The Brazilian web series “Estranho Jeito de Amar” (Strange Way of Loving) ended 2025 with its participation in the Hollywood Series Awards in Los Angeles, establishing itself as a major name in international independent audiovisual production. The series, which explores the complexities of an abusive relationship between two men and stars Rodrigo Tardelli, won the award for Best Screenplay (written by Leonardo Torres) and was a finalist in five other major categories.
The Los Angeles-based festival is recognized for providing visibility to independent creators on an international scale. In this edition, the Brazilian series split its nominations between its two seasons: Season 1: Nominated for Best Screenplay (Winner), Best Drama Series, and Best Production Design. Season 2: Nominated for Best Actor (Rodrigo Tardelli), Best Directing, and Best Series of All Genres.
Public and Critical Success
With a courageous narrative addressing abusive relationships and emotional dependency between two men, the series has already surpassed 16 million views on YouTube. To date, the project has accumulated a total of 36 nominations in festivals around the world.
Protagonist and creator Rodrigo Tardelli, who plays Gael, celebrates the international recognition. With this latest “Best Actor” nomination, Tardelli now totals 14 nominations for Best Actor throughout his journey with the character.
“Ending 2025 with this award was a very symbolic closing. These were six incredible nominations, and the Hollywood Series Awards recognizing the script for Estranho Jeito de Amar: O Início validates years of work done with care, risk, and truth. It’s not just about winning; it’s about realizing that an intimate story, made in Brazil, can cross borders and touch people abroad. I received this news with gratitude, but also with a clear sense of responsibility. When a project like this is seen, it demands continuity and even more seriousness for what comes next,” says the actor, who already holds four Best Drama Actor awards.
A Necessary Narrative
Written by Leonardo Torres, the plot uses drama to show how control and emotional dependency transcend sexual orientation. For Tardelli, the recognition in Hollywood is the result of a collective effort: “Estranho Jeito de Amar is a very special project. All these nominations are the fruit of teamwork done with a lot of grit.”
Looking ahead, the creator reveals that international recognition serves as a springboard for the production’s next steps:
“2026 arrives with expansion. New stories, new formats, and an even deeper dive into the universe of Estranho Jeito de Amar. I want to continue exploring human relationships without filters, with characters that are uncomfortable, provoke conversation, and stay in the viewer’s mind. It is also a year to open more dialogue with the international market, strengthen partnerships, and take these projects to spaces they haven’t reached yet. The focus is to grow without losing our essence, maintaining the same dedication that brought us here,” the actor concludes.