A nearly-two decades old clip of Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres in blackface has resurfaced days after she was nominated for her first Academy Award.
The “I’m Still Here” star issued an apology acknowledging the poor judgment used when she appeared as a housekeeper in a sketch comedy series for the Brazilian series “Fantastico” in the late aughts.
“I am very sorry for this,” she told Deadline. “I’m making this statement as it is important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion.”
She added: “At that time, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations, the awareness of the racist history and symbolism of blackface hadn’t yet entered the mainstream public consciousness in Brazil. Thanks to better cultural understanding and important but incomplete achievements in this century, it’s very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable.”
The 59-year-old, who is up for best actress at the 2025 Oscars, concluded: “This is an important conversation we must continue to have with one another in order to prevent the normalization of racist practices then and now. As an artist and global citizen, and from my open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the pursuit of vital changes needed to live in a world free from inequality and racism.”
Torres won the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards for her role in the political biographical drama, and is a front-runner to take home the coveted prize.
Without this publicity nightmare, this year’s road to the Oscars would’ve otherwise been momentous for Torres, who is only the second Brazilian to ever be nominated in the category. Her predecessor is her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, for 1998’s “Central Station.” Both films were directed by Walter Salles.
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