Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres has apologized after a decades-old video of her performing in blackface resurfaced ahead of the Academy Awards.
The I’m Still Here star addressed the video in a statement to Deadline.
Around 20 years ago, an actress appeared in Blackface for a comedy sketch on a Brazilian TV show. In her statement, she expressed deep regret for her actions and emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly to prevent further hurt and confusion.
The sketch, titled “The Opposite Sex: The Family (Father Vs. Mother),” appeared in the Brazilian television show Fantástico in 2008.
She acknowledged that during that time, the understanding of the racist history and significance of blackface was not widespread in Brazil, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations. She further stated that today, it is universally recognized that blackface is never acceptable.
The actress highlighted the ongoing need for conversations about racism to prevent the normalization of discriminatory practices, both in the past and present. She affirmed her commitment to being an artist and global citizen who is dedicated to actively participating in essential changes that promote a world free from inequality and racism.
The sketch stars Torres as a tired mother who asks her husband for a divorce. Her husband hires a housekeeper to help her, whom Torres also plays while wearing blackface. By the end of the segment, the mother gets the divorce and offers half the proceeds to the housekeeper.
This news comes just after Torres became the second Brazilian actress to be nominated for an Oscar for I’m Still Here. The first was her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, for the 1988 film Central Station.
Torres is nominated for Best Actress against Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, The Substance‘s Demi Moore and Anora‘s Mikey Madison.
Torres recently won a Golden Globe for her performance in the political drama.
I’m Still Here premieres in theaters Feb. 14.
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