Oscar 2025 marked the event with a mix of well-deserved winners and surprising upsets. Fernanda Torres, the Oscar-nominated actress for her powerful performance in I’m Still Here, has been undoubtedly a strong contender for this year’s Best Actress Oscar. However, a resurfaced Blackface controversy appears to have hindered Oscar voters against Torres.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time in the actress’ career, as she was recently nominated for the prestigious award. In the wake of the controversy, Torres has issued a public apology over a 17-year-old comedy sketch from the Brazilian TV show. The actress, who was one of the favorites along with other heavyweights, probably saw her nominations overshadowed by the backlash.
Fernanda Torres apologized for the resurfaced video of her Blackface portrayal in an old Brazilian TV show
The controversy erupted weeks ago after the sketch, which originally aired almost two decades ago, resurfaced on social media. Fernanda Torres played a housekeeper in Blackface hired by a couple to help with chores in the Brazilian TV show Fantástico. The sketch, called The Opposite Sex: The Family (Father Vs. Mother) meant to be humorous at the time, sparked immediate criticism for its racist undertones. It ignited debates immediately on social media about the normalization of Blackface in Brazilian comedy.
Torres, swiftly responded to the backlash, issuing a heartfelt apology in a statement to Deadline.
Almost twenty years ago, I appeared in Blackface in a comedy sketch from a Brazilian TV show. I am very sorry for this. I’m making this statement as I need to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion.
She acknowledged that, at that time, cultural awareness of racism had not yet fully entered the public domain in Brazil. She emphasized the importance of continued conversation around racism and inequality.
This is an important conversation we must continue to have with one another 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.
Her sincere apology came at a delicate time as she recently earned critical acclaim for her role in I’m Still Here. She portrayed a mother and activist struggling with the forced disappearance of her husband, a politician. Her performance garnered her a Golden Globe earlier this year, with many predicting an Oscar win to follow.
However, the resurfaced Blackface controversy cast a shadow over her nomination. It raises concern about the uncertainty among Oscar voters regarding their support for her. While the voting process is unknown, it is evident that this situation has influenced a perception and expectations surrounding her candidacy.
Mikey Madison swept the Best Actress Award upsetting favorites like Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres
In a surprising turn, Mikey Madison won the Academy Award for Best Actress, defeating more seasoned contenders like Torres, Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo, and Karla Sofía Gascón. Madison’s win at the age of 25, places her among the youngest Best Actress winners in Oscar history. On the other hand, Moore was one of the heavy favorites in this year’s Oscar race. Her performance as Elisabeth Sparkle in the body horror movie The Substance.
While many praised Madison’s performance in Anora, others speculated that Torres’ past controversy may have played a role in the decision. Though Torres has since addressed the issue and expressed her commitment to defending inequality and racism, she will definitely get a fair chance in the future.
However, the incident highlights how past actions can continue to impact an artist’s career such as Torres and Sofía Gascon. As the debate rages on, it also questions how Oscar voters weigh an artist’s past conduct against their present achievement.
I’m Still Here is available to stream on Apple TV+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
