Strippers Reclaim the Narrative: Anora's Journey to the Oscars

As the film Anora garners Oscar buzz, sex workers involved in the project highlight their experiences and the complexities of their profession, aiming for greater respect and authenticity in the industry.

When Luna Sofia Miranda met director Sean Baker in a New York strip club in 2022, she never expected it would lead to a role in his film about strippers. "He didn’t want a lap dance," she recalls, but her relentless curiosity about his project ultimately earned her a part in Anora, which has emerged as a potential Oscar contender.

Starring Mikey Madison, nominated for Best Actress, the film reflects the realistic struggles faced by sex workers. During her recent Bafta award acceptance, Madison dedicated her win to the sex worker community, emphasizing their need for acknowledgment. As critical discussions around Anora unfold, not all involved are convinced of its representation, describing it as both profound yet limited.

Edie Turquet, a young British stripper turned background dancer in Anora, initially hesitated to join the film, fearing it would contribute to the often exploitative depictions of strippers in cinema. Turquet described past stripper films, such as Zola and Pretty Woman, as detrimental and overly glamorized. However, upon realizing the film was helmed by Baker, known for his authentic storytelling style, she decided to participate.

The film explores themes of heartbreak and rejection, resonating with many involved, including Miranda, who portrayed Lulu, Anora's friend. She shared insider knowledge about stripper slang to ensure Madison's portrayal felt true to life. Choreographer Kennady Schneider trained Madison extensively, highlighting her dedication to accurately portraying a stripper's movements and experience.

Despite mixed feelings regarding Anora's depth in exploring the sex industry's moral complexities, many actresses found the film's mundane depiction of a stripper's day-to-day life strikingly authentic. From clients to Tupperware lunches, Schneider noted that the film reflects the quieter, more realistic aspects of the job amidst occasional glamour.

As the Oscars approach, Miranda and her co-stars remain hopeful that Anora can stimulate vital conversations about respect for sex workers. They hope the film's success could spark a change in Hollywood, allowing sex workers to reclaim their stories and receive the dignified representation they deserve. "Winning an Oscar could signify the start of a shift in how the industry views us," she remarked, optimistic for the future.