My Take
Wagner Moura is one of those rare actors who makes you forget you're watching a performance — and his Pablo Escobar in Narcos is probably the most compelling argument I can make for that. The fact that he had to learn Spanish specifically for the role (he's Brazilian, Portuguese is his first language) and still delivered something so menacing and layered that he earned a Golden Globe for it? That's commitment on another level. Born in Salvador, Bahia — one of the most culturally rich, Afro-Brazilian cities in the country — he brought a lived-in intensity to everything he touches. His Cannes win for Elites Squad (Tropa de Elite) proved he wasn't just a prestige TV star but a serious film actor long before Netflix came calling. The Academy Award nomination for his direction of Sergio showed he's got a genuine filmmaker's eye too. Brazil doesn't get nearly enough credit for producing talent like this.
Overview
Wagner Maniçoba de Moura ( VAHG-nər MOR-ə, MOHR-ə; Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈvaɡneʁ mɐ̃niˈsɔbɐ dʒi ˈmowɾɐ]; born 27 June 1976) is a Brazilian actor and filmmaker. His accolades include a Golden Globe, a Cannes Film Festival Award, a Platino Awards, and five Brazilian Academy Film Awards, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award, an Annie Award, and a Critics' Choice Award.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Wagner Moura
- Name (Japanese)
- ヴァグネル・モウラ
- Reading
- ゔぁぐねる・もうら
- Born
- June 27, 1976 (age 49)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Cancer / Dragon
- Origin
- Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- actor / film actor / television actor / stage actor / film director
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Private
- University
- Federal University of Bahia
Awards & achievements
- Cinema Brazil Grand Prize for Best Actor
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.