Chapter 1 – Lights of Venice
The sky of Venice, tinged with orange hues by the sunset, looked like a Renaissance painting. The waters of the canals reflected the lights of the palaces and the gondolas that glided silently. The summer heat was already beginning to dissipate, giving way to a mild breeze that subtly ruffled Gustavo Salles' hair as he walked alongside his older brother, Walter.
Gustavo still couldn't believe he was there, stepping onto the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival. His heart was beating fast, but he did his best to maintain a calm expression. He was wearing an elegant black tuxedo, perfectly tailored to his tall, slender body.
At 1.85m tall and with features that made him look older than his nineteen years, he had a striking presence. Camera flashes went off all around them, and he felt the weight of the attention, even though he knew the spotlight was mainly on his brother, Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello.
— So, are you nervous? — asked Selton, next to him, with an amused half-smile.
Gustavo laughed lightly, adjusting the collar of his jacket.
— A little. I mean, I know I'm just a supporting actor, but, come on, it's my first movie, and right here. It feels like a dream, you know?
Selton nodded, looking at him sympathetically.
— And what a debut, huh? Not bad for a first job. You did really well, man.
Fernanda, who was a few steps ahead, turned and smiled at Gustavo. In the midst of that glamorous atmosphere, she looked like a classic movie star, with a long, elegant dress.
— I agree with Selton. You were great. I'm sure people will notice your talent.
Gustavo smiled, a little awkwardly. He liked the way Fernanda always treated him with affection and encouragement. Ever since the rehearsals, she had been a kind of mentor to him.
At first, he was apprehensive about acting alongside her and Selton, two giants of Brazilian cinema, but he soon realized that they were both generous on and off the stage.
Walter, who had been listening to the conversation in silence until then, put his hand on his younger brother's shoulder. "Just enjoy it, Gustavo. This night is important for all of us."
The young man nodded, feeling the symbolic weight of his brother's words.
Walter was a renowned director, someone he deeply admired. He had grown up watching his brother's films, and had been enchanted by cinema since he was young. Now, he was there, as part of the cast of I'm Still Here, a film that had everything to be one of the highlights of the festival.
They continued walking down the red carpet, greeting journalists, photographers and fans who gathered on the sides. Gustavo could hear the flashes going off, voices calling for Fernanda and Selton, questions directed at Walter about the film. He was more in the background, but that didn't bother him.
On the contrary, he felt relieved not to be the center of attention. Still, some reporters started asking about him, and it was inevitable that a camera would turn in his direction.
— Gustavo, what was it like working on your first feature film, and under the direction of your brother? — asked a smiling journalist.
Gustavo took a deep breath and smiled, trying to appear natural.
— It was an incredible experience. I always wanted to work in cinema, and having the chance to act in a film directed by Walter, alongside actors I admire so much, was a privilege.
— You play a young soldier during the military regime. What was it like preparing for such an intense role?
— I immersed myself in it very deeply. Walter gave me a lot of material to study, and I researched a lot about the period. We also had a casting coach who helped a lot to understand the psychology of the character. It was a tough process, but I learned a lot.
Fernanda, who was still next to him, looked at the reporter and added with a smile:
— He got the hang of it really quickly. Gustavo has a natural talent for acting.
The young man laughed, a little embarrassed.
"She's exaggerating."
Selton patted him lightly on the arm.
"Nothing like that, young man. You handled it really well."
The journalist smiled and thanked him, letting them go on their way. The group entered the palace where the screening would take place, and the atmosphere changed. Inside, the buzz of conversations in Italian, French, and English created a chaotic and sophisticated melody. Waiters passed by with trays of champagne, and a large screen showed scenes from films in competition that year.
Gustavo took a glass and took a sip, trying to take it all in. Around him, filmmakers, actors, and critics were discussing animatedly. Walter was talking to a European director, while Fernanda and Selton greeted acquaintances.
It was only when they started heading toward the screening room that Gustavo felt butterflies in his stomach. This was the moment. The film they had filmed with so much effort and dedication would be shown to an audience of critics and moviegoers from all over the world.
They settled into their chairs, and the lights began to come on. The production company's logo appeared on the screen, followed by the title I'm Still Here.
Gustavo felt a shiver run down his spine when he saw the first scene. The impeccable photography, the immersive soundtrack... and then, the characters came to life. He saw Fernanda and Selton dominate the screen, delivering powerful, nuanced performances. And then, his own face appeared. The young soldier, in uniform, serious, walking down a dark hallway. He barely blinked. It was strange to see himself there, inside the story, but at the same time, it was fascinating.
Throughout the screening, Gustavo noticed small sighs in the audience, murmurs of admiration in certain scenes. He couldn't say how his own performance was, but he felt proud to be part of it.
When the credits started to roll and the lights came back on, there was a moment of silence. Then, the applause began, timid at first, but growing until it became a standing ovation.
Walter turned to Gustavo and smiled discreetly, proudly. Selton punched him lightly on the arm, and Fernanda held his hand for a moment, as if to say, "You did it."
Gustavo felt a lump in his throat. At that moment, he knew that this was just the first of many nights like that. He wanted to live like this forever.
Chapter 2 – The Glow After the Lights
The morning after the festival brought with it a different glow. It was as if the air in Venice was lighter, more vibrant. Gustavo woke up in his hotel room still feeling the adrenaline from the night before coursing through his veins. The success of I'm Still Here was undeniable.
He stretched out on the soft bed, the linen sheets tangling around his legs. The room, with its classic decor and tall windows overlooking the Grand Canal, was flooded with golden morning sunlight. He turned to his side and picked up his cell phone, blinking a few times to get used to the brightness of the screen.
Notifications were exploding. Messages from friends, relatives, distant acquaintances who suddenly remembered he existed. But what really caught his attention were the dozens of mentions in international articles.
"Still Here Is Here is a masterpiece of Brazilian cinema, highlighting brilliant performances by Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello and a surprising revelation: Gustavo Salles." — The Guardian.
"Young Gustavo Salles, brother of director Walter Salles, delivers a performance that transcends his inexperience, bringing an unexpected complexity to his role." — Variety.
"Despite his limited screen time, Gustavo Salles makes every second count." — The Hollywood Reporter.
Gustavo's eyes widened. He had expected Fernanda and Selton to be applauded and they were but he had no idea that his own name would appear in so many texts. He laughed softly, in disbelief.
The sound of his cell phone vibrating interrupted his reading. It was a video call.
"Good morning, star!" Fernanda Torres's cheerful voice echoed as he answered.
The camera shook a little, and Gustavo realized that she was at breakfast at the hotel, sitting at the table with Selton and Walter.
"Did you sleep well or did you read everything they were saying about you?" — Selton joked, raising his coffee cup as if toasting the screen.
— I… — Gustavo ran his hand through his messy hair, laughing. — I don't think I slept well, to be honest. This is all a bit surreal.
— It's surreal — Walter agreed, his voice calm as ever. — But it's real. Come have coffee, we need to talk about the next few days.
The hotel restaurant had a classic charm, with dark wood furniture and large windows that let in the sunlight. The smell of fresh coffee and warm croissants filled the air. Gustavo joined the group, still a bit dazed by everything, but hiding it well.
— So, what's the plan now? — he asked, helping himself to a slice of bread while Selton spread butter on his own toast.
Walter took a sip of coffee before answering.
— The reviews were better than we imagined. They're calling the film one of the most important of the year. And that means we're going to have to show up.
Fernanda smiled.
— Awards, interviews, events… You'll need to get used to it.
— And you'll need a good suit — Selton added, winking at him.
Gustavo laughed.
— You talk as if I were the main character. I only appeared in a few scenes.
Fernanda pointed at him with the teaspoon.
— Don't underestimate your impact. You brought a truth to the role that caught the attention of the critics. It doesn't matter how big the role is, but what you do with it.
Gustavo lowered his eyes for a moment, processing that. It was still strange to hear praise from people he admired so much.
— Well, then I'll need you to guide me in this new world.
— Relax — Selton said, patting him on the shoulder. — We'll turn you into a professional in no time.
In the following days, Gustavo felt firsthand what it meant to be in the spotlight.
First came the press conference. The room was full of journalists from all over the world, and cameras captured every detail. He was sitting next to Fernanda, Selton and Walter, while the moderator asked questions about the film.
"Gustavo, how did you prepare for such an intense role, since this is your film debut?" asked a reporter from a French magazine.
Gustavo took the microphone and took a deep breath before answering.
"I knew I would have to dive deep to be able to keep up with this incredible cast. So I did a lot of research on the period and the profile of soldiers at the time. I also had the help of Walter, who guided me through each scene, and of my colleagues, who were generous with me."
"Your performance was highly praised by international critics. How does it feel to be considered a revelation?"
He hesitated for a second, then smiled slightly.
"Surprised and grateful. I hope this means I did a good job."
Fernanda squeezed his arm lightly, as if to say: You did more than that.
Then came the individual interviews. In a luxurious hotel, journalists took turns talking to the cast. Gustavo had a room just for himself, which made him a little uncomfortable. He wasn't a star, but there he was, giving a warm welcome.
An Italian journalist came in, smiling politely.
— Gustavo, congratulations on the film. Your performance was described as intense and authentic. How do you see the future of your career after this success?
He blinked, hesitating. Future? He hadn't even thought about it yet.
— I'm still trying to understand everything that's happening — he laughed. — But I definitely want to keep acting. This film made me realize how much I love telling stories through cinema.
The journalist smiled.
— So can we expect to see you in new projects soon?
He exchanged a quick glance with Walter, who was in the corner of the room, watching the interview. His brother smiled discreetly.
— I hope so — Gustavo replied.
The nights in Venice were also full of events and parties. Gustavo found himself circulating among directors, actors and producers that he only knew through the screens.
On one of the nights, he was with Selton and Fernanda at an elegant party by the canal. The lights reflected on the dark water, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the room.
"Have you noticed that some people are watching you?" Fernanda asked, taking a sip of wine.
"What do you mean?" Gustavo frowned.
"Directors. Producers. They're watching you, curious. Your name is going around."
He looked around suspiciously.
"Is that good or bad?"
Selton laughed.
"It depends on what you want. If you want to follow this path, that's great. It means that opportunities are arising."
Gustavo was silent for a moment, looking at the illuminated city around him. He liked it. He liked the feeling of being part of that world, of knowing that his work had touched people.
"I think I do," he said, more to himself than to the others.
Fernanda smiled.
"Then get ready, because this was just the first of many nights like this."
The success of I'm Still Here grew like a wave. The film was nominated for important festivals, there were rumors of international awards, and Gustavo realized that his name was now part of something bigger.
But through it all, he remained the same. Still playful, still humble. He knew that this was just the beginning, and he was ready for whatever came next.
Chapter 3 – Among Golden Stars
The months passed like a whirlwind. From Venice to Toronto, from Toronto to New York, and then to Los Angeles. Each festival, each event, each award ceremony made I'm Still Here a bigger phenomenon than any of them had imagined.
Gustavo could barely keep up with the speed of things. One moment, he was sitting next to Selton and Fernanda at a relaxed dinner, laughing and drinking wine. The next, he was in front of a packed audience at one of the biggest film events in the world, under intense spotlights, while the film's name echoed among the nominees.
The film began to accumulate awards. Best Director for Walter in Toronto. Best Screenplay at the New York Film Festival. Best Foreign Film in London. Each achievement was celebrated with hugs, toasts and smiles that seemed unreal. But nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared Gustavo for what happened that January night, in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Los Angeles.
The Golden Globes were a surreal event. The red carpet seemed to stretch for miles, a sea of shiny dresses, impeccable suits and incessant flashes. Gustavo was wearing a classic black tuxedo, perfectly fitted to his tall body. He still wasn't completely used to it, but Selton, at his side, patted him on the back.
"First time at the Golden Globes and already nominated. That doesn't happen to just anyone, kid."
"I know," Gustavo laughed, but his stomach was churning.
Fernanda, looking very elegant in a burgundy dress, held his arm lightly.
"Just enjoy the moment. Whether you win or not, being here is a victory."
Walter was more reserved, but Gustavo noticed the gleam of pride in his older brother's eyes. He didn't need to say anything Gustavo knew he was happy for him.
The ceremony began. The first awards flew by, and then came the category for Best Actress in a Drama Film.
— And the Golden Globe goes to…
Fernanda Torres' name echoed throughout the hall.
Gustavo was the first to stand up, followed by Selton and Walter. They gave a standing ovation while Fernanda raised her hands to her face, surprised and moved. She turned to them before going onstage and held Gustavo's hand for a moment, a silent gesture of shared joy.
Onstage, Fernanda held the golden statuette as the applause died down. She took a deep breath before speaking.
—I could say so many things now… But above all, I want to thank Walter Salles for trusting me with this role. I want to thank Selton Mello, my scene partner, and the entire cast. And especially, I want to dedicate this award to Gustavo Salles.
Gustavo froze.
—What? — he murmured to Selton, who just smiled.
Onstage, Fernanda continued.
—Gustavo, watching you grow in this film was a privilege. You arrived shy, uncertain, and transformed before our eyes. You brought a truth to the screen that touched millions of people. I knew, from the first day of rehearsal, that you weren't just Walter's brother. You were a real actor.
The room erupted in applause. Gustavo felt a lump in his throat, but he just smiled and applauded back.
Fernanda came down from the stage with the award in her hands, and as soon as she reached their table, Gustavo hugged her tightly.
"You're incredible," he whispered.
"You too," she replied, with a sparkle in her eyes.
But Gustavo didn't know what was coming.
Because right after, they announced Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Motion Picture.
"And the Golden Globe goes to…
A second of silence.
"Gustavo Salles, for "I'm Still Here."
The world seemed to spin.
Selton's eyes widened. Fernanda let out a cry of surprise. Walter just smiled, one of those smiles that said "I already knew it".
But Gustavo? He simply froze.
"What?" he whispered, almost out of breath.
"Get up, idiot!" Selton laughed, pulling him by the arm.
Gustavo stood up, his legs a little shaky. The entire room applauded him. He walked between the tables, feeling the eyes of big names in cinema on him. Some he had admired for years were there, smiling at him.
When he reached the stage, he took the statuette from the presenter's hands. She gave him a warm smile, but Gustavo was still processing everything. He stared at the golden award, feeling the cold weight of the metal in his hands.
He swallowed hard.
"I..." He let out a low laugh. "I swear I wasn't prepared for this."
The audience laughed, and he took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts.
— I don't know what to say because… well, I never thought I'd be here. When I joined this film, I just wanted to learn. I just wanted to absorb everything I could from Walter, from Fernanda, from Selton. And somehow… I'm holding it here now.
He lifted the award lightly.
— This film was an intense journey. I played a character who carries the weight of a dark period in history, and it was a huge challenge. But I was lucky. I had Walter, who believed I could do it. I had incredible castmates who guided me. And I had the cinema, which has always been in my life, but which has now become my home.
He paused for a second, his eyes scanning the room.
— I want to dedicate this award to my family, my friends, and everyone who, like me, is just starting out. I am living proof that if you throw yourself into it wholeheartedly, incredible things can happen.
He smiled, moved.
— Thank you.
The room erupted in applause again. When he stepped off the stage, he was immediately surrounded by Fernanda, Selton, and Walter.
— You rocked it — Walter said, with pride in his eyes.
— Boy, you put on a show up there — Selton ruffled his hair.
Gustavo just laughed, still in disbelief.
But the journey didn't end there.
Because a month later, in London, at the Critics Choice Awards, he heard his name once again.
— And the award for Best International Supporting Actor goes to… Gustavo Salles, for "I'm Still Here".
This time, he didn't freeze. He laughed, almost relieved, and went on stage with more confidence.
Fernanda was also called soon after for Best International Actress.
The newspapers exploded.
"From anonymity to international recognition: Gustavo Salles is the new revelation in cinema."
"Fernanda Torres and Gustavo Salles shine at the Critics Choice Awards, consolidating the strength of Brazilian cinema."
"His speech was one of the most sincere and moving of the night."
The next morning, while they had coffee together at the hotel in London, Fernanda looked at Gustavo and smiled.
— Do you still think it was a mistake to call you for this film?
He lowered his head, smiling, and shook the statuette in his hands.
— I think I'm finally starting to believe that it's not.
Walter and Selton just exchanged a look. They had known this from the beginning.
Gustavo Salles wasn't just a revelation. He was an actor.
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