Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura (Salvador, 1976) is a Brazilian actor, director, and activist best known internationally for his acclaimed portrayal of Pablo Escobar in Netflix’s Narcos. In 2025, he was awarded the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his leading role in The Secret Agent, a milestone that highlighted his remarkable versatility beyond villainous roles.

Moura first rose to prominence in Brazil with the award-winning films Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2, establishing himself as a central figure in contemporary Brazilian cinema. He collaborated with renowned directors such as Walter Salles, Cacá Diegues, and Heitor Dhalia, starring in films including Behind the Sun, The Three Marias, God Is Brazilian, Nina, The Man of the Year, and The Middle of the World. His international career expanded with his Hollywood debut in Elysium (2013), where he starred alongside Matt Damon and Jodie Foster.

Beyond acting, Moura is a passionate advocate for social justice, human rights, and Brazilian politics. His directorial debut, Marighella (2019), about Afro-Brazilian revolutionary Carlos Marighella, cemented his reputation as an artist deeply committed to stories with political and social resonance.