Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, two of the main anchors of the Today Show, 

have come under fire on social media for an apparent oversight during their coverage of the 97th Academy Awards. 

Viewers took to social media to criticize the hosts for failing to acknowledge I’m Still Here, a Brazilian historical drama that won the prestigious award for Best International Feature Film.

The Controversy Over the Overlooked Oscar Winner

The film, directed by Walter Salles, tells the powerful story of Eunice Paiva, a woman searching for her missing husband, 

Rubens Paiva, a former Brazilian lawmaker who was kidnapped by military agents in 1971. 

Starring Fernanda Torres as Eunice, the film made history by becoming the first Brazilian movie to win an Oscar in this category. 

However, despite its significance, it was seemingly left out of the Today Show’s post-Oscar coverage, sparking frustration among viewers.

One disappointed fan took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to call out the oversight, writing:

“Did the @TODAYshow simply ignore I’m Still Here? What the F???? It’s embarrassing the arrogance…”

The omission was especially noticeable given the film’s historic win and the impact it has had both culturally and politically.

A Historic Win for Brazil

Before its Oscar victory, I’m Still Here had already gained international recognition, winning Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival. The film was widely praised for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling, making it a strong contender in a category filled with exceptional films.

In order to secure the Oscar, I’m Still Here had to outperform several highly acclaimed competitors, including:

The Girl With the Needle (Denmark) – A true-crime story

The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Iran) – A legal drama set in Tehran

Emilia Pérez (France) – A musical that was considered the frontrunner for the award

Despite the stiff competition, I’m Still Here triumphed, marking a monumental moment for Brazilian cinema.

Walter Salles’ Emotional Acceptance Speech

Director Walter Salles, who was previously nominated in the same category for his 1998 film Central Station, expressed deep gratitude during his acceptance speech at the Oscars. Reflecting on the inspiration behind I’m Still Here, he said:

“This goes to a woman who, after a loss suffered during an authoritarian regime, decided not to bend and to resist. Her name is Eunice Paiva.”

He also paid tribute to the actresses who brought Eunice’s story to life, stating:

“To the two extraordinary women who gave life to [Eunice Paiva]: Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro.”

Salles’ win was seen as a long-overdue recognition of his contribution to global cinema, as his earlier work Central Station had been overlooked in favor of Life Is Beautiful in 1998.

A Film That Sparked National Debate

Beyond its success in the film industry, I’m Still Here has had a significant impact on Brazilian society. The film’s powerful depiction of historical events has reignited discussions surrounding Brazil’s amnesty law, which has long shielded those responsible for crimes committed during the country’s military dictatorship.

The film’s popularity even led to a real-world consequence—Brazil’s Supreme Court reopened the case of Rubens Paiva’s disappearance, decades after the incident first took place. This development underscores the film’s ability to not only tell a compelling story but also push for justice and accountability.

Walter Salles has emphasized that while the film was intended to examine Brazil’s past, it has taken on new meaning in the current political climate. With the rise of far-right politics, particularly during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, I’m Still Here serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of remembering history.

Backlash Over the Today Show’s Coverage

Given the significance of I’m Still Here’s Oscar win, fans of the film were understandably frustrated by its apparent omission from Today Show’s morning coverage. Many viewers expected a more comprehensive report on the biggest moments of the Academy Awards and were disappointed to see the film go unmentioned.

While neither Savannah Guthrie nor Craig Melvin have addressed the criticism, the backlash highlights the growing expectation for major media outlets to properly acknowledge diverse and international contributions to cinema.

Final Thoughts

The 97th Academy Awards was a historic night for many, and I’m Still Here’s victory was one of the most significant wins of the evening. However, the Today Show’s apparent failure to acknowledge it has led to a wave of criticism.

As international cinema continues to gain prominence on Hollywood’s biggest stage, audiences are becoming more aware of media coverage gaps. Whether or not Guthrie and Melvin address the controversy, the reaction serves as a reminder that recognition and representation in the film industry—and the media—matter now more than ever.

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