Recife's city council rejected on Monday (27) a bill granting honorary Recife citizenship to actor Wagner Moura. The proposal needed 23 favorable votes but received only 16 in a session with 23 councilors present. The honor was for Moura's role in the film 'O Agente Secreto', filmed in the city.
Recife's Municipal Chamber voted against Project of Legislative Decree (PDL) 1/2026 on Monday, April 27, 2026. Presented by councilor Carlos Muniz (PSB), the bill proposed honorary Recife citizenship for Wagner Moura for his role in the film 'O Agente Secreto' (2025), directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and set in the Pernambuco capital.
Approval required 23 votes, or three-fifths of the 37 councilors. Of the 23 present, 16 voted in favor and 7 against, leading to rejection. The film earned Moura a Golden Globe, an Oscar 2026 nomination, and best actor at Cannes.
Carlos Muniz defended the honor by noting the film's cultural impact. "More than a political thriller, the film showcased elements of our city's culture, folklore, and history that have long been part of our identity as a people," he said. "Wagner Moura imprinted Recife's DNA on his character".
Opposing councilors questioned the proposal's relevance. Eduardo Moura (Novo) stated: "We have very important demands in this house, but if we ourselves don't value them, who will?" The title is granted to those who provide relevant services to the city, a key point in the debate.
