In Walter Salles' Oscar-shortlisted film I'm Still Here, set in 1970 at the height of Brazil's military dictatorship, Fernanda Torres plays an extraordinary mother: Eunice Paiva, who was left to raise five children alone after the disappearance of her activist husband Rubens (played by Selton Mello).

The actress becomes one of the favorites in the race, and Ainda Estou Aqui may also benefit from the spotlight

Surprise wins for actresses Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres at the Globes mean that the road to the Oscars may have plenty more thrills to come.