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Must-Watch Oscar-Winning Latino Films Before March 2
With the Oscars just around the corner, it’s a great time to appreciate not only the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but also the exceptional talents from Latin America. The Best International Feature Film category, previously known as Best Foreign Language Film, has been a significant platform for Latino movies to catch the Academy’s eye, although only four Latin American films have actually taken home the award.
This year, Brazil’s I’m Still Here is nominated, and if it takes home the trophy, it will be only the fifth Latin American movie in history to win. But before March 2, let’s take a look at all the Latino movies that have actually won the Oscar and why they deserve a rewatch.
2025 Nominee: I’m Still Here (Brazil, 2024)
Brazil is back in the Oscar race with I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles. The movie is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoirs and tells the true story of Eunice Paiva, a woman searching for justice after her husband, Congressman Rubens Paiva, was kidnapped and murdered by Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1971. Starring Fernanda Torres, the film explores a dark chapter in Brazilian history through the lens of family, resilience, and political repression.
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Nominated for Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress (Fernanda Torres), this film could actually make Oscar history.
Past Latin American Winners
1. The Official Story (Argentina, 1985) – The First Latin American Oscar Winner
Argentina was the first Latin American country to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Directed by Luis Puenzo, The Official Story is a compelling political drama set during Argentina’s last military dictatorship. The film follows a woman who begins to suspect that her adopted daughter might be the child of a political prisoner who disappeared.
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With standout performances by Norma Aleandro and Héctor Alterio, this film is a poignant exploration of one of Argentina’s darkest times. It was also the first Latin American movie to win both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
2. The Secret in Their Eyes (Argentina, 2009) – Argentina’s Second Triumph
Argentina took the win again in 2009 with The Secret in Their Eyes, a captivating blend of crime thriller, romance, and political drama. Directed by Juan José Campanella, the film tells the story of a retired investigator who delves back into an unsolved murder from 25 years ago. The narrative moves between 1974 and 1999, combining a riveting mystery with a heartfelt love story.
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With a cast including Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, and Guillermo Francella, this movie is packed with unforgettable scenes—especially the iconic one-shot sequence in a soccer stadium. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves crime dramas with a deeper meaning.
3. A Fantastic Woman (Chile, 2017) – A Historic Win for Chile
In 2017, Chile snagged its first Oscar win with ‘A Fantastic Woman,’ directed by Sebastián Lelio. The movie centers on Marina, a trans woman who faces rejection and discrimination after her boyfriend’s unexpected death. Starring Daniela Vega, who made history as the first openly transgender presenter at the Oscars, the film delivers a powerful message about identity, resilience, and love.
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Besides its groundbreaking Oscar victory, ‘A Fantastic Woman’ played a crucial role in bringing trans representation to the forefront in movies.
4. Roma (Mexico, 2018) – Mexico’s First Oscar Win for Best International Feature Film
Even though Mexico had received numerous nominations over the years, the country didn’t win an Oscar for Best International Feature Film until 2018, with the movie Roma. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this semi-autobiographical film tells the story of Cleo, a domestic worker for a wealthy family set in 1970s Mexico City.
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Filmed in black and white, the movie is a visually stunning tribute to Cuarón’s own childhood and the often-overlooked stories of Indigenous domestic workers in Latin America. “Roma” also made history by getting nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress (Yalitza Aparicio), a rare accomplishment for a non-English film.
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