Wagner Moura is preparing to portray one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century…

The 36-year-old Brazilian actor, a well-established and acclaimed actor in his native country, has signed on to play Federico Fellini in Fellini Black And White.

Directed by Henry Bromell, the film centers on Betty, the beautiful veterinarian that Fellini falls in love with when he comes to Los Angeles in 1957 to attend the Academy Awards and picks up the Best Picture for Nights Of Cabiria.

Abbie Cornish has been cast as Betty. The film also stars William H. Macy, Terrence Howard, Peter Dinklage and Nina Arianda, who will play Italian film star Giulietta Masina, Fellini’s wife.

Moura achieved widespread international fame for his portrayal of Captain (later Colonel) Roberto Nascimento, protagonist of the highly successful 2007 motion picture The Elite Squad and the film’s sequel, The Elite Squad 2.

Besides his acting career, Moura is also a lyricist and the vocalist of the band Sua Mãe.