Wagner Moura, star of the new film “The Secret Agent,” was presented with IndieWire Honors‘ Performance Award during a December 4 ceremony at Nya West in Los Angeles. While accepting the award, the Brazilian actor was both playful — dancing a samba as he walked up to the stage — and serious, giving a speech about the legacy of fascism in his home country.
“The Secret Agent” is set in 1977, during the military dictatorship that controlled Brazil for 21 years, and stars Moura as a professor attempting to escape persecution from the authoritarian government. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho, also known for the films “Aquarius” and “Bacurau,” was present to support Moura, who gave the filmmaker a shout out during his speech.
“He’s extraordinary,” the actor said, thanking Filho. “This amazing artist, this very Brazilian artist, and also an extraordinary friend.”
Moura also thanked Neon, as well as Brazilian audiences, for their support of the film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before releasing in the U.S. in November.
“It’s really cool to be among so many artists you admire. Thank you, Neon. You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the effort and hard work you’re putting in this film, in this Brazilian film,” Moura said. “I want to thank, of course, my friends, my family, all Brazilians around the world, and Brazilians that feel represented by this film. It means a lot to us.”
Referencing the film’s storyline, Moura said that he was born in the middle of the Brazilian military dictatorship and related to his character’s struggles to stick to his values in the face of oppression. He then offered a message of hope, comparing where his country is now to where it once was, while alluding to current political issues in the U.S.
“I’m very proud to say that, right now, Brazilian democracy is in very, very good shape,” Moura said. “There is hope. Let’s all stick with our values.”
Following the premiere of “The Secret Agent” at Cannes, Moura received the festival’s Best Actor award for his leading role in the film. He has since received a nomination at the Gotham Awards for Outstanding Lead Performance, and won the New York Film Critics Circle’s Best Actor award.
The event took place on Thursday, December 4, in Los Angeles with an intimate cocktail reception and awards ceremony. Stay tuned for more exclusive editorial and social content from the night, including video interviews, outtakes, and more.
You can watch Moura’s full acceptance speech in the video above.