Rio de Janeiro held the first day of its famous Carnival samba parades Sunday -- with many attendees also eying activities all the way in Hollywood, where Brazil could take home its first Oscar. Oscars buzz can be found all over the streets of Rio,

The best picture and best actress nominations for “I’m Still Here” have inspired national pride in a country whose culture has long been overlooked.

Rio de Janeiro's massive Sambadrome erupted in noisy celebrations Sunday as the news broke that Brazil won its first Oscar,

Brazil’s Carnival muse this year isn’t one of the divas or drum queens parading with the Rio de Janeiro samba schools.