'Train Dreams' Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso: Brazil Celebrates Oscar Nods "Like It's A World Cup"

Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, riding high on the waves of nominations for both an Academy Award and a BAFTA for his breathtaking work on *Train Dreams*, tells us that his homeland is experiencing a full-blown Oscar fever. And get this – it’s akin to the fervent celebrations typically reserved for… you guessed it, the World Cup.

Brazil's Oscar Fever! Is This Bigger Than the Worl...

"This whole Oscar thing is so big in Brazil," Veloso exclaimed, with a palpable sense of excitement in his voice. "People are celebrating everything, like it’s a World Cup!" It’s a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the energy back home. Veloso, a self-confessed football fanatic who’s managed to attend the last three World Cups, hopes to secure tickets for Brazil's games this summer. Though, in true cinematographer fashion, he admits he’s often critical of the stadium lighting. Gotta love the dedication to the craft, right?

The acclaim for Veloso's artistry hasn't just stayed within industry circles. He's been honored in his hometown of São Paulo, where the legendary Corinthians football team (yes, really!) presented him with a jersey. And not just any jersey – a custom one bearing his name and the number seven. It’s a touching tribute to his soccer idol Marcelinho Carioca, the free-kick wizard who graced the Corinthians pitch from 1994 to 2001. Talk about a special moment!

Veloso was actually at his home in Lisbon, Portugal, when he received the life-altering Oscar nomination for the Netflix film, a poignant piece directed by Clint Bentley and starring the ever-talented Joel Edgerton. The very next morning, he hopped on a flight to Brazil, embarking on a whirlwind six-day celebration with friends and family in Rio and São Paulo. Receiving that Corinthians jersey with his name and the iconic number seven? "It was a really special moment," he said, and you could practically see the beaming smile through the phone.

It turns out Veloso has some soccer chops himself, from his younger days. "I was decent," he said modestly, almost downplaying his skills. "But I would never have a future in that. I haven’t been playing much now because I’m kind of afraid of injuring myself and not being able to work. It’s frustrating, and I miss it." A sentiment many of us can relate to, I think, that fear of sacrificing our passions due to professional responsibilities.

But beyond the personal accolades, Veloso sees this Oscar buzz as a reflection of a growing global appreciation for Brazilian culture as a whole. "There is a bigger understanding of Brazil as a whole, as a culture, as a movement, that I think is really important for everything that is happening, for sure. It has a lot to do with all Brazilians suddenly being involved in the conversation."

We caught up with Veloso while he was taking a stroll along The Broad Walk in London’s Regent’s Park – a far cry from the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, where he filmed *Train Dreams*. Despite the obvious differences, Veloso still found beauty in the day. "I love when all the leaves are actually gone and you can see just the trees without any leaves. The naked bark. It’s so beautiful," he observed. It's a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, a sentiment that clearly informs his remarkable filmmaking.