Strippers & Streetwalkers Give Actresses An Awards Edge

For actresses who want a shot at a statuette, playing a sex worker, as Marisa Tomei does in “The Wrestler,” could be just the ticket. “Historically, there have been fewer edgy roles for women, and the world’s oldest profession — prostitution — offers a natural corollary to another time-tested role, the male criminal. Another reason: Inherently flawed characters, who possess what some might see as mental, moral or physical imperfections, make for more courageous acting performances.”