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

I’m Still Here’ Oscar Nominee & Golden Globe Winner Fernanda Torres Apologizes For Blackface Turn In 17-Year-Old Resurfaced TV Comedy Sketch

It’s very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable,” she said in a statement.

Torres is only the second Brazilian actress to receive an Oscar nomination. The first was her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated in 1999 for Central Station, also directed by Salles.