Brazilians Express Disappointment After Fernanda Torres Loses Best Actress Oscar to Mikey Madison

Brazilian social media erupted with criticism in the early hours of Monday after American actress Mikey Madison won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in "Anora," beating out Brazil's Fernanda Torres and Hollywood veteran Demi Moore. The 25-year-old Madison's victory came as a surprise to many awards season observers who had considered Moore (for "The Substance") the frontrunner, with Torres (for "I'm Still Here") also receiving significant acclaim throughout the season. Despite "I'm Still Here" winning Brazil's first-ever Oscar for Best International Feature Film, the disappointment over Torres' loss in the acting category dominated Brazilian social media conversations."'Anora' proved that 'The Substance' was right in its criticism - the industry will always prefer a younger woman," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), commenting on the official Academy Awards page. The comment references themes from "The Substance," which offers a pointed critique of Hollywood's obsession with youth.

Brazilian fans also flooded Demi Moore's social media accounts with supportive messages, with one writing: "Diva! You and Fernanda should confront the youngster outside the ceremony!" Others left messages on Torres' accounts declaring: "Congratulations to the real Best Actress!! The people's opinion is the only one that matters."Despite the online backlash, Torres herself showed no signs of resentment. She was photographed warmly congratulating Madison after the ceremony, and the two actresses posed together with director Walter Salles at the post-ceremony celebrations. Madison, notably, does not maintain any social media presence.

This isn't the first time Torres has addressed online hostility during this awards season. In late January, after Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón (star of "Emilia Pérez") sought her advice on handling online attacks, Torres urged restraint: "Let's not treat anyone badly and create a situation where it's one against another, for God's sake.""Anora," directed by Sean Baker, was the night's big winner with five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.