
jacket. Entire Studios
shirt. Dolce & Gabanna
trousers + belt. Stylist’s Own
Brazilian actor Marco Pigossi is a force to be reckoned with, seamlessly blending charisma, craft, and courage in every project he takes on. From his breakout roles in Invisible City and Tidelands to commanding attention on the international stage, Pigossi has become a global icon for compelling storytelling and authentic performances. “As an actor, my approach to a character is always grounded in truth, no matter how unique or extraordinary the world around them might be,” he says in conversation with Schön! Magazine. Whether portraying complex characters or stepping behind the camera as a producer, Marco’s work is a testament to his passion for art and advocacy.
Born in São Paulo, Pigossi carries the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil into everything he does, proudly representing his roots while bridging the gap between Latin American and global cinema. A true trailblazer, he’s not just making waves with his roles in projects like the psychological drama High Tide or the thriller Bone Lake but is also using his platform to amplify queer voices and champion inclusivity through his documentary Corpolitica. Now he sits down with Schön! to discuss his growth as an actor, his documentary, and more.

jacket + trousers. Diesel
tank top. Theo
jewellery. Pyrrha
opposite
jacket. Diesel
tank top. Theo
jewellery. Pyrrha
You’ve had immense success both in Brazil and internationally with projects like Invisible City and Tidelands. How do you navigate maintaining your identity as a Brazilian actor while working on global productions?
We’re at a moment where Hollywood is becoming more open to new voices, accents, and cultures. There’s a growing conversation around Latinx inclusion, and I think Brazil should be a prominent part of it. We have a powerful film industry that I’m incredibly proud of. Right now, I’m in a really interesting phase of my career. Even though I’ve had success in Brazil, it doesn’t always translate here in the U.S. Very little Brazilian content crosses over into the American market. In a way, it feels like a fresh start—an opportunity to begin again, but with the benefit of experience, calm, and maturity. Now, I can choose projects based on what truly moves me, both as an artist and as a person. Early in your career, you don’t always have that luxury. I’m now much more focused on independent films and cinema.
In High Tide, Lourenço faces emotional and physical limbo. How did you prepare for this role, and what drew you to such a deeply personal and intimate story?
Lourenço’s experience parallels my own in some ways as an immigrant. While my situation was different—I arrived with a job and proper documentation—there’s still a shared sense of displacement. Being in a place that doesn’t quite feel like home and adapting to a culture you admire yet struggle to fully embrace can be incredibly lonely. It’s like discovering a new version of yourself, and that journey can feel isolating until you find your “family.”
To prepare, I spent time in a remote part of California with no phone or internet, completely isolated. That solitude gave me a deeper understanding of the quiet and loneliness needed to connect with this character. I was also a producer on this film and involved in the writing process from the beginning. I worked closely with Marco Calvani for almost two years, collaborating on the script while searching for producers and funding. By the time we started shooting, I knew Lourenço inside and out. I understood every detail about him and had a clear vision of how to portray his isolation and vulnerability.

trench coat + top. Entire Studios
trousers. Stylist’s Own
From supernatural thrillers like Tidelands to comedy-horror in Bone Lake, you’ve embraced a variety of genres. How do you select projects, and is there a genre you’re particularly drawn to?
I believe it’s essential for an actor to explore all platforms—whether theatre, film, or television—and work across various genres. Limiting oneself to a single medium or style can stifle growth and creative potential. Performing in different cultures and languages has been particularly enriching for me. It adds an entirely new layer to the craft, making every role more rewarding. Embracing diversity broadens my perspective as an actor and deepens my understanding of storytelling’s universal nature.
You executive produced High Tide. How did this role influence your perspective on storytelling, and do you plan to take on more producing roles in the future?
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Marco Calvani from the very beginning of High Tide, helping to shape and develop the project. For nearly two years, we worked tirelessly to find the right partners, and we were fortunate to team up with Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon at LD Entertainment. Their support and creative insight were pivotal to the film’s success. They gave us the freedom to fully explore our vision, which allowed me to focus entirely on my role as an actor. Producing offers an invaluable opportunity to take more control over my career and tell stories that resonate with me. It enables me to explore themes I’m passionate about and to engage deeply with projects that excite me as an artist. It’s a path I’m committed to continuing, as it provides a deeper level of artistic fulfillment.

top. Entire Studios
trousers. Stylist’s Own
opposite
trench coat. Entire Studios
sweater. Zegna
trousers. Officine Générale
Your documentary Corpolitica spotlights queer political candidates in Brazil. What inspired you to tell this story, and how do you see the intersection of art and activism evolving?
We often talk about visibility, but few of us carry the weight of that struggle daily. In Brazil, there are very few political figures who genuinely represent the queer community or work on its behalf. I feel a responsibility to use my platform to amplify those voices, to honour their efforts, and to give them the recognition they so often lack. During Bolsonaro’s presidency, particularly after his infamous comment about preferring a dead son to a gay one, it became even more urgent to counteract such hateful rhetoric. Art and cinema have a unique power to foster empathy and inspire change. For me, art and activism are inseparable. Through storytelling, we demand change, teach empathy, and fight for justice.
In High Tide, you worked alongside Marisa Tomei and Bill Irwin. What was it like collaborating with such seasoned actors, and how did their presence influence your performance?
Every actor you share the screen with shapes your performance. Acting is about interaction—it’s always a collaboration. Bill is such a fascinating, kind, and warm person, and he brought that same energy to the set. Building a relationship with him as my character was an absolute joy. And Marisa…she’s a master. Every take with her felt fresh, like she was reinventing the scene each time. Her ability to keep the energy alive and vibrant was incredibly inspiring. It was an honour to work alongside both of them.

sweater. Zegna
trousers. Officine Générale
opposite
trench coat + top. Entire Studios
trousers. Stylist’s Own
With Bone Lake and You’re Dating a Narcissist on the horizon, what can you share about these films, and how do they differ from your previous work?
We just premiered Bone Lake at the Fantastic Fest in Austin and Sitges in Spain, and the response was incredible. It’s my first thriller, and working with Mercedes, such a talented director, was an amazing experience. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, and I hope it hits theatres soon. You’re Dating a Narcissist isn’t finished yet, but I’m so excited about it. The script is fantastic, and Marisa Tomei is absolutely brilliant. She’s by far the best actress I’ve ever worked with, and a wonderful human being.
Looking back at your journey from the Rede Globo series to international acclaim, what moments have defined your growth as an actor, and where do you see yourself going next?
Every step of the journey has been vital. Each role, each character, and each project has contributed to shaping me as an actor and as a person. There’s no single defining moment—it’s all part of a larger process. What excites me most is that acting offers endless room for growth. You can always improve, and you’re never too old to keep learning. It’s a lifelong commitment, and I embrace it with love and care. Every day is an opportunity to deepen my connection with the craft, and that’s something I hold very dear.

jacket + trousers. Entire Studios
boots. H&M
photography. Ben Duggan
fashion. Adrian Jose
talent. Marco Pigossi
grooming. Heather Weppler
dp. Aaron Butwinick
fashion assistant. Nathan R-Figueroa