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Selton Mello

Selton Mello

Actor, producer and director, also writer · Born December 30, 1972 (53) · Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Selton Figueiredo Melo, known as Selton Mello (born December 30, 1972) one of Brazil’s most respected actors and directors, has built a remarkable career spanning four decades. From his beginnings as a child actor to his status as a celebrated artist, Mello has consistently demonstrated his passion for storytelling and connection with audiences. Born in Passos, Minas Gerais, Mello began acting in Brazilian television soap operas during the 1980s. His talent quickly earned him recognition, leading to his transition to cinema. In the 1990s, he gained acclaim with films such as Lavoura Arcaica (To the Left of the Father) and O Auto da Compadecida (A Dog’s Will). The latter remains a cultural classic, with Mello’s role as Chicó highlighting his comedic timing and depth. Mello’s versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse filmography, including Meu Nome Não É Johnny (My Name Ain’t Johnny)* and Jean Charles, a poignant portrayal of a Brazilian immigrant’s tragic story. In Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here), directed by Walter Salles, Mello delivered a powerful performance as Rubens Paiva, a congressman disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Beyond acting, Mello has excelled as a director. His 2011 film O Palhaço (The Clown), which explores themes of identity and purpose, received widespread acclaim and numerous awards. His second directorial work, O Filme da Minha Vida (The Movie of My Life), further showcased his storytelling ability, earning accolades at the Rome Film Festival. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Mello plays a key role in promoting Brazilian cinema internationally. With over 40 years in the industry, Selton Mello remains a significant figure, celebrated for his contributions as an actor, director, and cultural embassador.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 30, 1972 (53)
From
Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Works as
Actor, producer and director, also writer
Titles
18 on MovieCove · 74 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Official site (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 29% in 30 days

What are Selton Mello's films like?

Across their 16 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Power.

Genres

Comedy5 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 62nd percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Drama4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 75th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Animation2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 64th percentile
: browse their Animation movies
Biography2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 93rd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Biography movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
24%
Power
19%
Self
16%
Survival
16%
Morality
14%
Society
6%
Ideas
5%
Romantic love4 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship3 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival3 titles, browse their movies with this themeOppression3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCorruption2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 7 · Serious 1 · Dark 7

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 3 · Stylized 9 · Heightened 3

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 3 · Charged 7 · Intense 5

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 6 · Shifting 8 · Whiplash 1

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 8 · Some laughs 2 · Funny 5

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 6 · Even-paced 8 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 4 · Engaged 9 · Full focus 2

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 6 · Affecting 4 · Heavy 5

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 8 · Open-ended 7 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

13 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 9 of 13 analyzed roles.

Hero
9 of 13
Ally
2 of 13
Trickster
1 of 13
Shadow
1 of 13
Show the 13 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
9
Melancholic
6
Absurd
6
Joyful
4
Warm
4
Other
13

How their films linger

Fun5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 3 with a twist

  • Happy4
  • Bittersweet5
  • Tragic2
  • Ambiguous5

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Selton Mello's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 6 of their 18 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Netflix (3).

Subscription and free streaming for Selton Mello's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

74 credits, 18 with a MovieCove page; 6 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • La Perra (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    as Duda

  • The Rogue's Trial (TV Series) (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    Show 4 episodes · Associate Producer · as Chicó

  • Anaconda(2025)

    as Santiago

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all films

  • Bury Your Dead(2024)

    as Edgar Wilson

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • A Dog's Will 2(2024)

    Associate Producer · as Chicó

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • I'm Still Here(2024)

    as Rubens Paiva

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Tá Roxeda (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Art Department Coordinator

  • The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Actor

  • In the Emperor's Times (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    Show 154 episodes · as Dom Pedro II, Imperador do Brasil

  • Babenco: Tell Me When I Die(2019)

    as Banquet Attendee

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • The Mechanism(2018)

    Show 16 episodes · as Marco Ruffo

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all shows

  • Treze Dias Longe do Sol (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Show 10 episodes · as Saulo Garcez

  • Lino(2017)

    as Lino (voice)

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • The Movie of My Life(2017)

    Director · Executive Producer · Screenplay · as Paco

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Soundtrack (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Co-Producer · as Cris

  • My Hindu Friend (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Common Man

  • Dangerous Liaisons (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Show 10 episodes · as Augusto de Valmont

  • Trash(2014)

    as Frederico

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Diário de Novas Lembranças (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Narrator

  • Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury(2013)

    Associate Producer · as Abeguar / Balaio / Cau / JC (voice)

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Sessão de Terapia (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 185 episodes · Director · Associate Producer · as Dr. Caio Barone

  • Billi Pig (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Wanderlei

  • Kings & Rats (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Associate Producer · as Troy Somerset

  • The Clown (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Director · Co-Producer · Editor · Screenplay · as Benjamim / Palhaço Pangaré

  • The Invisible Woman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 13 episodes · Director · as Pedro

  • Federal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Dani

  • Lope: The Outlaw (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Marqués de las Navas

  • Reflections of a Blender (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Liquidificador (voz)

  • Miracle Hands (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 9 episodes · as Dimas Bevilláqua

  • Jean Charles (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Jean Charles

  • The Herb of the Rat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Ele

  • The Invisible Woman(2009)

    as Pedro

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • December (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Director · Co-Producer · Editor · Screenplay

  • Slightly Out of Tune (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Dico - young

  • My Name Ain't Johnny(2008)

    as João Guilherme Estrella

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • O Sistema (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 6 episodes · Director · as Matias Cadore / Matt

  • Sete Vidas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as voz do Gato

  • Drained(2006)

    Associate Producer · as Lourenço

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Quando o Tempo Cair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Director · Editor · Producer · Screenplay

  • Tarantino's Mind (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Friend #2

  • O Coronel e o Lobisomem (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Pernambuco Nogueira

  • Dry Movie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Bob

  • Os Aspones (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Show 7 episodes · as Tales

  • Nina(2004)

    as Amigo de Ana

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Girls from ABC (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Salesiano

  • Lisbela and the Prisoner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Leléu

  • Caramuru: The Invention of Brazil(2001)

    as Diogo Álvares, Caramuru

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • To the Left of the Father(2001)

    as André

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Os Normais (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 15 episodes · as Bernardo · as Nilo

  • Os Maias (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 42 episodes · as João da Ega

  • Brava Gente (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Daniel · as Sardinha

  • A Dog's Will(2000)

    as Chicó

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • A Invenção do Brasil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 3 episodes · as Diogo Álvares, o Caramuru

  • Making of O Auto da Compadecida (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Actor

  • Força de um Desejo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Show 226 episodes · as Abelardo Silveira Sobral

  • O Auto da Compadecida (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Show 4 episodes · as Chicó

  • Guerra de Canudos - Minissérie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 4 episodes · as Tenente Luís da Gama

  • The Battle of Canudos (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Tenente Luís da Gama

  • Four Days in September(1997)

    as César / Oswaldo

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • A Indomada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 203 episodes · as Emanuel Faruk

  • The Next Victim (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 203 episodes · as Antônio Mestieri (Tonico)

  • A Comédia da Vida Privada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Tropicaliente (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Show 194 episodes · as Vitor Velasquez

  • Lamarca (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Ivan

  • Olho no Olho (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 185 episodes · as João Carlos Zapata (Juca)

  • Pedra Sobre Pedra (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 179 episodes · as Bruno

  • Uma Escola Atrapalhada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Renan

  • Little Missy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Rafael (criança)

  • Power Play (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 179 episodes · as Ronaldo Pellegrini

  • Braço de Ferro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Show 110 episodes · as Raimundo

  • Dona Santa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 24 episodes · as Sidney

  • I Don’t Even Know Who I Was (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • The Alienist (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Director · as Simão Bacamarte

  • Zero K (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

Career shape

Star power in the 99th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 74 titles, 71 of them dated from 1981 to 2026; peak year 2009.

Biggest box office

Anaconda (2025)

$135M worldwide

Highest rated

A Dog's Will (2000)

Midcredits 99th

Most popular right now

Anaconda (2025)

Film career

MilestoneBreakout
19812026

Peak 2009 · back in prominent film roles after a quiet stretch. Top draw in 6 MovieCove titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1990Screen debut· Uma Escola Atrapalhada
  • 2001First top-billed film· To the Left of the Father
  • 2003Breakout· Lisbela and the Prisoner
  • 2003Career best· Lisbela and the Prisoner
  • 2018Career best· The Mechanism

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting71 of 74: 59 only acting, 12 with another role · typical Midcredits score84thDirecting8 of 74: 0 only directing, 8 with another roleWriting4 of 74: 0 only writing, 4 with another roleProducing11 of 74: 0 only producing, 11 with another roleEditing3 of 74: 0 only editing, 3 with another roleOther crew1 of 74: 1 only other crew, 0 with another role

74 titles, 14 with more than one role — acting and producing overlap on 9 of them.

By decade

1980s4 · acting1990s13 · acting2000s25 · 23 acting · 4 crew2010s19 · 19 acting · 7 crew2020s10 · 9 acting · 3 crew

Billing

usually 2nd · top billed in 38% of 26 roles
90051015

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Selton Mello's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 83rd percentile, the median of all 17; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 75th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

75thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Approval · how many liked their films

82ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Reach · how many have seen their films

80thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Midcredits score across 18 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up11
  • 50th to 74th4
  • 25th to 49th1
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

9 of their 18 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved3
  • Crowd Pleaser9
  • Broadly Agreed1
  • Mixed5

Most divisive · actor

The Mechanism (2018)

67th percentile spread · 10% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

A Dog's Will (2000)

Midcredits 99th · 93% liked

Reviewers score the acting 73/100 in their films, across 14 reviewed titles; fans 83, detractors 54. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Selton Mello's work okay for kids?

Across up to 5 MovieCove titles with content scores, sex & nudity runs heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore4 titlesmedian 50 · moderateMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity5 titles20–55 · median 43 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity4 titlesmedian 53 · moderateMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs4 titlesmedian 42 · moderateMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense4 titlesmedian 49 · moderateMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Selton Mello work with?

People who share at least 2 of Selton Mello's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Guel Arraes shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers

Mixed roles