IN CONVERSATION WITH MADALENA ARAGÃO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Madalena Aragão is a rising actress whose work is already resonating far beyond her home country. Winner of the Globo de Ouro for Best Newcomer and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, she has established herself as an artist with both range and depth. Her short film (Nós) Na Cabeça, which she wrote, earned Best Screenplay at Cannes, signaling her promise not just as an actress but as a creative force behind the camera. On screen, her career spans acclaimed Portuguese cinema, international features like Bayou, and global series including Netflix’s Rabo de Peixe, Disney+’s El Turco, and her breakout lead role in Prime Video’s Morangos com Açúcar. With her ability to move seamlessly between intimate drama, global productions, and now award-winning storytelling, Madalena is shaping a new era of Portuguese talent on the world stage.

dress MIGUEL VIEIRA
shoes THE ATTICO

You’ve already won a Globo de Ouro and landed on Forbes 30 Under 30. How do you stay grounded while your career accelerates so quickly?

I feel that things and situations arise naturally and just happen. I’m genuinely very happy, I live those moments intensely, but then they pass. Like everything else. I really don’t think they change me or make me become different. And I also have a family that would never allow me to get carried away by anything. That’s why it’s easy to manage recognition and those very gratifying, and sometimes even unexpected, moments, while remaining true to myself and to what truly makes me happy.

What first sparked your interest in acting, and when did you realize it could become your life’s path?

I’ve always liked the world of acting. From a very early age, I started at home and at school creating plays and spending my time convincing my sisters and cousins to take part. So, I really think it was something that happened naturally. I don’t see it so much as a vocation, but as something that simply was, and that makes me happy.

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Looking back, what was the moment that felt like your true breakthrough?

I can’t say exactly when that moment came, or even if it ever did. If I had to choose, I would choose all the “yes, you got it” responses I’ve received. Because, in truth, I’ve simply been reacting to what makes me happy, accepting castings and projects that speak to me at the time and make sense. When I get the role I want, I always feel a breakthrough.

You’ve worked across Portuguese cinema and international projects. What have these global experiences taught you as an actor?

I’ve already had one or two international experiences. And it’s great to teach people about fado, the pastel de nata, a bit of our culture, and to show that we’re upbeat and good at what we do. Above all, what I learned was how to find emotional balance, because being far from family and friends isn’t easy. Resilience is extremely important for an actor. It’s a somewhat solitary process. Everything is new to take in, including building friendships with people you may easily stop seeing.

As for the projects themselves, the experience is very rewarding. Foreign productions usually have more money than Portuguese ones. Everything is done with more time and with all the necessary physical conditions. I’m not saying they’re better, because the Portuguese make omelettes without eggs. The best actors, directors, and technicians I’ve worked with are Portuguese.

dress CUSTOM
hat LEMONADE

Your role in Prime Video’s Morangos com Açúcar introduced you to a global streaming audience. How did leading such a beloved reboot shape your craft?

The Morangos com Açúcar reboot was incredible, both for the experience and for bringing an iconic series back to life. It was a huge responsibility, as I played the lead role. It wasn’t easy to step into the character quickly, given her traits, but I think she became one of my favorite characters and one of the projects I enjoyed working on the most. For all the commitment, some hardship, and the added responsibility, I believe it was extremely rewarding for my growth, both as a person and as a professional.

Which role has challenged you the most so far, and why?

Perhaps Olivia. Exactly for the reasons I mentioned before. We had many things in common. For me, pretending is easier when nothing relates to me personally. Playing a character with whom I share several similarities makes it harder not to blur the line between who is me and who is the character, and it also takes longer to step out of the role and keep it from influencing me.

dress MIGUEL VIEIRA

Portugal is experiencing a cultural renaissance in film and television. What does it mean to you to represent Portuguese talent internationally?

I’m still very new to that area. The thought that I might represent my country is a huge source of pride and an immense responsibility. Everything I’ve done in that field makes me proud. I’ve always been very professional, and I feel that the teams I’ve worked with have appreciated my work. As for audience satisfaction, which is our main goal, fortunately I’ve received positive reactions. Of course, I always feel a bit apprehensive, but I think that has more to do with my self-critical and demanding personality than with any negative reactions I’ve had.

When you imagine the next phase of your career, what excites you most?

What I would most like to do one day, as I believe all actors would, is to be directed by a Nolan. As that’s something very difficult to achieve, I’m very satisfied that good projects keep coming along, whether they’re Portuguese or from other countries.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

A new film coming very soon.

coat COMME DES GARÇONS
shoes DRIES VAN NOTEN
shorts VEEHANA

jacket COMME DES GARÇONS
top ACNE STUDIOS
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belt CASA GAJA
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blazer SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
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jewellery THE ISOLETTE

dress MARQUES ' ALMEIDA
skirt IHANNY LUQUESSA
boots COPERNI

full look TOM FORD

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MADALENA ARAGÃO
photography INES SANTOS
styling TERESA ABRUNHOSA
creative direction TIMELESS CS
video RUI DOS ANJOS
makeup DIOGO RIBEIRO
hair IGOR CANEDO
production ARIADNA IGLESIAS
behind-the-scenes JOSÉ COSTA
studio THE.STUDIO
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
special thanks to CONNOSCO