'The Secret Agent' nabs Spirit Awards win in boost to Oscars campaign / Photo: Valerie MACON - AFP
-
Daughter says Maradona died after carers' plan 'went out of control'
-
OPEC+ hikes oil production quotas but stays mum on UAE pull-out
-
Two women suffocate on migrant boat seeking to reach UK
-
How Schalke returned to the Bundesliga after their 'worst season ever'
-
Two women die on migrant boat seeking to reach UK
-
Mumbai coach Jayawardene backs Suryakumar to find his 'rhythm'
-
Under full moon, Shakira thrills 2 million fans on Rio's Copacabana beach
-
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
-
More Nepalis drive electric, evading global fuel shocks
-
Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending
-
Messi goal not enough as Miami collapse in 4-3 loss to Orlando
-
German fertiliser makers and farmers struggle with Iran war fallout
-
OPEC+ to make first post-UAE production decision
-
Massive crowds fill Rio's Copacabana beach for Shakira concert
-
Embiid, Maxey shine as 76ers eliminate Celtics in NBA playoffs
-
Fleeting freedom at festival for India's transgender community
-
Trump says cutting US troop numbers in Germany 'way down'
-
Man charged with murdering Indigenous girl in Australian outback
-
Teen F1 leader Antonelli takes Miami pole as start time moved
-
Trump says US not likely to accept new Iran peace proposal
-
China's Wu Yize wins last-frame thriller to reach snooker world final
-
Serene Korda takes three-shot lead at LPGA Mexico
-
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby in historic triumph for trainer DeVaux
-
King Charles grasped 'opportunity' on US trip, palace says
-
China's Wu wins last-frame thriller to reach snooker world final
-
Verstappen sees light at the end of tunnel
-
Young stretches PGA lead to six at Doral
-
Rio's Copacabana beach hosts massive crowd for free Shakira concert
-
Celtics' Tatum ruled out for decisive game seven against Sixers
-
Wolff heralds Antonelli speed as teen joins Senna and Schumacher in record books
-
Senior Iranian officer says fresh conflict with US 'likely'
-
Barcelona on verge of Liga title, Villarreal secure top four
-
Teen F1 leader Antonelli takes Miami Grand Prix pole
-
Porto edge Alverca to clinch Portuguese league title
-
US airlines step up as Spirit winds down
-
Barcelona on verge of La Liga title defence with win at Osasuna
-
Drugmaker asks US Supreme Court to restore abortion pill access
-
Schalke return to Bundesliga after three-year absence
-
NATO, top Republicans question US troop withdrawal from Germany
-
Napoli frustrate Como in costly Serie A stalemate
-
Illegal party at French military site draws up to 40,000 ravers
-
Arsenal hit stride to go six points clear, West Ham loss offers Spurs hope
-
Arsenal go six points clear as Gyokeres double sinks Fulham
-
PSG fringe team held by Lorient as Bayern Munich return leg looms
-
Clinical Chennai down Mumbai to keep playoff hopes alive
-
Napoli and Como play out goalless draw in Serie A
-
Murphy into World Snooker Championship final after edging Higgins
-
PSG held by Lorient with fringe team ahead of Bayern Munich return leg
-
Aviation companies step up as Spirit winds down
-
Champion Norris leads Piastri home in sprint 1-2 triumph for McLaren
'The Secret Agent' nabs Spirit Awards win in boost to Oscars campaign
"The Secret Agent" notched best international film at the Spirit Awards on Sunday, gathering momentum as Hollywood prepares for the Academy Awards, where it is also up for honors.
The annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony only celebrates movies made for less than $30 million.
Director Kleber Mendonca Filho hailed the win as one that hopefully "gives more visibility to Brazilian cinema."
The film follows a former academic pursued by hitmen amid the political turmoil of Brazil under military rule.
It prevailed Sunday over contenders including rave-themed road trip movie "Sirat," which will compete alongside "The Secret Agent" for best international feature film at the Oscars, capping Hollywood's awards season.
"The Secret Agent" will also be up for best picture, best actor and best casting.
Brazil's "I'm Still Here" won best international feature last year.
Earlier in the day, Mendonca Filho told AFP "it's a very strong year."
"When I look at 'The Secret Agent' next to all the other films, I feel very proud," the 57-year-old filmmaker said.
The Academy Awards will be presented on March 15.
W.AbuLaban--SF-PST
