She is one of the most talented and recognized Portuguese actresses. In an exclusive interview with F Luxury, Maria João Bastos shares insights about her career, projects, and personal visions. With a multifaceted career spanning cinema, television, and theater, the actress offers a unique perspective on the entertainment industry and her artistic journey, revealing some of her most memorable moments, including those related to Brazil, a country that embraced her and that she holds dear in her heart.
What were the first influences or inspirations that sparked your love for acting?
My father loved cinema, and we had the habit of going to the video rental store together to rent movies. Naturally, that world increasingly inspired and fascinated me. I always wanted to be an actress, and at that time, like most families, we also gathered to watch Brazilian soap operas, so many of those actors were great inspirations for me. When I was little, I imagined myself acting in soap operas in Brazil with those actors. It was a dream I had and that eventually came true.
What main challenges and significant moments would you highlight throughout your professional journey?
There are so many! I remember my first play when I was 12 years old, where I played two completely different characters. With the first one, I made the audience laugh out loud — it was a very funny character — and minutes later, I brought another one to life, who recited a poem, and suddenly, I saw the audience moved to tears. I never forgot that feeling and how I had touched the audience so intensely with those two characters. Another significant moment was going to Globo to record my first soap opera. It was 21 years ago, and at that time, it was rare for Portuguese actors to work at Globo, especially in a prime-time soap opera. Those were different times; it was a world that was part of my imagination, so distant, but suddenly I was there, becoming part of that universe. It was a huge challenge and proved to be a unique sensation. But there are so many other significant moments in my career! For example, the film “The Mysteries of Lisbon,” which I did with director Raúl Ruiz, was a very important milestone for me, both professionally and personally.
You had the opportunity to work abroad from an early age. How did the experience and contact with different cultures influence your work?
I started traveling alone very early: the first time, I went to live in Brighton at just 18 years old. My thirst for exploring the world and immersing myself in new cultures was and is certainly very important for my career and what I bring to each character. Having world experience is a fundamental tool for our craft. Working in Brazil at one of the world’s largest production companies was a great learning and growth opportunity. I grew a lot. But traveling is one of my great passions; I have lived in several countries with totally different cultures, and I am sure that all these experiences have shaped me as a person and, of course, as an actress.
What importance does Brazil hold in your life and heart?
Brazil is my second home. From the first moment I set foot on the soil of Rio de Janeiro, I had a strong sense of belonging, as if I had already been there. And after 21 years of dividing my life between Portugal and Brazil, it is natural that I also consider it my home. I have had incredible experiences living in other countries, developing international projects, but the feeling in those places is that I am just passing through. In Brazil, I always had a different feeling. The feeling of being at home.
You played Inspector Paula Frias in “Rabo de Peixe.” How was it to bring this character to life and see national work spread by Netflix?
“Rabo de Peixe” is a very important project for our industry; it was a landmark moment for Portuguese fiction. Never before had a Portuguese project reached so many countries and with such success. We were obviously very happy, especially because having a Portuguese production broadcast worldwide opens doors to the international market, showcases our work, generates curiosity about our market, our talent in various areas, and brings more opportunities for our country and our teams. “Rabo de Peixe” is a giant window into what is done in Portugal, and it is naturally very special to be a part of it.
What other creative activities or projects do you develop outside the entertainment world?
I am always studying something, whether I am working on a project or not. I am extremely curious, and reading, one of my passions, is what most stimulates my imagination. But I also love cinema; watching films is something that, from a creative point of view, fills me up a lot. I like listening to music — I mean really listening, sitting down and traveling with the music. And I like singing, which is one of the activities that liberates me the most. Lately, I have discovered writing and am developing a project of my own.
Are there any actors, directors, or other professionals you would like to work with in the future?
Yes, of course. There are several directors I still want to work with. There is still much to do.
How would you describe your family’s relationship with your acting career? Was there any initial resistance or total support?
My family was not only my greatest support at all times but also the great driving force. The people in my family were great driving forces. When I was little, I would perform little plays with my sisters and present them to my family, who watched attentively — and took them very seriously (laughs). They always made me believe that if this was my dream, then I had the necessary tools to achieve it.
How do you balance your career with family life? Are there specific challenges you face in this regard?
In fact, it is all very natural. My career is a part of my life and who I am, and it fits perfectly into my family and personal life. The people who are part of my life know that this is my passion and have immense respect for my dedication. Of course, working outside of Portugal requires being away from them for a long time, and although it is difficult, we manage the distance well and have learned to maintain and preserve our presence in each other’s daily lives.
How do you handle pressure and public scrutiny, considering the impact it can have on you and those around you?
I feel very cherished by the public. Fortunately, I have always felt respect for my work and welcome criticism, whether positive or negative, as long as it is constructive. I learn from it and see it as something positive; it’s part of the process! However, I try to ensure that what is not constructive or unrelated to my professional life does not impact me. I have never exposed my personal life; that has always been my stance because it’s in my nature. By doing so, I have always protected my privacy and that of those who are part of my life.
How do you see the role of women in the film industry and the artistic life in general?
We are living in a time where we can already see an evolution in this regard, with greater female participation in various fields. We also know that there is a long way to go, but it is very good to see this movement towards greater representation and equality of opportunities for women in the cinema and audiovisual sector.
In your opinion, what are the most significant changes that have occurred over the years in terms of representation and opportunities for women in cinema, theater, or television?
The changes we have been witnessing are driven by many women who have achieved great accomplishments, positioning themselves in the industry through their talent and, undoubtedly, their perseverance. It has to do with this empowerment, giving voice, space, and recognition to women’s work. Recently, Portugal has seen very important initiatives in this regard, such as the Portuguese Cinema Academy with Netflix, giving visibility to the work of several Portuguese filmmakers by showcasing their films on that platform, reaching more people and thus creating more job opportunities. Recently, the producer Ukbar and RTP created a project called “Told by Women,” where all the films were created and directed by women. These initiatives are essential, and more need to happen. There is still much to be done.
What measures do you believe are necessary to promote equality of opportunities?
Continue to create these initiatives that invest in female talent and provide more opportunities for new projects that increasingly include the participation of women in various areas. This is a path we need to fight for to bridge the gender disparities in the sector.
You are undeniably a beautiful woman. What is your relationship with beauty, and what are your daily skin and general well-being care routines?
Physical exercise is becoming increasingly important in my life, and I strive to maintain a consistent routine, as well as a healthy diet. I believe in an integrative health model, taking a holistic approach to well-being by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, I pay attention to what I eat, how I exercise, the quality of my sleep, and how I handle stress. It’s not enough to only care about the exterior or just one aspect. Regarding my skin, besides daily care, there are two fundamental steps that have made a difference over the years: I never sleep with makeup on, and I never leave the house without sunscreen, rain or shine.
What are your secrets to maintaining a healthy and radiant appearance despite the stress and lack of sleep that often accompany your profession?
Good sleep, meditation, proper breathing, and drinking plenty of water. Regarding stress, my daily choices revolve around not allowing it to control my day. Staying calm is a superpower; the ability to not feed into negative stimuli or thoughts, or taking everything to heart, keeps our minds clear and hearts serene. I strive to feed my thoughts with positivity because I believe we are what we think.
How important is a healthy diet in your life and career? Do you follow any specific diet?
Nutrition is fundamental for good performance in life and career, and I always try to keep this in mind when making choices. I read a lot about this topic and seek information because it helps me make the right choices. When I eat well and consciously, I feel much better physically and psychologically and much more capable of facing a workday. When my work rhythm is very intense, that’s when I try to be more disciplined and careful. It’s evident that we don’t always find the best options in professional environments, so my solution is to cook at home and bring my meal to work. In fact, I increasingly try to have my meals at home.
What is your relationship with fashion, and on what do you base your choices each season?
I’ve always liked fashion, since I was little, partly due to the direct relationship fashion has always had with cinema and how it fascinated me; in films, costumes are like a vehicle of non-verbal communication, and what they told me about the stories and characters was something that fascinated me. Later on, I worked as a model for six years, which led to another relationship with this universe, influencing many of my references. But for me, it has always been a form of expression and a reflection of our essence and personality. My choices reflect this, my style, and my aesthetics. I like minimalism, neutral colors, timeless pieces, and dresses with simple and elegant cuts. To me, simplicity is always the most elegant.
What is the greatest luxury for you today?
Time! Having time for myself and my family. Time for a walk, to contemplate the sea, to meditate in the middle of the day, to sleep, to have a leisurely meal. I no longer allow myself to live in stress; my serenity is worth gold, and I value it more and more.
What dreams do you have yet to fulfill, and what would you like to see realized in the near future?
I have so many things I want to accomplish, so many characters I want to play, so many people I want to work with! I am thirsty for knowledge, wanting to learn more and practice this knowledge to absorb it. I always want to focus on my evolution as a person and professional, feel fulfilled with the present, fascinated by the unexpected, and excited about the future. And to preserve the ability to dream.
What words of encouragement and motivation would you like to leave for all F Luxury readers who are looking to pursue an acting career?
Dream, imagine yourselves doing what you desire, chase after it, and never give up. If that is truly your passion, don’t be afraid to take risks.
