, the patriarch of it is actually actor Carlos Francisco who plays both the projectionist of a crucial movie theater and the grandfather and guardian of the child the protagonist comes after, looking to reunite with. The heart of soul of the award-buzz thriller belongs to Seu Alexandre, his sensibility, his perceptiveness and clarity. He serves as a major guidance to the protagonist more than anyone else in the film. Having appeared in scene-stealing performances in “Bury Your Dead”, “The Son of a Thousand Men”, “Bacurau”, “Araby” and the unforgettable soccer-fanatic father in “Mars One”, Francisco proves he’s a charismatic and utterly efficient performer. As an emotional force and key element bringing coherence to the narrative, there’s a chance for a surprise Best Supporting Actor nomination for this terrific Black Brazilian performer.
PETRA COSTA
An award-winning documentarian whose latest effort, “The Edge of Democracy” earned her an Oscar nomination, Costa continues to investigate the political chaos of her native country with incredible depth, intimacy and accuracy in “Apocalypse in the Tropics” a timely, urgent piece of cinema verité on the political corruption and internal religious influences of Brazil. The film perfectly resonates with the political turmoil taking place on a global scale right in front of our eyes, making it an essential historical piece and an award-worthy masterpiece in journalistic filmmaking.
KLEBER MENDONÇA FILHO
Recife-born writer-director Mendonca Filho is Brazil’s most successful filmmaker after Walter Salles and his films are considered extraordinary socio-political portrayals of the country, but most precisely about his native Recife, its culture, folklore, influences, diversity and mysteries. With the success at this year’s Cannes for his thriller “The Secret Agent”, Kleber consolidated himself as an A-list director in the industry of world cinema. His films, “Neighboring Sounds”, “Aquarius”, “Bacurau” and the doc “Pictures of Ghosts” are celebrated as indie gems by names such as Scorsese, Panahi and Spike Lee. His chances at the Oscars are high, including nominations for Best Director, Best Picture, Original Screenplay and International Film.
MARCELO ZARVOS
One of the most prolific composers in Hollywood, Zarvos has been nominated twice to the Emmys, and has won major awards for his collaborations with top filmmakers such as Todd Haynes, Antoine Fuqua, Denzel Washington, Barry Levinson, Jodie Foster and Bruno Barreto. This year, the musician is on the spotlight for the Best Animated Oscar frontrunner, the mega NetFlix hit “K-Pop Demon Hunters”. The animated flick was a hit in theaters, becoming the company’s most profitable theatrical release and eventually one of their most successful streaming titles. Its vibrant music is one of its essential elements and could be recognized in the score and music fields.
WAGNER MOURA
The Bahia-born actor and activist became a global phenomenon with roles in “Elite Squad”, “Elysium”, “Narcos” and “Civil War”. As the leading man in “The Secret Agent”, a mysterious political activist running away from a bloody past and trying to restart a new life with his son, Moura has been picking up all the Best Actor Prizes wherever the film is shown, starting at Cannes, Zurich, Chicago, Santa Barbara, Newport, and so on. Golden Globes, SAG Awards and an Oscar nomination are certain to be next for Brazil’s most acclaimed actor.
MARIANNA BRENNAND
Brasilia-born, cultural producer turned filmmaker, Marianna Brennand is the most successful female Brazilian filmmaker of the season and her film, the massively awarded “Manas” has been collecting praises everywhere and from everyone, including having Sean Penn and Julia Roberts stepping in as executive producers. In her directorial debut, Brennand explores violence and intolerance against young women. The film wasn’t selected to represent Brazil, “The Secret Agent” did, but since the film has been shown to many voters, it is eligible for some Oscar traction including Screenplay, Cinematography and the main prize, Best Picture. Though the chances seem small, the film is certainly in the voter’s ballot and private streaming, meaning nothing is impossible.
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