Oscar Nominee Fernanda Torres Apologizes for Appearing in Blackface on Brazilian Comedy Show in 2008: ‘Never Acceptable'

Mar. 15, 2025

Fernanda Torres attends a Q&A for ‘I’m Still Here’ at Curzon Mayfair on December 09, 2024.Photo:Dave Benett/Getty

Dave Benett/Getty

Fernanda Torres has apologized after a 2008 clip of her in blackface resurfaced ahead of the 97thAcademy Awards.

TheI’m Still Herestar, 59, who received anAcademy Award nomination in the Best Actress categoryearlier in January, spoke out about her resurfaced appearance on the Brazilian television showFantasticoin a statement toDeadline.

Torres said she was speaking out because it was “important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva in “I’m Still Here”.Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures

Deadlinereports that the clip in question was a sketch titled “The Opposite Sex: The Family (Father Vs. Mother).” It was meant to be a humorous examination of gender roles, and Torres played a mother named Solange and appeared in blackface as a maid named Dalva.

Torres said that at the time, 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,” she added.

Fernanda Torres attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025.Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

“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,” her statement said.

PEOPLE has reached out to Torres' representative for comment.

I’m Still Herefinds Torres playing a mother and activist coping with the forced disappearance of her husband.It is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s biographical book of the same nameand received nominations for Best Picture and Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars.

Fernanda Torres at the 2025 Golden Globes.CBS

CBS

Also nominated in the Best Actress category alongside Torres is:Demi Moore(The Substance),Karla Sofía Gascón(Emilia Pérez),Mikey Madison(Anora) andCynthia Erivo(Wicked).

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

source: people.com