Which films compete with ‘The Secret Agent’ at the 2026 Oscars

The 2026 awards season brought a historic milestone for national cinema. The Secret Agentnew political thriller by Kleber Mendonça Filho (Bacurau, Aquarius), won four Oscar nominations, putting Brazil back in the spotlight of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The film starring Wagner Moura is not just competing for the statuette of Best International Film. Production broke the bubble and also competes in the main categories of Best Film, Best Actor e Best Cast (new category debuted in this edition). To take home the gold, however, the work will have to overcome Hollywood heavyweights and established directors such as Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler and Guillermo del Toro.

Below, we detail everything about the plot of the Brazilian film and analyze film by film who are the big competitors who can prevent Brazil’s victory in the ceremony on March 15, 2026.

Synopsis and plot of The Secret Agent

Before getting to know the rivals, it is essential to understand the strength of the Brazilian work. Set in 1977, during the military dictatorship, the film follows Marcelo (Wagner Moura), a university professor and technology expert who flees from São Paulo to Recife.

Seeking to escape government agents and reunite with his youngest son, he arrives in the capital of Pernambuco during Carnival week. What should be a refuge becomes a paranoia trap, where Marcelo discovers that he is being watched not only by official repression, but also by his own neighbors and acquaintances. The script builds a thriller choking about vigilance and fear.

Rivals for Best International Film

This is, statistically, the category with the greatest chance of victory for Brazil. However, European competition is fierce. Films that compete with The Secret Agent in this category are:

• Sentimental Value (Norway): Directed by Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), is considered the main rival. The drama explores grief and family memory with a complex narrative and deeply resonated with Academy voters.
• It Was Just an Accident (France): The French Rep, a tense, minimalist courtroom drama, gained momentum after winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes. France has a strong record of winning in this category.
• Sirât (Spain): One thriller rural that surprised with its raw direction and naturalistic performances, running out of the competition.
• By Hind Rajab (Tunisia): The only African representative among the finalists, bringing a powerful political narrative that could attract votes from the most progressive wing of the Academy.

Competition for Best Film

The presence of a Brazilian production in the main category (Best Picture) is a rare feat. Here, The Secret Agent It faces the biggest productions of the year in terms of budget and prestige. The nominees are:

1. One Battle After Another (The Battle of Baktan Cross): Paul Thomas Anderson’s new epic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is the technical favorite. With a massive budget and stellar cast, it’s the film to beat.
2. Sinners: Ryan Coogler’s supernatural horror with Michael B. Jordan innovated the genre and broke box office records, being very popular among younger voters.
3. Frankenstein: Guillermo del Toro’s gothic reimagining for Netflix features the director’s signature stunning visuals and a cast led by Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.
4. Marty Supreme: Josh Safdie directs Timothée Chalamet in this frenetic biography about a table tennis player, bringing a fast pace that won over critics.
5. Hamnet: Chloé Zhao’s historical drama, adapted from the best-selling book, moves as it chronicles the life of Shakespeare’s wife and the death of his son.
6. Bugonia: Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Creatures) returns with yet another bizarre and visually creative social satire.
7. F1: Joseph Kosinski’s action drama, focused on motorsport, surprised by making the final list due to its technical excellence.
8. Valor Sentimental: The Norwegian film also achieved the feat of being nominated in the main category, doubling its direct competition with Brazil.

Wagner Moura and the nominees for Best Actor

Wagner Moura’s nomination establishes his international career. In the role of Marcelo, he delivers a restrained, physically and psychologically dense performance. Your competitors are:

• Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another): Always an Academy favorite, DiCaprio dominates the screen in Anderson’s epic.
• Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme): His physical transformation and chaotic energy in the film make him a strong contender, especially after winning the Golden Globe for Comedy/Musical.
• Michael B. Jordan (Sinners): Praised for playing multiple roles (twins) in the horror film, which requires great technical versatility.
• Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon): Hawke plays lyricist Lorenz Hart in a performance praised as the best of his recent career.

Production curiosities

• Reunion: The film marks the return of the partnership between Kleber Mendonça Filho and Wagner Moura, consolidating one of the most creative duos in current national cinema.
• Atmosphere: The recreation of Recife in 1977 required meticulous art direction and visual effects work to erase the city’s modernization.
• Record: With four nominations, The Secret Agent equals the historic achievement of City of God (2002), which also competed for four statuettes.

Where to watch

Interest in the film soared after the nominees were announced. Check availability:

• Our Cinemas: The Secret Agent is still showing in several cinemas across Brazil, with expanded sessions due to nominations.
• Streaming: The film is expected to reach digital platforms (probably via premium rental or partner services from distributor Vitrine Filmes) shortly after the Oscar ceremony, in mid-March or April 2026.

Regardless of the outcome on the night of March 15th, The Secret Agent has already secured its place in history. The massive presence of Brazilian films among the best in the world reaffirms the country’s cultural power and the ability of our filmmakers to dialogue with global audiences without losing their local identity.