Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1984
Shirley MacLaine Terms of Endearment 1984
SEX WORKER ROLE
Irma la Douce in Irma La Douce 1963
Oscar Nominated For Playing A Prostitute
Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity 1969
Sister Sara in Two Mules For Sister Sara 1970
Two Of The Characters Are Prostitutes. One Is A Taxi Dancer.
Shirley MacLaine in Irma La Douce 1963, Sweet Charity 1969 and Two Mules For Sister Sara 1970
“Irma la Douce” was based on the Broadway musical of the same name. However, this film adaptation erased all the music, leaving the movie as a straight comedy. Set in Paris, an ex-cop falls deeply in love with a prostitute (played by Shirley). He attempts to get her out of the hooker lifestyle by paying for her services 24/7. Given her hourly rate, he finds this task more challenging.
Watch clip of the film “Irma la Douce”
“Sweet Charity” is an adaptation of the 1957 Federico Fellini movie “The Nights of Cabiria,” about a prostitute. However, the filmmakers of this remake had the profession of prostitution changed to that of a taxi dancer.
Watch clip of the film “Sweet Charity”
Shirley MacLaine plays the title character in the western “Two Mules For Sister Sara.” Wanting to assist the Mexicans in their fight against the French, Sara feels she won’t get any help since she is a prostitute. So she decides to don the persona of a nun so that she gets taken seriously. Her co-star Clint Eastwood at first works for the French as a mercenary. But after being convinced by Sister Sara’s argument, he switches sides. Of course, they fall in love as they battle the French together.
Watch clip from the film “Two Mules For Sister Sara”
To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers