Wagner Moura Featured in Hollywood Reporter Roundtable

Wagner Moura has been featured on the cover of the 'Hollywood Reporter' as part of their prestigious Oscar Roundtable. The initiative gathers leading actors who are currently in pursuit of their first Academy Award nomination. Moura appears alongside a distinguished group of peers, including Michael B. Jordan, Jacob Elordi, Adam Sandler, Jeremy Allen White, Mark Hamill, and Dwayne Johnson.

The roundtable discussion focuses on the collective experience of navigating the competitive landscape of the film industry. During the interview, Moura shared specific details regarding his personal experience as a Brazilian actor working within the United States market. He addressed the topic of accent and identity, explaining that he declined requests to perform with a standard American accent. Additionally, Moura discussed the lasting impact of his role in 'Narcos,' revealing that he is often approached by fans quoting the character's dialogue.

The Hollywood Reporter has released its annual Oscar Roundtable feature, highlighting a select group of actors recognized for their current industry momentum. The publication selected Wagner Moura to represent the Brazilian perspective in this ensemble. The feature is designed to showcase performers who share the common goal of achieving their first Academy Award nomination.

The 2026 roundtable lineup includes a mix of veteran actors and rising stars. Moura is positioned alongside:

• Michael B. Jordan (star of 'Pecadores')
• Jacob Elordi (star of 'Frankenstein')
• Adam Sandler (star of 'Jay Kelly')
• Jeremy Allen White (star of 'Springsteen')
• Mark Hamill (star of 'A Vida de Chuck')
• Dwayne Johnson (star of 'The Smashing Machine')

The publication's text notes that these actors "unite by sharing the difficulties faced to achieve success in this competitive industry."

In the interview portion of the feature, Wagner Moura detailed his specific path into the American film industry. He emphasized his commitment to his identity as a Brazilian performer. Moura explained that upon initially arriving in the United States, he encountered industry expectations regarding his speech patterns.

When asked if he could perform with a standard American accent, Moura replied in the negative. He provided two reasons for this refusal. First, he stated that he is physically unable to do so. Second, and more importantly, he felt that altering his accent was "wrong" because of his identity. He explicitly stated, "I am a Brazilian actor," reinforcing his stance on representing his background authentically.

Despite his ongoing work in new projects, Wagner Moura remains widely recognized for his previous role as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series 'Narcos.' The actor discussed the cultural staying power of the show during the roundtable.

Moura noted that the role continues to define his public recognition. He shared that strangers frequently approach him to quote a specific line from the series: "Plata o plomo?" (Silver or lead). This interaction highlights the significant impact the series had on audiences and the lasting association of the actor with that specific character.