Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1929
Janet Gaynor in Street Angel 1928
SEX WORKER ROLE
Wins Oscar For Playing A Prostitute
Janet Gaynor in Street Angel 1928
Ironically, the first female recipient of an acting Oscar would win for playing a prostitute. Those first Oscars awarded a performer’s yearly body of work. In subsequent years, Oscars would be given out for a single performance. Janet Gaynor won her Oscar for three roles. One of which was playing a hooker in “Street Angel.” In this film, a woman goes on the run from the law. Her past catches up to her just as she is on the verge of true happiness. The other two movies she won the Oscar for were “Sunrise” and “7th Heaven”.
Watch clip of the film “Street Angel”
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