Paulo Betti is one of the most well-known and respected actors in Brazil today. Having earned a "Distinguished Fulbright Fellowship", Paulo began his theatrical career in 1969 with "Zé do Burro", which earned him first acting award. He was the leading man in more than 13 films, including "Lamarca" (1994), "Maua - The Emperor and the King"(1999) and "Guerra de Canudos"(1997) by Sérgio Rezende. "O Toque do Oboé" (1998) won the critic's choice award at the Miami Film Festival in 1999. In "Oriundi" (1999), he starred with Anthony Quinn. Paulo has had significant success on Brazilian TV. His first appearance was in the soap opera "Como Salvar meu Casamento" (1979). His role in "Os Imigrantes" (1981) brought him to the limelight, and he has since been a prominent figure in soap operas, specials, and miniseries for TV Globo. Although he has directed numerous plays, many of them award-winning, he debuted his film directing career with "Cafundó" (2005) a feature-film starring Lázaro Ramos. It received 19 national and international awards, and was launched nationally in Brazilian theaters in 2006 to critical acclaim. In 1992, he founded "Casa da Gávea", a living arts center based in Rio de Janeiro, where he promotes the study and dissemination of various forms of art and culture.