Chapter 4 – Brazil Discovers Gustavo Salles
The plane landed smoothly on the runway at Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, and Gustavo felt a mix of relief and excitement as he looked out the window at the outline of the mountains and the vastness of the blue sea. He was back in Brazil after months of traveling the world, receiving awards and being introduced to a new reality. But nothing compared to the feeling of being home.
"Finally!" Selton exclaimed next to him, stretching out in his first-class seat. "I couldn't stand airplane food anymore."
Fernanda laughed, closing the book she was reading.
"Are you going to tell me you preferred the awards banquets?"
"I preferred a good plate of beans and rice."
Gustavo smiled, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He knew his arrival would not be smooth. Ever since he and Fernanda had won the Golden Globe and the Critics Choice Awards, his name had been everywhere.
He took out his cell phone and opened social media. The number of followers had skyrocketed, the comments and messages seemed endless. Articles about him were popping up in the main Brazilian and international newspapers. He was called the revelation of the year, the new face of Brazilian cinema, the unlikely star who conquered Hollywood.
But it was when he opened a video of Fantástico, on Rede Globo, that he really realized the scale of the situation.
The program's iconic intro played, and the reporter's voice filled the air.
"Gustavo Salles, the younger brother of renowned director Walter Salles, is conquering the world of cinema. But who is this 19-year-old who came from anonymity to shine at the biggest international awards?"
The screen changed to a montage of videos: Gustavo on the red carpet, receiving awards, excerpts from interviews.
"Described by colleagues and friends as humble, funny and affectionate, Gustavo is also someone with a strong personality. When necessary, he knows how to be serious, dedicated and disciplined."
The scene cut to a clip of his interview on the show, recorded a few days earlier in London.
— Gustavo, the Brazilian public is curious to know: how was this sudden transformation in your life?
He laughed, settling into the hotel sofa.
— It was crazy. From one day to the next, my routine turned upside down. But I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground and focus on what really matters, which is my work and the learning that comes with it.
"But Gustavo is not just a talented actor. Off-screen, he dedicates himself to helping several NGOs in Brazil, especially those focused on needy children and animal rescue."
The video showed images of him visiting institutions, playing with children, helping to feed rescued dogs and cats.
— I think that when you have the opportunity to help, you have to do it without thinking twice — Gustavo said in the video. — I've had many opportunities in life, and not everyone is so lucky. So, if I can give something good back to people and animals in need, I will.
Selton whistled, impressed.
— It's nice, huh?
Gustavo shook his head, laughing.
— I didn't even know they were doing such a big story.
Fernanda patted him on the shoulder.
— My dear, you've become the talk of the town. Brazil wants to know everything about you.
And it seemed like they really did.
The video continued, now exploring a side of Gustavo that few people knew about.
"But it's not just in movies and philanthropy that Gustavo stands out. The young actor has a radical streak and likes sports that make the heart race."
The video showed images of him riding a jet ski at high speed, jumping over the waves. Then came a clip of him controlling a helicopter, followed by images of him in a single-engine plane, looking intently at the navigation instruments.
"Qualified to drive cars, motorcycles, jet skis, helicopters and planes, Gustavo is also a certified skydiver and has already made dozens of jumps."
The scene cut to a first-person shot of a skydive. The camera attached to his helmet showed Gustavo throwing himself out of the plane, the wind cutting his face as he plummeted in free fall.
"My God, kid, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Selton exclaimed, looking at him.
Gustavo laughed.
"That was in Boituva, a few months ago. I love skydiving."
Fernanda shook her head in disbelief.
"All that and you're an award-winning actor? It's hard to compete with you."
He just smiled, but the Fantástico video wasn't over yet.
"In addition to all these skills, Gustavo Salles is also certified to carry and own weapons and is often seen at shooting ranges."
The screen showed images of him handling a sniper rifle, calmly aiming before firing. Then another video appeared of him handling a pistol, reloading it quickly and hitting the target with precision.
"Are you kidding me that you also shoot?" Selton's eyes widened.
Gustavo shrugged.
"I like to train. It's something that requires discipline and concentration.
In the video, the reporter continued.
"The young actor says that his practice in sports shooting is just a hobby and that he takes safety very seriously."
The next part was an interview with him.
— I don't encourage anyone to use weapons irresponsibly. For me, it's a matter of training and discipline. Just like skydiving or flying, it's something that needs to be done with respect and responsibility.
"With so many facets, Gustavo Salles has become one of the most talked about figures in Brazil. And, despite all the success and international recognition, he remains the same humble young man who began this journey without imagining where it would take him."
The video ended with a montage of him laughing with the cast, hugging Fernanda at the Golden Globes and talking to fans.
As soon as the video ended, Gustavo let out a sigh and placed his cell phone on the plane table.
— Well... now everyone knows everything about me.
Selton laughed out loud.
"Kid, if you don't become one of the most famous actors in Brazil after this, I don't know what else needs to happen."
Fernanda smiled.
"Just don't let it go to your head, okay?"
"Never."
Gustavo knew his life would never be the same again. He was no longer just Walter Salles' younger brother. He was Gustavo Salles. And now, the world was paying attention to him.
Chapter 5 – The Dream of an Oscar
The clock read 7:45 in the morning, and Walter Salles' house was already full. Anticipation hung in the air like electricity before a storm.
In the spacious and elegant living room, the couches were occupied by the cast of Still Here. Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Walter Salles and, of course, Gustavo were there, accompanied by crew members and close friends. On the coffee table, there were forgotten cups of coffee, plates with untouched pieces of cake and some cell phones vibrating non-stop.
The reason?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was about to announce the nominees for the 2025 Oscar.
Gustavo was sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch, with his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped together. His heart was pounding, cold sweat running down the back of his neck. He was young, just starting out… But the rumors of the last few weeks were impossible to ignore.
CNN was live on TV. Two presenters were ready to reveal the nominees.
"Take a breath, guys," Selton joked, patting Gustavo on the back. "We already have a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice, right? Whatever comes next is a bonus."
Walter smiled, but there was something in his eyes… a gleam of expectation.
"If the film is nominated, it will be historic."
Fernanda Torres held Gustavo's shoulder.
"Whatever the result, you've already earned worldwide recognition."
He smiled at her, grateful, but the truth was that he really wanted it. He wanted it for the film. He wanted it for Walter. For Fernanda. For the entire team that gave their all to tell that story.
The sound on the TV got louder. The presenter adjusted his glasses and picked up an envelope.
"And now, the nominees for Best International Film…"
Time seemed to stop.
"And the nominees are…
First name. The Girl with the Needle - Denmark
Second name. Emilia Pérez - France.
Gustavo held his breath.
— And the third nominee…
I'M STILL HERE - Brazil
The cheer was instantaneous.
— MY GOD! — Fernanda Torres clapped her hands, her eyes shining.
— HOLY SHIT, WE DID IT! — Selton got up from the couch, throwing a pillow up in the air.
Walter smiled, lowering his head for a moment, as if he was taking it all in.
Gustavo felt a wave of emotion rise up through his body. His chest felt tight. They had done it. They had taken a Brazilian film to the Oscars.
But it wasn't over yet.
— Now, the Best Actress category…
Fernanda Torres and Gustavo exchanged a quick look. If anyone there deserved that nomination, it was her.
— And the nominees are…
The names began to be read. Powerful actresses, movie legends…
And then:
— Fernanda Torres, for "I'm Still Here".
The world exploded around them.
Fernanda put her hands to her face, tears in her eyes.
— I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
Selton hugged her tightly. Gustavo held her hands, laughing.
— You deserve this so much, Nanda!
She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, but her eyes were full of tears.
— This is unbelievable…
— Now, Best Picture…
Gustavo's heart was already in his mouth. They already had two nominations… But when the name of the movie appeared in the main category, chaos broke out.
— BEST PICTURE?! — Selton screamed, holding his head.
Walter's eyes were shining. Gustavo saw his brother hold back his emotion, but his expression said it all. He had never been so happy.
And then…
— Best Supporting Actor…
The air grew heavy.
The list began. Names of renowned actors were announced.
And then:
— Gustavo Salles, for "I'm Still Here".
Time stopped.
There was a second of silence.
And then the world exploded.
— YOU'RE NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR, KID! — Selton shook Gustavo by the shoulders.
Fernanda screamed with joy. Walter just smiled broadly, his eyes shining with pride.
But Gustavo… Gustavo couldn't move.
His body was paralyzed, as if his mind couldn't process what had just happened.
He blinked. He looked at the others. He looked at the TV.
And then, like an electric shock, reality came crashing down.
— I WAS NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR?!
— YOU WERE NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR! — Selton repeated, laughing, hugging him so tightly that they both almost fell to the floor.
Walter finally spoke, his voice full of emotion:
— You deserve it, Gustavo. Since the first day of filming, I knew you were capable of this.
Gustavo ran his hands over his face, trying to take it all in.
He was nominated for an Oscar.
He. A 19-year-old boy.
He, who months ago was just an unknown supporting actor.
And now… he was in the same category as some of the greatest actors in the world.
The room was still in chaos. Champagne was opened, laughter and hugs spread throughout the room. But Gustavo, sitting on the floor with his head resting on his knees, just took a deep breath.
The Oscar.
The biggest award in cinema.
And his name was there.
Gustavo Salles was no longer a promise.
It had just become a reality.
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