Anora's Illusion: Unveiling the Harmful Glamorization of the Commercial Sex Industry

At the 2025 Academy Awards last night, Anora, directed by Sean Baker, emerged as a cinematic triumph, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film narrates the tale of Ani, a young stripper and sex worker from Brooklyn, who embarks on a whirlwind marriage with Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch. In his acceptance speech, Director Baker thanked the sex worker community.

He stated, "This is my fifth film that covers the subject [sex work] matter, so each time I do it, it's another individual story that shows a different aspect of sex work but hopefully done in a way that allows audiences to connect with the main character - have empathy for the main character. And remove, or hopefully help remove, the unfair stigma [surrounding the adult industry]."

While the narrative has been lauded for its storytelling, it's imperative to scrutinize the broader implications of celebrating such portrayals. Does Anora offer an authentic depiction of the commercial sex industry, or does it perpetuate harmful myths that endanger vulnerable populations? What is behind the reality of the stigma of sex work?

Why Anora Is So Popular Right Now: A Culture That Glorifies Exploitation

Before we dive into that question, let’s first understand why Anora is being celebrated by examining the current cultural and political landscape—one in which the glamorization of the commercial sex industry has reached a disturbing peak.

The Influence of Figures Like the Tate Brothers
Andrew and Tristan Tate have built a massive global following by promoting a hyper-masculine ideology that explicitly glorifies the control and exploitation of women, including in the commercial sex industry. Their rise to prominence is not an anomaly—it’s a reflection of a growing cultural acceptance of pimping, dominance, and the commodification of women’s bodies. Despite facing charges for human trafficking and sexual exploitation, the Tates continue to influence millions of young men, reinforcing the idea that women’s value is tied to their ability to be monetized for male pleasure. This mentality aligns disturbingly well with the narrative Anora presents—a young woman navigating the sex trade seemingly on her own terms, when in reality, this is rarely the case.

A Political Culture That Looks Away
The allegations against U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, who was investigated for sex trafficking a minor, barely made a dent in his political career. While the case was ultimately closed without charges, the fact that he remained a mainstream political figure throughout the investigation speaks volumes about how little society values the safety of exploited women and girls. When public figures can be linked to trafficking and face little to no consequences, it sends a clear message: purchasing women and girls for sex is not only acceptable but carries no real stigma, certainly not on the buyer’s side of the equation.

Mainstreaming Pimp Culture
Beyond individual figures, there is a broader cultural trend that normalizes and even celebrates pimping. From social media influencers promoting “soft” sex work as empowerment to rap lyrics and TV shows that depict pimps as charismatic anti-heroes, the reality of sexual exploitation is often hidden beneath a layer of supposed agency and empowerment. Young people, men and women, are absorbing these messages, believing that controlling and profiting off women’s sexuality is not only normal but aspirational.

Why Hollywood Is Complicit
Hollywood is not immune to these cultural shifts—it amplifies them. Anora arrives at a moment when films, television, and music are reinforcing the idea that sex work is simply another form of entrepreneurship. However, what’s left out of the conversation is that the vast majority of women in the sex trade are there due to financial desperation, coercion, or lack of viable alternatives. Hollywood profits from these half-truths, packaging them as progressive narratives while ignoring the real-life consequences for vulnerable women and girls.

By celebrating a film like Anora, our culture is choosing to validate an illusion—one that ignores the violence, systemic inequality, and harm that the commercial sex industry inflicts on the most vulnerable. In doing so, we are perpetuating a narrative that ultimately serves the interests of exploiters, not those being exploited.

While Hollywood plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions, the glamorization of the sex trade extends beyond the silver screen. Social media platforms also feature influencers who portray sex work as a lucrative and empowering career, omitting the associated risks and exploitative dynamics. Certain academic circles and activist groups advocate for the decriminalization of all aspects of the sex industry, including pimping and buying, under the guise of protecting workers' rights. This perspective often overlooks the systemic violence and coercion prevalent in the industry, particularly against marginalized groups.

The Reality of the Commercial Sex Trade

Contrary to the romanticized portrayals in films like Anora, the commercial sex industry is fraught with exploitation and violence. A significant majority of individuals in this industry are driven by circumstances such as poverty, lack of resources, or coercion. A recent comprehensive study titled "Buyers Unmasked" by Rights4Girls reveals that sex buyers often exhibit a blatant disregard for the autonomy and well-being of those they purchase, with many indifferent to whether the individuals are participating willingly or under duress. This indifference underscores the blurred lines between consensual sex work and exploitation, challenging the notion of sex work as a freely made choice.

Sex Buyers and the Violence They Inflict

The narrative of the harmless "customer" is a dangerous fallacy. Studies have consistently shown that sex buyers often perpetrate violence against those they exploit. The "Buyers Unmasked" report highlights that many buyers exhibit aggressive behaviors, with little regard for consent once a transaction is made. This environment fosters a culture where abuse is normalized, and the humanity of individuals in the sex trade is systematically eroded.

Conclusion: Challenging the Narrative

The acclaim garnered by Anora serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive myths surrounding the commercial sex industry. While storytelling is a powerful tool, it carries the responsibility of truth and representation. As consumers of media, it is crucial to critically evaluate the narratives presented and advocate for portrayals that reflect the realities of exploitation and violence inherent in the sex trade. By amplifying survivor voices, society can move towards a more just and equitable understanding of the complexities surrounding sex work.

In challenging the harmful glamorization perpetuated by films like Anora, we take a stand against the systemic exploitation of vulnerable individuals and work towards a future where empowerment is not a façade but a lived reality for all.