Wagner Moura

Wagner Maniçoba de Moura is a Brazilian actor and director born on June 27, 1976. Raised in Rodelas after being born in Salvador, he grew up in a military household that relocated frequently. Moura developed an interest in performance during his youth through a school friend and formed a lifelong friendship with actor Lázaro Ramos. He later earned a degree in journalism from the Federal University of Bahia and worked as a television reporter and public relations practitioner while pursuing acting opportunities.

Moura began his professional stage career in 1996 and gained significant notice performing in the acclaimed theatrical production A Máquina, which toured several Brazilian states. He made his feature film debut in Woman on Top and subsequently appeared in notable Brazilian films such as Behind the Sun, God Is Brazilian, and Carandiru, playing a prisoner named Zico. On television, he debuted in the series Carga Pesada before securing roles in Sexo Frágil, the telenovela A Lua Me Disse, and the miniseries JK.

His national breakthrough came in 2007 with his performance as Captain Nascimento in the crime film Elite Squad, a role he reprised in the record-breaking 2010 sequel Elite Squad: The Enemy Within. During this period, Moura also starred in films like Ó Paí, Ó and Saneamento Básico, portrayed a corrupt businessman in the series Paraíso Tropical, performed the title role in a stage production of Hamlet, and sang for the musical group Sua Mãe.

Moura transitioned to international projects with his Hollywood debut in the 2013 science fiction film Elysium. In 2015, he achieved global prominence playing Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, a role for which he learned Spanish and earned a Golden Globe nomination. His subsequent screen work included the drama Sergio, the series Shining Girls, and voice work as the Wolf in the animated feature Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, alongside roles in The Gray Man, Civil War, and the series Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Dope Thief.

In addition to acting, Moura expanded into directing. He directed a music video for singer Vanessa da Mata and episodes of Narcos: Mexico. His feature directorial debut, the political biographical drama Marighella, premiered in 2019 and later won eight honors at the 2022 Brazilian Film Grand Prix, including Best Film, Best First Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Moura achieved historic acclaim for his starring role in the 2025 political thriller The Secret Agent. For his portrayal of a former professor, he became the first South American actor to win the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, the first Brazilian to win the Golden Globe for Best Actor, and the first Brazilian nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Recognized by Time magazine in 2026 as one of the world's most influential people, Moura practices martial arts and resides with his partner Sandra Delgado and their three sons.