Murilo Benício
Murilo Benício Ribeiro (born July 13, 1971) is a Brazilian actor and director renowned for his versatile performances in television, film, and theater, particularly his lead roles in prominent Rede Globo telenovelas.[1] Born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, he began his career in the early 1990s and has become one of Brazil's most acclaimed performers, earning widespread recognition for portraying complex characters across genres from drama to comedy.[2] Benício's television breakthrough came with his debut in the telenovela Fera Ferida in 1993, followed by his first starring role as Bráulio Vianna in Vira Lata in 1996.[3] He gained international fame for his triple role as the twins Lucas and Diogo, and the clone Léo, in O Clone (2001), and continued with iconic parts such as the rancher Tião in América (2005), the antagonist Dódi in A Favorita (2008), the soccer player Tufão in Avenida Brasil (2012), Raul in Amor de Mãe (2019), the villainous Tenório in the remake of Pantanal (2022), and the sophisticated Santiago Ferette in Três Graças (2025).[4] In film, he debuted internationally with Woman on Top (2000) opposite Penélope Cruz, starred in O Homem do Ano (2003), and received critical acclaim for his role in O Animal Cordial (2017), while also venturing into directing with adaptations like O Beijo no Asfalto (2018) and Pérola (2024), the latter earning the Best Film award at the 26th Paris Brazilian Film Festival.[5] His theater work includes acclaimed productions such as Baixa Terapia and Rocky, O Musical.[3] Throughout his over three-decade career, Benício has amassed numerous accolades, including multiple Prêmio Contigo! wins for Best Actor (2004, 2005, 2013), the Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro for Best Actor (2001), Best Actor at the Rio Film Festival (2017), and the Melhores do Ano award for Pantanal (2022), among over 20 acting honors and nominations. In his personal life, he has two sons—Antônio (born 1996) from his relationship with actress Alessandra Negrini and Pietro (born 2006) from his relationship with Giovanna Antonelli—and has been in high-profile relationships with several fellow actors, including Débora Falabella, with whom he was married from 2012 to 2019.[3]Early life
Family background
Murilo Benício Ribeiro was born on July 13, 1971, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[6] He grew up in a middle-class family in this coastal city, known for its scenic views and proximity to Rio de Janeiro's vibrant cultural scene, which provided an enriching environment during his early years.[7] He was the youngest of four brothers, with older siblings Mário, a plastic artist; Marco Antônio, a doctor; and Marcelo, a video designer.[8] His parents were Mário Luiz Ribeiro and Berenice Benício; his father passed away in August 2013 at age 73, and his mother died on December 23, 2012, at age 70.[8] Benício has described his childhood home life as typical for a boy in Niterói, involving everyday activities like playing on the beaches and enjoying the local arts and culture that permeated the area, including theater and film influences from nearby Rio.[9][10] From a young age, Benício showed an interest in performance, particularly inspired by watching Charlie Chaplin films around age ten, which sparked his fascination with acting and mime. This early exposure, combined with Niterói's artistic community, laid the foundation for his creative inclinations within a supportive family setting.[11]Education and early influences
Murilo Benício attended local schools in his hometown of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, where he developed an early interest in theater during his adolescence. His passion for acting emerged through participation in school plays, which provided his initial exposure to performance and sparked a desire to pursue the arts professionally.[12] At the age of 10, Benício began formal acting training at the renowned Teatro O Tablado in Rio de Janeiro, commuting daily by bus from Niterói to the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. This institution, one of Brazil's most prestigious theater schools, played a pivotal role in shaping his foundational skills in dramatic arts, emphasizing technique and stage presence under the guidance of established instructors. His early enrollment highlighted a precocious commitment, as he navigated the journey alone despite his young age.[7] Influenced by the comedic genius of Charlie Chaplin, whom he discovered around age 10 through film viewings, Benício drew inspiration from silent cinema's expressive storytelling, which fueled his amateur performances in school productions. These experiences, combined with Tablado's curriculum rooted in Brazilian theatrical traditions, honed his versatility and emotional depth before professional pursuits.[13] Around age 18, Benício made the decisive choice to dedicate himself fully to acting, relocating alone to California, United States, in 1989. There, he enrolled in an acting school to further his training, immersing himself in American performance methods while supporting himself through manual labor jobs such as waiting tables, delivering pizzas, and cleaning. This period from 1989 to 1991 tested his resolve, exposing him to the challenges of immigrant life and reinforcing his determination to build a career in the field upon returning to Brazil.[13]Career
Early television roles
Murilo Benício made his television debut in 1993 on the Rede Globo telenovela Fera Ferida, portraying the recurring character Fabrício, a street sweeper and leader of the local workers' resistance group in the fictional town of Tubiacanga.[14] This minor role marked his entry into Brazilian television, where he honed his skills amid a large ensemble cast that included established stars like José Wilker and Susana Vieira. Throughout the mid- to late 1990s, Benício continued building his presence with episodic appearances on the anthology series Você Decide, including the 1999 episodes "Plano B" as Gabriel and "O Terceiro Homem" as Marcelo, roles that allowed him to explore varied short-form narratives. He also took on a supporting role in the 1997-1998 telenovela Por Amor, playing Leonardo "Léo" Barros Mota, the estranged son of the character Branca, portrayed by Susana Vieira; this part involved portraying a rebellious young man grappling with family rejection and personal turmoil.[15] As a newcomer in the competitive landscape of Brazilian television, Benício faced significant challenges, including a lifelong stutter that intensified under the pressure of on-camera performances, prompting him to undergo various therapies, such as regression sessions, in the early stages of his career.[16] These experiences, combined with the demands of transitioning from theater training to the fast-paced format of telenovelas, often led to typecasting in youthful, impulsive supporting characters, though they provided essential opportunities to develop his range from minor parts to more emotionally layered recurring roles.[17]Breakthrough and prominence
Murilo Benício's breakthrough arrived with his lead role as Lucas Ferraz in the telenovela O Clone (2001–2002), where he portrayed a young Brazilian engineer drawn into a tumultuous romance with a Muslim woman amid themes of cultural conflict and human cloning.[18] Benício also played Lucas's twin brother Diogo and the cloned Léo, showcasing his range early in his career and earning widespread praise for his nuanced performances.[19] The series marked his first major success, achieving international recognition through broadcasts in over 90 countries, including Argentina, Russia, and the United States.[20] In 2005, Benício starred as Tião (Sebastião da Silva Higino), a passionate and resilient gaucho from Brazil's rural pampas, in the telenovela América.[21] Opposite Deborah Secco's Sol, a dreamer seeking a new life abroad, Tião represented the steadfast spirit of the countryside, embodying gaucho traditions like horsemanship and rodeo culture in vivid depictions of rural life.[22] The role contributed to the production's cultural impact by contrasting urban aspirations with the authenticity of Brazil's interior regions, while the telenovela itself drew strong audiences, rivaling hits like O Rei do Gado and setting Ibope records in key demographics.[23] Benício delivered a pivotal performance as Jorge "Tufão" Araújo, a retired soccer star and family patriarch, in Avenida Brasil (2012).[24] As the devoted husband to the scheming Carminha and adoptive father to key characters in the revenge saga, Tufão anchored the plot's emotional core, blending vulnerability with resilience amid suburban intrigue and personal betrayals.[25] The telenovela shattered viewership records, captivating up to 70% of Brazilian households and becoming one of Globo's most-watched productions ever.[26] These starring roles in landmark Globo telenovelas—from the culturally exotic O Clone to the regionally rooted América and the dramatically intense Avenida Brasil—cemented Benício's status as a versatile leading man, blending dramatic depth with broad appeal to achieve both critical acclaim and massive popularity in Brazilian television.[27]Film and stage work
Benício made his film debut in the romantic comedy Woman on Top (2000), portraying the charismatic Toninho Oliveira opposite Penélope Cruz, marking his entry into international cinema as a Brazilian chef navigating love and success in San Francisco.[28] This role showcased his ability to blend humor with emotional depth, drawing on his emerging screen presence honed through earlier television work.[29] His breakthrough in film came with O Homem do Ano (The Man of the Year, 2003), where he played the complex anti-hero Maiquel, a middle-class man descending into moral ambiguity amid urban violence in Rio de Janeiro. Critics praised Benício's performance for its dramatic range, highlighting his portrayal of quiet rage and ethical erosion as a standout in Brazilian cinema, earning him acclaim for transitioning from lighter roles to intense character studies.[30][31] A later key project, O Beijo no Asfalto (The Asphalt Kiss, 2018), saw Benício directing for the first time, adapting Nelson Rodrigues' classic play into a black-and-white film that interweaves theatrical staging with cinematic narrative to explore social themes like homophobia, family repression, and societal judgment in 1960s Brazil.[32][33] On stage, Benício began his theater career in the 1990s with appearances in small-scale productions while training at institutions like the Casa de Ensaio in Rio de Janeiro, building foundational skills in ensemble work and improvisation.[34] A major milestone came with his lead role in Dois na Gangorra (Two on the Seesaw, 2003-2004), an adaptation of William Gibson's play directed by Walter Lima Júnior, where he embodied a lonely lawyer opposite Giovanna Antonelli, delving into themes of isolation and cross-cultural romance across Rio and São Paulo theaters.Recent developments
In the 2022 remake of the telenovela Pantanal produced by TV Globo, Murilo Benício portrayed the antagonist Tenório Pereira Santos, a ruthless and manipulative rancher whose complex motivations drove much of the plot's conflict, updating the iconic character from the 1990 original for contemporary viewers through layered emotional depth and moral ambiguity.[35] His performance as Tenório, marked by intense family dynamics and villainous charisma, contributed to the series' success in adapting rural Brazilian drama to modern storytelling sensibilities. Benício expanded into directing with the 2022 feature film Pérola, a comedy-drama he helmed based on Mauro Rasi's play, starring Drica Moraes as the titular matriarch navigating family reunion and personal revelations; the project premiered at festivals and won the Jangada Trophy for Best Film at the 26th Brazilian Film Festival of Paris in 2024. This marked a shift toward behind-the-camera work, allowing him to explore intimate, character-driven narratives while maintaining selective acting roles that prioritize depth over volume. Looking ahead to 2025, Benício stars as Paulo in the heist comedy Assalto à Brasileira, directed by José Eduardo Belmonte, where he plays an unemployed radio broadcaster caught in a chaotic bank robbery, blending humor with survival stakes.[36] That same year, he takes on the role of Santiago Ferette, a corrupt pharmaceutical magnate and central antagonist, in the TV Globo telenovela Três Graças, created by Aguinaldo Silva, emphasizing themes of deception and power in a family saga. Benício's recent trajectory includes international elements, as seen in his lead role as Márcio in the 2026 road-trip comedy Nico, produced by LB Entertainment and +Galeria, co-starring Kevin Vechiatto and directed by Mariana Youssef, which examines father-son reconciliation amid comedic mishaps.[37] This collaboration highlights his move toward diverse, cross-cultural projects while continuing to influence Brazilian television through high-profile villainous turns that evolve the telenovela format.Personal life
Relationships
Murilo Benício's romantic life has often intersected with his professional collaborations, particularly with fellow actors, drawing significant media attention over the years. His first notable relationship was with actress Alessandra Negrini, which began in 1995 during the filming of the telenovela Meu Bem Querer, where they co-starred.[38] The couple married in the late 1990s and separated around 1999, amid reports of a challenging breakup that received coverage in Brazilian entertainment outlets.[39] Following the end of that marriage, Benício entered a relationship with actress Carolina Ferraz in 1999, having met her two years earlier on the set of Por Amor.[40] The partnership lasted until approximately 2001 or 2002, with the couple living together but not marrying, and it ended due to personal differences, as noted in media retrospectives.[41] In 2002, Benício began a high-profile romance with Giovanna Antonelli, sparked by their on-screen chemistry in O Clone, leading to marriage that same year.[42] The union, marked by intense media scrutiny including rumors of infidelity, concluded in 2005 after a contentious separation, though the pair later maintained an amicable co-parenting dynamic publicly acknowledged in interviews.[43] Benício's subsequent relationships continued to involve industry peers, including a partnership with actress Débora Falabella starting in 2012, which evolved into marriage and lasted until 2019.[44] The split, confirmed by their representatives, was widely reported with speculation about on-set tensions from Aruanas, though both emphasized mutual respect post-separation.[45] He then dated screenwriter Manuela Dias from 2019 to around 2020, after meeting through professional circles; the relationship was kept low-profile.[46] Subsequently, Benício was in a relationship with Globo journalist Cecília Malan starting in 2021; the long-distance romance, with Malan based in London, lasted until their separation in October 2025.[47][48] As of November 2025, Benício is single. Throughout his romantic history, Brazilian tabloids and entertainment programs have frequently covered breakups and occasional reconciliations—such as brief post-separation interactions with ex-partners—highlighting Benício's pattern of on-set romances while underscoring his efforts to maintain privacy amid persistent speculation.[49]Family and children
Murilo Benício is the father of two sons from previous relationships. His first son, Antônio Benício, was born on December 16, 1996, in São Paulo, to actress Alessandra Negrini.[6] Antônio, now 28 years old and residing in São Paulo, has pursued a career in acting, following in his father's footsteps; he debuted on television in 2021 and has shared scenes with Benício, describing the experience as profoundly inspiring.[50][51] His second son, Pietro Antonelli, was born on May 24, 2005, in Rio de Janeiro, to actress Giovanna Antonelli.[8] Now 20 years old and living in Rio de Janeiro, Pietro has ventured into modeling, with Benício expressing support for his son's professional choices.[52] Post-divorce, Benício maintains a close, involved relationship with both sons, often sharing family moments publicly; in October 2025, he posted a rare photo with Antônio and Pietro on social media, highlighting their resemblance and bond during a visit to Globo Studios.[53][54] Fatherhood has significantly shaped Benício's perspective and career highlights. He has described working alongside Antônio in the 2019 telenovela Amor de Mãe as the most special moment of his 25-year career at the time, emphasizing the emotional depth it added to his performances.[55] In 2025, Benício celebrated both sons' entry into the arts as "pure happiness," noting how their independence as adults allows him greater freedom while fostering mutual inspiration in their professional lives.[51] The family enjoys activities like tennis together, and Benício has lightheartedly shared his sons' teasing nickname for him—"coroa" (old man)—as a sign of their playful, affectionate dynamic, reflecting relief at their maturity: "Now they are two men who know how to walk alone."[53][56] As of 2025, Benício occasionally mentions the supportive role of his extended family, crediting them for grounding his life amid fame, though he keeps details private.[57]Filmography
Television
Murilo Benício debuted on Brazilian television in 1993 and has since appeared in numerous telenovelas, series, and miniseries, primarily on Rede Globo.[2]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1994 | Fera Ferida | Fabrício | Rede Globo | Telenovela debut.[2] |
| 1995 | Irmãos Coragem | Juca Cipó | Rede Globo | Supporting role.[2] |
| 1995–1997 | A Comédia da Vida Privada | Various | Rede Globo | Anthology series; multiple episodes.[58] |
| 1996 | Vira-Lata | Bráulio Vianna / Dráuzio | Rede Globo | Dual role.[2] |
| 1997 | A Justiceira | Junin | Rede Globo | Series appearance.[58] |
| 1997–1998 | Por Amor | Leonardo 'Léo' Barros Mota | Rede Globo | Recurring character across 215 episodes.[2] |
| 1998–1999 | Meu Bem Querer | Antônio Mourão Ferreira de Souza | Rede Globo | Lead role.[2] |
| 1999 | Você Decide | Various | Rede Globo | Guest spots in anthology series.[58] |
| 2000 | Esplendor | Cristóvão Rocha | Rede Globo | Telenovela role.[2] |
| 2000–2001 | Brava Gente | Various | Rede Globo | Multiple roles in series.[58] |
| 2001 | Os Normais | Tato | Rede Globo | Guest appearance.[58] |
| 2001–2002 | O Clone | Lucas Ferraz / Edvaldo Leandro 'Léo' da Silva / Diogo Ferraz | Rede Globo | Triple role; 221 episodes, one of his most notable recurring characters.[2] |
| 2003–2004 | Chocolate com Pimenta | Danilo Albuquerque | Rede Globo | Protagonist.[2] |
| 2005 | América | Sebastião 'Tião' da Silva Higino | Rede Globo | Lead role in 203-episode telenovela.[2] |
| 2005–2007 | Os Amadores | Guilherme Ferreira | Rede Globo | Series regular.[58] |
| 2006–2007 | Pé na Jaca | Arthur Fortuna | Rede Globo | Protagonist.[2] |
| 2008–2009 | A Favorita | Eduardo 'Dódi' Gentil | Rede Globo | Supporting role.[2] |
| 2009–2011 | Força-Tarefa | Wilson | Rede Globo | Lead in police series; 30 episodes across 3 seasons.[2] |
| 2010–2011 | Ti Ti Ti | Ariclenes Martins / Victor Valentim | Rede Globo | Dual role; 209 episodes.[2] |
| 2012 | Avenida Brasil | Jorge Araújo 'Tufão' | Rede Globo | Lead role; 179 episodes.[2] |
| 2014 | Geração Brasil | Jonas Marra | Rede Globo | Protagonist.[2] |
| 2014 | Amores Roubados | Jaime Favais | Rede Globo | Miniseries; 10 episodes.[2] |
| 2016 | Nada Será Como Antes | Saulo Ribeiro | Rede Globo | Lead in series; 10 episodes.[2] |
| 2018 | Se Eu Fechar os Olhos Agora | Adriano Marques Torres | Rede Globo | Miniseries role.[58] |
| 2019–2021 | Amor de Mãe | Raul Camargo | Rede Globo | Recurring lead; 166 episodes.[2] |
| 2022 | Pantanal | Tenório Pereira Santos | Rede Globo | Antagonist; remake telenovela, 168 episodes. |
| 2023 | Justiça | Jayme | Rede Globo | Guest in series.[58] |
| 2025 | Três Graças | Santiago Ferette | Rede Globo | Lead villain in ongoing telenovela (as of November 2025).[59] |
Film
Murilo Benício's film career spans over three decades, beginning with short films and supporting roles in Brazilian cinema before gaining international exposure and transitioning to leading parts in both national and co-produced features. His work often explores themes of identity, relationships, and social dynamics, with notable contributions as an actor, and later as a director. Below is a chronological listing of his feature film and short film credits, excluding television productions.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | O Monge e a Filha do Carrasco | Ambrosius | Walter Lima Jr. | Supporting role; Brazilian production. |
| 1997 | Os Matadores | Toninho | Beto Brant | Supporting role; Brazilian production. |
| 1997 | Decisão | Roberto | Leila Hipólito | Lead role; short film; Brazilian production; debut film role.[60] |
| 1999 | Orfeu | Lucinho | Carlos Diegues | Supporting role; Brazilian production. |
| 2000 | Woman on Top | Toninho Oliveira | Fina Torres | Lead role; international co-production (US/Brazil). |
| 2000 | Até que a Vida nos Separe | Tonho | José Zaragoza | Brazilian production.[61] |
| 2001 | Amores Possíveis | Carlos | Sandra Werneck | Lead role; Brazilian production.[62] |
| 2003 | O Homem do Ano | Maiquel | José Henrique Fonseca | Lead role; Brazilian production. |
| 2004 | Sexo, Amor e Traição | Carlos | Jorge Fernando | Lead role; Brazilian production. |
| 2005 | Pago (Paid) | Michael Ângelo | Marcos Ponte | Supporting role; Brazilian production. |
| 2006 | Casseta & Planeta 2: Seus Problemas Acabaram!!! | Dr. Botelho Pinto | Marcelo Fonseca | Supporting role/cameo; Brazilian comedy production. |
| 2006 | Inesquecível | Diego Borges | Paulo Sérgio Almeida | Lead role; Brazilian production. |
| 2012 | E Aí... Comeu? (Did You... Score?) | Marquinhos | Paulo Cursino | Supporting role; Brazilian production.[63] |
| 2017 | Divórcio | Júlio | Flávio Marinho | Lead role; Brazilian production. |
| 2017 | O Animal Cordial (Friendly Beast) | Inácio | Gabriela Amaral Almeida | Lead role; Brazilian production. |
| 2025 | Assalto à Brasileira | Paulo | José Eduardo Belmonte | Lead role; Brazilian production based on real events. |
Theatre
Stage performances
Murilo Benício's stage career began in the mid-1990s, marking his entry into live theater alongside his emerging work in television and film. His early performances showcased a versatility in comedic and dramatic roles, often in collaborations with established Brazilian playwrights and directors. Over the subsequent decade, he took on lead parts in intimate, character-driven productions, primarily in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo venues, contributing to his reputation as a dynamic stage actor before shifting focus toward directing. In 1996, Benício debuted in "As Tias do Mauro Rasi," a comedic play written and directed by Mauro Rasi, where he played the central role of the writer Mauro, surrounded by a ensemble of veteran actresses portraying eccentric aunts. The production highlighted family dynamics through humor and ran in Rio de Janeiro theaters, earning praise for its ensemble chemistry.[66][67] By 1998, he appeared in "Deus," an adaptation of Woody Allen's "God," directed by Mauro Mendonça Filho at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro. Benício portrayed multiple layered characters, including the slave Fidípides, the actor Pelópidas, and the Greek performer, in a meta-theatrical exploration of artistic creation and divine intervention, co-starring with Amir Haddad. The run emphasized backstage chaos during rehearsals of a Greek tragedy, blending absurdity and philosophy.[68][69] In 2003, Benício starred as Jerry in "Dois na Gangorra," William Gibson's romantic comedy adapted and directed by Domingos Oliveira, opposite Giovanna Antonelli as Gittel. He depicted a recently divorced lawyer navigating an unlikely romance in New York, with the production premiering at Teatro Abel in Niterói before transferring to Teatro Procópio Ferreira in São Paulo in 2004 for an extended run. The intimate two-hander format allowed for nuanced emotional interplay, drawing large audiences to its witty dialogue and chemistry.[70][71] Benício returned to the stage in 2006 for "Fica Comigo Esta Noite," Flávio de Souza's tragicomedy directed by Walter Lima Jr., playing the deceased husband Edu opposite Marisa Orth as the widow Clara. The play, set during a wake, delved into marital conflicts through surreal humor and confrontation, staging a short season in Rio de Janeiro before touring to cities like Curitiba. Orth had previously performed the role with other partners, but Benício's portrayal added a fresh intensity to the posthumous reckoning.[72][73]Directing credits
Murilo Benício made his directorial debut with the 2018 film O Beijo no Asfalto, an adaptation of Nelson Rodrigues' 1960 stage play of the same name. The project, which Benício also wrote and produced, innovatively blends cinematic narrative with documentary-style footage of theater rehearsals, capturing the cast—including Lázaro Ramos, Débora Falabella, and Fernanda Montenegro—discussing and preparing the production.[32] Shot in black and white over 11 days with a modest budget of R$1 million funded partly from his own resources, the film emphasizes themes of societal hypocrisy and repression while paying homage to the interplay between stage and screen.[74] Critics praised its bold metalinguistic approach and faithful yet fresh take on Rodrigues' work, with Veja describing it as a "notable debut" that encases and deconstructs the original play.[75] The film received a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb from over 340 users and was highlighted at festivals like the 41st São Paulo International Film Festival. Benício's second directorial effort, Pérola (2023), adapts Mauro Rasi's acclaimed autobiographical stage play, a theater hit originally starring Vera Holtz.[76] Co-written by Benício with Adriana Falcão, Jô Abdu, and Marcelo Saback, the dramedy follows a son returning home after his mother's death, exploring family dynamics through flashbacks, with Drica Moraes in the lead role as the titular matriarch.[77] Departing from the stark aesthetics of his debut, Pérola employs vibrant colors and a lighter tone infused with acidic humor to highlight generational clashes in a traditional Brazilian family, drawing parallels to Benício's own life experiences. The adaptation was well-received, earning acclaim at the Rio and Aruanda Film Festivals for its emotional depth and sophisticated comedy, and holding a 7.2/10 IMDb rating from 119 reviews.[65] O Globo noted its ability to both entertain and move audiences through the contrast between familial rebellion and tradition.[76] In interviews, Benício has described his transition from acting to directing after over two decades in the industry as a necessary evolution to avoid creative stagnation, stating that "if I didn't direct, I'd become a boring actor."[78] He views directing as a "respite from acting" that allows him to incorporate his personal vision and foster deeper actor collaborations, emphasizing dialogue and authenticity over stylistic uniformity across projects. Benício has hinted at additional behind-the-camera endeavors, underscoring his commitment to storytelling rooted in Brazilian theater traditions.Awards and nominations
The following is a selection of awards and nominations received by Murilo Benício. For a complete list, see IMDb.| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Troféu APCA | Revelação Masculina | Fera Ferida | Won |
| 1994 | Prêmio TV Press | Melhor Ator Revelação | — | Won |
| 2000 | Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro | Melhor Ator | Amores Possíveis | Nominated |
| 2000 | Prêmio Guarani de Cinema Brasileiro | Melhor Ator Coadjuvante | Orfeu | Won |
| 2001 | Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro | Melhor Ator | Amores Possíveis | Nominated |
| 2002 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil RJ | Melhor Ator de Telenovela | O Clone | Won |
| 2002 | Prêmio Austregésilo de Athayde | Melhor Ator | O Clone | Won |
| 2002 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Melhor Par Romântico (com Giovanna Antonelli) | O Clone | Won |
| 2003 | Prêmio ACE | Melhor Ator | O Homem do Ano | Won |
| 2003 | Festival de Cinema Latino-Americano de Washington | Melhor Ator | O Homem do Ano | Won |
| 2003 | Festival de Cinema Brasileiro de Miami | Melhor Ator | O Homem do Ano | Won |
| 2004 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Melhor Ator | Chocolate com Pimenta | Nominated |
| 2005 | Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | Melhor Ator de Drama | América | Nominated |
| 2008 | Melhores do Ano | Melhor Ator | A Favorita | Won |
| 2009 | Troféu Imprensa | Melhor Ator | A Favorita | Won |
| 2010 | Prêmio Arte Qualidade Brasil | Melhor Ator de Série ou Projeto | Ti Ti Ti | Won |
| 2010 | Prêmio Extra de Televisão | Melhor Ator | Ti Ti Ti | Won |
| 2010 | Prêmio Quem de Televisão | Melhor Ator | Ti Ti Ti | Won |
| 2010 | Troféu APCA | Melhor Ator | Ti Ti Ti | Won |
| 2010 | Melhores do Ano | Melhor Ator | Ti Ti Ti | Won |
| 2011 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Melhor Ator | Ti Ti Ti | Won |
| 2012 | Melhores do Ano | Melhor Ator | Avenida Brasil | Won |
| 2012 | Melhores do Ano NaTelinha | Melhor Ator | Avenida Brasil | Won |
| 2013 | Prêmio Contigo! de TV | Melhor Ator de Novela | Avenida Brasil | Won |
| 2013 | Troféu Imprensa | Melhor Ator | Avenida Brasil | Won |
| 2017 | Festival do Rio | Melhor Ator | O Animal Cordial | Won |
| 2019 | Prêmio Guarani de Cinema Brasileiro | Melhor Ator | O Beijo no Asfalto | Won |
| 2019 | Festival Sesc Melhores Filmes | Melhor Ator Nacional | O Beijo no Asfalto | Won |
| 2020 | Melhores do Ano Minha Novela | Ator do Ano (voto crítico) | Amor de Mãe | Won |
| 2020 | Melhores do Ano Minha Novela | Ator do Ano (voto público) | Amor de Mãe | Won |
| 2022 | Melhores do Ano | Ator de Novela | Pantanal | Won |
| 2022 | Prêmio Área VIP | Melhor Ator | Pantanal | Won |
| 2022 | Melhores do Ano NaTelinha | Melhor Ator | Pantanal | Won |
| 2024 | Festival de Cinema Brasileiro de Paris | Melhor Filme (Troféu Jangada) | Pérola (as director) | Won |