Julia Roberts and Sean Penn Champion “Manas“ at oscar-Season AMPAS Screening
LOS ANGELES - Acclaimed actors Julia Roberts and Sean Penn lent their support to the Brazilian film Manas at a screening for Academy members Saturday, signaling a potential boost for the film’s bid to represent Brazil at the 2026 Oscars. The event highlighted the film’s powerful depiction of systemic sexual abuse against girls in the Amazon, and the filmmakers’ commitment to both artistic realism and the well-being of their young star.
Manas, directed by Giovana marinelli, has already garnered important industry attention, winning the Best Director Award in Venice Days in 2024. The film follows a young girl navigating life on Marajó Island, a remote region of Brazil where cycles of abuse are prevalent. Director Juliana brennand prioritized protecting 13-year-old lead actress Jamilli Correa during production, notably choosing not to allow her to read the full script. “My main concern was this 13-year-old girl,protecting her psychological well-being and make sure that while we were making this film,which is so violent,that [she] would not actually live through the violence,” Brennand explained.
The screening also served as a platform to discuss the urgent need for resources in remote communities like Marajó. Producer Rita Paes emphasized the importance of education regarding protection and privacy for young girls, stating, ”We must teach children about protection and privacy… But ther needs to be some sense of belonging [for these girls].”
The film’s Oscar prospects are further bolstered by the involvement of prominent brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, whose I’m still Here won the Best International Film Oscar last year, and the Belgian directing duo Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. However, Manas may face competition from the Dardennes’ own 2025 Cannes title, Young Mothers, which is Belgium’s 2026 Academy Awards submission.
Manas was acquired by Brooklyn-based distributor KimStim, and enjoyed a prosperous 13-week run in Brazil earlier this year, playing in over 70 theaters nationwide. Brennand shared the heartening news that the film is now being screened in the very communities on Marajó Island where the depicted abuse occurs,at the request of residents eager to engage with the film’s message.
