It was "important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion," said Torres in a statement to Deadline

The Brazilian actor claimed that at the time of the 2008 sketch, her home country had yet to become aware of the "racist history and symbolism of blackface."

Fernanda Torres ‘ mom must be so proud. On Thursday, the star of Walter Salles ‘ period drama I’m Still Here, repeated her mother Fernanda Montenegro’s historic achievement from 1999 (for Central Station) becoming only the second Brazilian to be nominated by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in the best actress category.

"I'm Still Here" is one of two foreign movies nominated in the best picture category, along with "Emilia Perez ," which racked up 13 nominations at this year's awards, the most of any films. The film had a limited release in the United States on Jan. 17. According to Sony Pictures, “I’m Still Here” is playing in select theaters nationwide.

The directing lineup encompasses all first-timers — Sean Baker (“Anora”), Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”), James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”), Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez”) and Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”), a first since 1997 where James Cameron’s “Titanic” swept the ceremony. In fact, 13 of the 20 actors recognized their inaugural noms.

The reason for all of this (apart from voters’ sense of purpose) is, of course, a DEI initiative. In a movement that began back in 2016, as Trump was first ascendant, to diversify the Academy with people of many more backgrounds, countries, and experiences. This can’t be unwound. The choices testify to its permanence.

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Oscar-nominated I’m Still Here star Fernanda Torres has released a statement apologizing for a sketch in which she donned blackface.