In 2022, Luna Sofia Miranda made a chance encounter with Sean Baker at a strip club in New York.
Despite his initial reluctance to buy a lap dance, Miranda’s persistence led to a conversation about Baker’s film about strippers, “Anora.” After a successful audition, Miranda landed a role in the film, which is now an Oscars frontrunner directed by Baker and starring Mikey Madison.
The film, which relies on real-life strippers for authenticity, has garnered praise for its realistic portrayal of the rejection and exhaustion experienced by sex workers. Madison’s dedication of her Bafta film award to the sex worker community highlights the impact of the film on those involved in its making.
Actresses, strippers, and dancers in the film have shared their experiences and thoughts on the film.
While some commend its realism, others find it limited in its depiction of sex workers and their stories. Edie Turquet, a background dancer in the film, initially hesitated to participate but was reassured by Baker’s realistic filmmaking style.
The themes of rejection, heartbreak, and the mundane nature of the job depicted in the film resonate with many involved in the industry.
However, some feel that the film falls short in addressing the moral questions surrounding men who buy sex and the complexity of sex workers’ lives beyond their profession.
As “Anora” heads into the Oscars, there is anticipation among the cast and crew, with hopes that the film’s success will bring greater respect and recognition to the sex worker community in Hollywood.
Miranda and Normington, who will be attending the Oscars, express their desire for a shift in the industry’s portrayal of sex workers as both workers and entertainers.
