Brazil Selects ‘The Secret Agent,’ Starring Wagner Moura, for the International Feature Oscar

After a national debate which spilled over at least once into large controversy, Brazil has selected director Kleber Mendonça Filho’s ‘70s-set thriller “The Secret Agent” as its official entry for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

The submission was announced Monday by the Brazilian Film Academy after a decision made by a 15-member selection committee.

A Cannes winner headlining “Narcos”star Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent” beat out the other two main contenders, “Manas,” the feature debut of Marianna Brennand, and “The Blue Trail,” a tale of later life awakening by Gabriel Mascaró.

Coming off the country’s first Oscar for last year’s moving drama “I’m Still Here” from Walter Salles, until the end of last month, pundits and industry professionals were sure the committee would put forward “The Secret Agent,” acquired by Neon.

On Sept. 5, however, “Manas” received a large push when…