Chicago — Renee Olstead explores the importance of nuance in sex worker media representation in her new feature “Next on Stage: Anora” for Penthouse Magazine.
The Penthouse Pet and frequent Penthouse contributor examines the moving parts of Sean Baker’s new groundbreaking film, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, through interviews with sex workers Luna Sophia Miranda, Lindsey Normington and Sophia Carnabuci who are featured prominently in the Anora cast.
“While there’s no shortage of sex workers in modern media, few filmmakers – whether for lack of interest, apathy, or oversight – have made a real effort to ‘get it right’. Sean Baker, a vocal supporter of the full decriminalization of sex work, is a rare exception,” she writes in the article.
She notes that Anora continues Baker’s signature approach to storytelling, which often centers the lives and stories of sex workers. Known for films like Red Rocket, Tangerine, and The Florida Project, Baker has long been an advocate for more nuanced and humanizing portrayals of sex workers in his work, and emphasizes Baker’s impressive collaborative effort in shaping Anora.
“The sex workers depicted in Baker’s films frequently challenge the one-dimensional tropes commonly seen on screen, portraying sex workers as human instead of sterile avatars of vice or virtue. In making Anora, Baker, alongside his wife, producer Samantha Quan, committed to a collaborative effort with members of the sex work community, consulting and casting sex workers in a process Quan described as crucial to the film’s evolution.”
Olstead also makes note of Baker’s inspiring acceptance speech at Cannes: “Accepting the award from famed filmmaker George Lucas, Baker dedicated the award to sex workers ‘of the past, present, and future’, and expressed a wish that films like Anora might help end stigma against sex work and make the world a safer place for sex workers.”
Anora opened in select theaters October 18th, and fans can learn more the film and Sean Baker via X @Lilfilm and Instagram @bakermovies, and follow Luna Sophia Miranda, Lindsey Normington and Sophia Carnabuci on Instagram @lunasmic, @lindsey.bug and @soborose.
Fans can get to know Renee Olstead, who also writes provocative and thought-provoking first-person features as a Penthouse contributor, through her official Penthouse model page. Learn more at xorenee.com and Instagram @xorenee.
ABOUT RENEE OLSTEAD:
Born in Houston, Texas, Renee Olstead began her entertainment career at a young age, amassing over nine seasons of television appearances (Still Standing, The Secret Life of the American Teenager), notable roles in movies such as 13 Going on 30 and Michael Mann’s The Insider, and two studio albums produced by acclaimed music producer David Foster.
In 2020, Olstead shifted focus, venturing into adult modeling and entertainment while pursuing her Master’s Degree in Psychology. She quickly gained momentum as a glamour model and content creator, leading her to complete campaigns and pictorials for renowned brands such as Hustler Hollywood, Playboy, and HoneyBirdette.
In 2023 Olstead earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology, as well as the title of Penthouse Pet of the Month for January, and subsequently became a contributor to Penthouse Magazine, with articles appearing both in print and online at Penthouse.com.
A passionate advocate for sex worker’s rights, Olstead currently serves as a volunteer and fundraiser for various mutual aid organizations, including SWOPLA, Sunday Faire, and Pineapple Support. Currently, Renee divides her time between Los Angeles and Milwaukee, where she resides with her beloved rescue dogs, Ume and Oscar.