Wagner Moura Makes History as First Brazilian to Win Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama

Wagner Moura Makes History at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards

Wagner Moura has made history by becoming the first Brazilian actor to win the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) category at the Golden Globe Awards. The win came on Sunday, January 11, during the 2026 ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Moura, known for his role in The Secret Agent, accepted the award and delivered a heartfelt speech that highlighted the film’s themes of memory, trauma, and resilience. “If trauma can be passed along generations, values can too,” he said, emphasizing the importance of holding onto one’s principles even in difficult times. He also thanked those who contributed to the film and praised his fellow nominees as “extraordinary.”

A Film About Memory and Generational Trauma

The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mondonça Filho, is a powerful exploration of Brazil’s past. Moura plays Armando, a former university professor who must evade political persecution during the military dictatorship in 1977. The film delves into the psychological toll of living under oppression and the struggle to preserve one’s identity.

Moura’s performance earned him the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actor award when the movie premiered in May 2025. Mondonça Filho also won the Best Director award at Cannes, further cementing the film’s critical acclaim.

Other Notable Nominees

Moura was not the only actor recognized at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. Joel Edgerton, Oscar Isaac, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, and Jeremy Allen White were all nominated for their roles in various films.

Joel Edgerton – Train Dreams

Edgerton received a nomination for his portrayal of Robert Grainier in Train Dreams, a film based on Denis Johnson’s novella of the same name. The story follows a man who spends his life working on railroads in the Pacific Northwest. The film also received a nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes.

Oscar Isaac – Frankenstein

Oscar Isaac starred as Victor Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. The film, which features Jacob Elordi as the Creature, was nominated for several awards, including Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Original Score, and Best Director. It also won four Critics Choice Awards earlier this year.

Dwayne Johnson – The Smashing Machine

Johnson was nominated for his dramatic performance as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, a film based on a 2002 documentary about the mixed martial arts fighter. Johnson gained over 30 pounds of muscle for the role, showcasing his dedication to the part.

Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

Jordan played dual roles as twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners, a film set in 1932 Mississippi. The story follows the brothers as they open a nightclub for Black patrons, only to face unexpected challenges. The film received multiple nominations, including Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Best Director.

Jeremy Allen White – Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

White portrayed Bruce Springsteen in Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, a biographical film based on Warren Zanes’ book. The movie explores Springsteen’s creative process during the early 1980s. White, already a three-time Golden Globe winner for his role in The Bear, delivered a compelling performance that earned him recognition at the ceremony.

The Secret Agent’s Continued Recognition

In addition to Moura’s win, The Secret Agent is also nominated for Best Motion Picture in the Drama category and Best Motion Picture in the Non-English Language category at the Golden Globe Awards. The film continues to receive critical acclaim and is expected to be a strong contender in future award seasons.