Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres has issued an apology for wearing blackface in a comedy sketch 17 years ago.

The “I’m Still Here” star, 59, in a statement to Deadline on Sunday acknowledged that “almost twenty years ago, I appeared in blackface in a comedy sketch from a Brazilian TV show.” A representative for Torres confirmed the statement with USA TODAY on Monday.

The resurfaced sketch from the Brazilian series “Fantastico” featured Torres wearing blackface while playing a housekeeper.

“I am very sorry for this,” the actress told Deadline. “I’m making this statement as it is important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion.”

“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.”

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She 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 is one of five best actress nominees at the 2025 Oscars for her performance in “I’m Still Here,” which is also nominated for best picture. Some pundits have predicted she will win the Academy Award.

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At the Golden Globes earlier this month, Torres earned a surprise win for best actress in a drama film, becoming the first Brazilian to receive the award. In 1999, her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated in the same category for “Central Station.”

Torres also became the first Brazilian nominated for the best actress Oscar since her mother was up for the award in 1999, again for “Central Station.”

“My God, I didn’t prepare anything, because I was glad already,” Torres said in her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, continuing, “Of course, I want to dedicate it to my mother.”