The Golden Globes 2026 was a night full of surprises, emotions, and big wins. Many films from different countries competed for attention, but one movie stood out from all the rest.
That movie was The Secret Agent, a powerful political thriller from Brazil.
The film did not just win one award. It won two of the biggest honors of the night, making history for Brazilian cinema and gaining worldwide attention.
The Secret Agent won Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, beating strong films from France, South Korea, Norway, Spain, and Tunisia.
At the same time, its lead actor Wagner Moura won Best Actor in a Drama. This double win made the film one of the most important success stories of the Golden Globes 2026. Critics, fans, and film lovers all agreed that this victory was well deserved.
What Is The Secret Agent?
The Secret Agent is a Brazilian movie directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, one of Brazil’s most respected filmmakers. The movie was released in 2025 and quickly became popular at film festivals around the world.
It is a political thriller, but it is not like most serious political films. Instead of being dark all the time, it mixes fear with humor, danger with joy, and sadness with hope.
The movie tells a story about living under pressure, being watched, and trying to survive during hard times. At the same time, it shows small moments of happiness, laughter, and human connection.
This balance makes the movie special and very different from many other films in the same genre.
A Big Moment at the Golden Globes 2026
At the Golden Globes 2026, The Secret Agent achieved something rare and historic. Winning Best Non-English Language Film already showed how strong the movie was.
But when Wagner Moura also won Best Actor in a Drama, the achievement became even bigger. This meant that both the story and the performance were considered the best by the voters.
This double win is very important for Brazil. Wagner Moura became the first Brazilian actor ever to win a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama.
This moment was celebrated across Brazil and by international film fans. It showed that Brazilian stories and actors can shine on the world’s biggest stages.
Movies The Secret Agent Beat
The competition was very strong. Movies from six different countries were nominated. Each one told a different story and represented a different culture.
Still, The Secret Agent stood out because of its unique style, deep message, and powerful acting.
| Movie Name | Country | Story Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Secret Agent (Winner) | Brazil | Political thriller with dark humor |
| It Was Just an Accident | France | Serious drama |
| No Other Choice | South Korea | Musical and comedy mix |
| Sentimental Value | Norway | Emotional family story |
| Sirât | Spain | International drama |
| The Voice of Hind Rajab | Tunisia | Social and voice-driven story |
Winning against such a diverse group shows how strong and meaningful The Secret Agent truly is.
Where and When the Story Takes Place
The movie is set in 1977, in the city of Recife, Brazil. This was a very dangerous time in Brazilian history.
The country was ruled by a military dictatorship, which meant the government had full control. People were watched, followed, and punished for speaking out. Fear was part of daily life.
At the same time, the movie takes place during Carnival, a famous Brazilian festival full of music, dance, and color. This contrast is very important.
While danger and violence exist, people still celebrate life. This mix of fear and joy gives the movie its emotional power and makes every scene feel alive.
Simple Story Overview
The main character is a man named Marcelo, who also uses the name Armando to hide his identity. He is played by Wagner Moura.
Armando is a former professor and a technology expert who is running away from his past. He is being hunted by the government and by hired killers, which means he can never feel safe.
Armando’s life is full of tension. He must stay hidden.
He must trust no one. Every decision could lead to danger. But his biggest goal is very simple and human. He wants to reunite with his young son.
This emotional goal makes the story more than just a thriller. It becomes a story about family, memory, and survival.
A Story About Fear and Resistance
Even though the movie shows violence and danger, it is not hopeless.
One of its strongest ideas is that joy can be a form of resistance. Characters laugh, dance, and share moments of happiness even when fear is everywhere.
Carnival scenes show people dancing while danger surrounds them, reminding viewers that life continues even in the hardest times.
Some scenes are shocking, but they are also strangely funny.
This dark humor helps make the pain easier to face. It shows how people cope with trauma by finding humor in everyday life. This approach made critics praise the film for being brave and original.
Why Critics Loved The Secret Agent
Critics around the world praised the movie for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons was how it mixed humor and horror.
Instead of telling the story in a cold or distant way, the film feels human and warm. Even scary moments include small details that make people laugh or think deeply.
Another reason critics loved the film was its realistic style.
The movie focuses on ordinary people instead of heroes. Small details like old cars, local music, bright sunlight, and busy streets make the world feel real. This helps viewers understand what life was like during the dictatorship.
Wagner Moura’s Powerful Performance
Wagner Moura’s performance is the heart of the movie. His character, Armando, is quiet, thoughtful, and deeply emotional.
Moura does not overact. Instead, he shows pain through small expressions and calm moments. This makes the character feel real and believable.
Critics described his acting as “finely complex”, meaning it is deep and layered.
His performance helped the movie win many awards even before the Golden Globes. Winning Best Actor at the Golden Globes was the perfect result of his hard work and talent.
Awards and Festival Success Before the Golden Globes
Before winning at the Golden Globes, The Secret Agent had already gained strong momentum.
It won three awards at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most respected film festivals in the world. It also received honors from the New York Film Critics Circle.
Because of this success, Brazil selected the movie as its official Oscar submission.
Many experts believe the Golden Globe win increased its chances even more. The film is now seen as one of the strongest international contenders of the year.
Why the Movie Feels Important Today
Although the story takes place in the 1970s, it feels very modern.
Many countries today still deal with fear, control, and loss of freedom. The movie reminds viewers that history should never be forgotten and that memory is powerful.
The film also shows that resistance does not always mean fighting.
Sometimes it means dancing, laughing, and holding onto joy. This message feels hopeful and inspiring, especially in uncertain times around the world.
Main Cast of The Secret Agent
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Wagner Moura | Armando / Marcelo |
| Enzo Nunes | Young Fernando |
| Maria Fernanda Cândido | Elza |
| Gabriel Leone | Bobbi Borba |
| Hermila Guedes | Claudia |
| Udo Kier | Hans |
Each actor adds depth to the story. The cast feels natural, making every scene believable and emotional.
The Vision of Director Kleber Mendonça Filho
Director Kleber Mendonça Filho is known for making thoughtful and bold films. In The Secret Agent, he shows his ability to mix serious political ideas with emotional storytelling. He does not lecture the audience.
Instead, he lets the story speak through characters and moments.
Critics called him a vital voice in world cinema, praising his courage to tell difficult stories in creative ways. His direction is one of the main reasons the film stands out.
Why The Secret Agent Truly Deserved Its Golden Globe Win
The movie won because it did many things right at the same time. It told a powerful political story without becoming boring or heavy. It showed fear without losing hope.
It featured a performance that felt honest and deep. And it arrived at the right time, when people around the world are thinking about freedom, memory, and justice.
Final Thoughts
The Secret Agent is more than an award-winning film. It is a story about survival, memory, and human strength. Its success at the Golden Globes 2026 shows that meaningful stories can come from anywhere and still touch the whole world.
Brazil shared its history and voice through this film.
The world listened. 🎬🌍