Global Artists Urge Brazilians to Vote Lula: "Combat the Fascists"

Filmmakers Pedro Almodóvar and Guillermo del Toro, actors Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo, and other artists worldwide called on Friday for Brazilians to vote for presidential candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Sunday's election. In a video posted on social media, Almodóvar says a victory for the progressive leader over far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro is "essential for Brazil and for the environment." Ruffalo calls on voters to "combat the fascists." Del Toro, who lives in the United States, says: "Hello, friends of my beloved Brazil, vote to seek freedom and progress and learn from everything happening in the upper hemisphere." Award-winning actors Bardem, Juliette Binoche, and Tilda Swinton appear in the video making an "L" shape with their fingers—the first letter of Lula's name and a popular gesture among his supporters. "Love for Brazil; the world is watching Sunday's elections," wrote Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho when sharing the video. Within Brazil, Lula has received support from many leading cultural figures, including singers Caetano Veloso and Anitta, and actors Wagner Moura and Fernanda Torres. Bolsonaro has the backing of some sertanejo music singers, such as Gusttavo Lima and Ana Castela, and football players like Neymar. Lula, seeking a fourth presidential term, received 45% of votes in the first round three weeks ago, behind Bolsonaro's 47%. Recent polls show a very tight race, with both candidates in a technical tie. On Friday, the two candidates held their final debate, attacking each other over the economy, security, and corruption. Lula mocked his opponent, comparing him to "students who memorize but don't learn" and accusing him of not knowing Brazil "even a little." He also accused Bolsonaro of "licking the boots" of US leader Donald Trump and blamed him for a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports—a charge the senator has repeatedly denied. Flávio Bolsonaro made a personal attack, calling Lula "nine fingers" during a discussion about inflation. The senator said what Lula gave to the people "with one hand," he took away with "nine fingers"—a reference to the finger Lula lost in a workplace accident at age 17 while working as a lathe operator in a factory.