Brazilian actor Wagner Moura was included in the selection of the 100 most influential personalities on the planet made by Time magazine for 2026. The mention comes after a period of international prominence, which includes an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the acclaimed feature film “The Secret Agent”, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho. In the “Icons” section, Moura appears alongside names such as Kate Hudson, Alan Cumming, Sterling K. Brown, Ethan Hawke, Hilary Duff, singer Rauw Alejandro and businesswoman Victoria Beckham.
The publication praises the artist’s classic presence, describing him as “an Old Hollywood anomaly among contemporary actors”. His discreet charm and mischievous humor are compared to a 1930‑style tuxedo, while his reserved lifestyle – no social media, vinyl on the speaker and a 1959 Beetle on the streets – makes him the “analog antidote” of the digital age. Interestingly, Moura almost didn’t become an actor; he graduated in journalism, and his college years helped him understand the intersection between art and politics.
In addition to Moura, the list also honored two compatriots: researcher Luciano Moreira, recognized for developing genetically modified mosquitoes to combat diseases such as dengue, and Embrapa scientist Mariangela Hungria, awarded for her work with soil microorganisms that reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.
In the realm of pop culture, Wagner Moura is experiencing a new high‑profile moment by joining the “Star Wars” universe. He voices Captain Brander Lawson in the animated series “Star Wars: Maul – Lord of the Shadows”, available on Disney+. The production, led by Dave Filoni, takes place after the events of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and follows the rise of Maul as the leader of the galactic underworld. The voice cast also includes Sam Witwer, Gideon Adlon, Richard Ayoade, Dennis Haysbert and Vanessa Marshall.
