in 1999, montenegro was awarded the brazilian grand cross of the national order of merit, due to her outstanding work in brazilian theatrical arts - this is the highest award that a civilian can be awarded from the presidency of brazil.

a famous carioca, born on foreign shores, carmen miranda established herself as the 'brazilian bombshell', who took, not only brazil, but also the whole world, by storm.

moving to brazil as a baby, carmen grew up in rio de janeiro's most bohemian neighborhood, lapa, where, surrounded by artisans and nonconformists, she developed her talent as a performer.