Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

The vibrant energy of Carnival in Salvador, Bahia, drew a constellation of Brazilian stars this year, including acclaimed actresses Alanis Guillen and Gabriela Loran. The pair were spotted enjoying the festivities, marking a moment of respite from their demanding roles in the hit Globo series, “Três Graças.” Their presence added to the already electric atmosphere of the annual celebration, which officially kicked into high gear on February 15, 2026.

Guillen and Loran were seen together in a luxury suite within the Dodô circuit (Barra/Ondina), posing for photos and immersing themselves in the music and dance. This marked Guillen’s first experience with Carnival in Salvador, and she expressed her enthusiasm for the city’s unique spirit. “It’s our first Carnival here in Salvador, we are loving it,” Guillen shared, adding that she and her partner arrived the day before and were captivated by a performance by Nação Zumbi. The actresses’ appearance sparked considerable excitement among fans and fellow revelers alike.

The actresses’ participation in Carnival comes as they continue to garner praise for their roles in “Três Graças.” Alanis Guillen plays Lorena Ferette, a character involved in a lesbian romance, a storyline that the actress has highlighted as important for challenging societal preconceptions. “We desire to always see ourselves in the story. Lorena and Juquinha are there, love is there and it doesn’t matter the gender,” Guillen stated, emphasizing the significance of representation. Gabriela Loran portrays Viviane, a pharmacist whose storyline has also resonated with audiences.

Beyond the camarote, Loran took time to explore Salvador, visiting the iconic Farol da Barra, a landmark that embodies the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. She also expressed her deep connection to Bahia, noting the unique energy of the region. “The Bahian has the sauce, has a unique energy, that does not exist anywhere else,” Loran remarked. She also celebrated the enthusiastic reception she’s received from fans during Carnival, acknowledging the support for her character, Vivi.

Guillen was accompanied by her partner, Giovanna Reis, and shared moments of leisure with her before the Carnival festivities began, including enjoying champagne together. The actress’s openness about her relationship reflects a broader trend toward greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships in Brazilian media. Guillen previously revealed she discovered her fluid sexuality during adolescence.

Loran also spoke about the positive response to her character, Vivi, and the joy of seeing the public rally behind her storyline. “Seeing Brazil rooting for Vivi to succeed is a dream come true. It’s exciting to receive this affection on the streets, on social media and here at Carnival,” she said. The actresses’ presence at the event, a collaboration with Eudora, underscored their continued connection with fans and the cultural landscape of Brazil.

As “Três Graças” continues to captivate audiences, Guillen and Loran’s Carnival experience offers a glimpse into their lives beyond the screen, showcasing their appreciation for Brazilian culture and their commitment to representing diverse stories. The pair’s enjoyment of the festivities signals a continued embrace of Bahia’s vibrant spirit and a promise of more engaging work to come.

The success of “Três Graças” and the positive reception to characters like Lorena and Vivi suggest a growing appetite for inclusive storytelling in Brazilian television. As the series progresses, audiences will be watching to see how these narratives continue to evolve and resonate with viewers across the country.

Feel free to share your thoughts on Alanis Guillen and Gabriela Loran’s Carnival experience in the comments below!

Antoine Dupont, the celebrated captain of the French rugby team and star player for Stade Toulousain, has transcended the world of sports to develop into a household name in France. His profile has soared, fueled by both his athletic prowess and a high-profile relationship with former Miss France and Miss Universe, Iris Mittenaere. However, this increased visibility hasn’t been without its critics, with some questioning whether the attention is impacting his performance on the field. The debate surrounding Dupont’s celebrity status highlights the challenges faced by athletes navigating the demands of both their sport and the broader world of fame.

The 29-year-old Dupont’s popularity extends beyond rugby circles, leading to numerous media appearances and endorsements. This shift has sparked discussion about the balance between an athlete’s public persona and their athletic focus. While many celebrate Dupont as a national icon, others, like former Toulon Rugby Club (RCT) president Mourad Boudjellal, have expressed concerns that the increased attention is detrimental to his game. The core of the debate centers on whether Dupont can maintain his exceptional performance while simultaneously embracing his newfound celebrity.

Boudjellal’s Criticism: A Loss of Focus?

In 2023, Mourad Boudjellal voiced his concerns about Dupont’s growing celebrity, suggesting it was affecting his performance. Speaking to Eurosport, Boudjellal stated, “He has met Zidane, Henry, everyone, but on the field, he no longer meets the ball. I find that Antoine Dupont, since he has been publicized, is no longer Antoine Dupont with a t, it’s Antoine Dupont with a d like in Tintin. It’s no longer the real Antoine Dupont. So, you’re going to forget the magazines and receive back to work.” This pointed critique suggests Boudjellal believes Dupont’s focus has shifted away from rugby due to his increased media engagements.

Boudjellal further elaborated on his position, acknowledging Dupont’s immense talent while simultaneously questioning whether the demands of his public image were impacting his play. He explained, “Of course, Antoine Dupont is a huge player and has demonstrated incredible things to us so far. Perhaps one of the best French players of all time and surely the best player in the world, there is no doubt about that. But you have to understand that you have the image of Antoine Dupont, when you carry the image of French rugby, when you are an ambassador everywhere, when you earn more money with your image rights than with your player contracts, you bring people to the stadium. And every time you touch the ball, people expect you to cross the field or the magic of Antoine Dupont. There was a little disappointment, I found he wasn’t at the level of Antoine Dupont.” He emphasized that maintaining a high level of performance requires dedication and a singular focus, suggesting that Dupont’s numerous commitments might be hindering his ability to consistently deliver on the field.

The Balancing Act of Athlete Celebrity

Dupont’s situation isn’t unique. Many athletes grapple with the challenges of managing their public image alongside their athletic careers. The increasing commercialization of sports and the rise of social media have amplified this phenomenon, creating a constant demand for athletes to engage with fans and brands. While these opportunities can be lucrative and enhance an athlete’s profile, they also require significant time and energy, potentially diverting attention from training and competition. The question of how to navigate this balance is a recurring theme in modern sports.

The scrutiny Dupont faces underscores the high expectations placed upon elite athletes. Fans and critics alike often demand not only exceptional athletic performance but also a certain level of humility and dedication. When an athlete’s public persona appears to deviate from these expectations, it can invite criticism, even if the athlete’s intentions are positive. The pressure to maintain both athletic excellence and a favorable public image is a significant burden for many professional athletes.

As Antoine Dupont continues to navigate his dual role as a rugby superstar and a public figure, the debate surrounding his celebrity is likely to persist. His future performance on the field will undoubtedly be closely watched, and his ability to balance his athletic commitments with his growing public profile will be a key factor in shaping his legacy. The ongoing discussion serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between sports, celebrity, and the expectations placed upon elite athletes.

What remains to be seen is how Dupont will respond to this scrutiny and whether he can continue to deliver the exceptional performances that have made him a national icon. His upcoming matches and endorsements will be closely monitored, offering further insight into his ability to navigate the demands of both his sport and his burgeoning celebrity. Share your thoughts on the challenges faced by modern athletes in the comments below.