I briefly listened to the acceptance speeches of Mikey Madison (Best Actress - Anora) and Sean Baker (Best Director, Best Original Screenplay - Anora). Both acknowledged the sex workers that helped with the context of the film. But that's just lip service ; lip service that will just stop right there. They aren't concerned about the physical, spiritual and mental health of the sex workers that they supposedly respect and advocate for. I bet not one sex worker that was consulted for Anora was invited to the ceremonies as a guest.
My concern with Miranda's story is that it is functioning as an argument that legitimizes and normalizes the sex industry--i.e., "she started out as a stripper, and look where it took her." That's a far cry from showing true compassion for those who feel like they have to work in the industry in order to survive.
'"That broke my heart. I thought, there’s something wrong here,” said Baker. “You’re OK with all the violence that’s out there? Sex is a vital part of existence. Why don’t you want to see sex in our stories?” I remember being on set and being like: We’re pushing against that poll.”'
I briefly listened to the acceptance speeches of Mikey Madison (Best Actress - Anora) and Sean Baker (Best Director, Best Original Screenplay - Anora). Both acknowledged the sex workers that helped with the context of the film. But that's just lip service ; lip service that will just stop right there. They aren't concerned about the physical, spiritual and mental health of the sex workers that they supposedly respect and advocate for. I bet not one sex worker that was consulted for Anora was invited to the ceremonies as a guest.
There may be some virtue signaling in the mention of "sex workers" (a loaded term to begin with, as noted here: https://www.collectiveshout.org/interview-rose-hunter) during speeches like that, but it does appear that at least one stripper did attend the Oscars at the filmmakers' invitation: https://people.com/anora-actress-went-from-exotic-dancer-to-oscars-exclusive-11688152.
Good. I hope that one young girl later decides to leave the adult industry and become something more.
My concern with Miranda's story is that it is functioning as an argument that legitimizes and normalizes the sex industry--i.e., "she started out as a stripper, and look where it took her." That's a far cry from showing true compassion for those who feel like they have to work in the industry in order to survive.
There's an AP article of Baker saying he was disappointed in Gen Z due to a survey being taken saying they rather not see sex/nudity on screen. See here: https://apnews.com/article/anora-oscars-win-sean-baker-mikey-madison-4c633cc6db3c935c1b672ec2fc51fb77
'"That broke my heart. I thought, there’s something wrong here,” said Baker. “You’re OK with all the violence that’s out there? Sex is a vital part of existence. Why don’t you want to see sex in our stories?” I remember being on set and being like: We’re pushing against that poll.”'
Yeah, his heart is breaking over the wrong things. It's sad--tragic, even.
It's bizarre, really. Baker would probably say sex is a private matter.
Come to think of it, we have a name for structures that control, oppress and objectify women, and brainwash. They’re called cults.
I'll actually be addressing some structural elements to this whole topic in my next entry.