Bill Maher is once again taking aim at Hollywood’s approach to political correctness, this time calling out the industry's so-called “woke” use of language in response to the success of Anora at the Academy Awards.
The film, which swept multiple Oscar categories, has been at the center of discussions surrounding how Hollywood portrays sex work and the evolving terminology surrounding the profession.
Maher, never one to shy away from controversial opinions, criticized the entertainment industry's reluctance to use the term "prostitute," arguing that the push for more sanitized language is another example of Hollywood prioritizing ideological trends over reality.
The film in question, Anora, made waves during awards season for its bold storytelling and compelling performances. The drama, which follows the life of a sex worker navigating the complexities of her profession, relationships, and personal struggles, was praised for its raw and unfiltered depiction of its subject matter.
Directed by an acclaimed filmmaker and featuring a breakout performance by its lead actress, Anora took home some of the most coveted Oscars, solidifying its place in Hollywood’s growing trend of socially conscious storytelling. However, it wasn’t just the film’s success that caught Maher’s attention—it was the discourse surrounding it.
During a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the outspoken host addressed the controversy surrounding Anora, particularly how Hollywood and media figures have been using terms like “sex worker” instead of “prostitute” when discussing the film.
"Look, I get it—times change, language evolves. But at some point, we have to stop pretending that changing the word changes the reality," Maher said. "Hollywood thinks it's doing some great service by calling prostitutes ‘sex workers’ instead, but all they’re really doing is playing word games."
Maher argued that the shift in terminology is part of a broader trend where Hollywood and progressive circles sanitize language to make controversial topics more palatable.
He pointed out that while the film itself is unapologetically raw in its portrayal of the main character’s life, the industry's discussion around it has been anything but.
"You can call it whatever you want—escort, sex worker, adult service provider—but at the end of the day, it’s the same job. The problem isn’t the word; it’s society’s perception of it," he continued.
Maher’s comments touch on a broader debate that has been unfolding in Hollywood and beyond. The term “sex worker” has gained mainstream acceptance in recent years, as advocates argue that it reduces stigma and acknowledges that people in the profession deserve the same labor rights and protections as those in other industries.
However, critics like Maher see the shift as an example of Hollywood’s tendency to virtue signal rather than address deeper societal issues. They argue that focusing on the language rather than the realities of sex work—such as exploitation, legal rights, and economic hardship—does little to actually help those in the industry.
Some industry insiders defended the terminology shift, arguing that it reflects a broader cultural movement toward respect and dignity for marginalized professions. Others, however, sided with Maher’s skepticism, suggesting that Hollywood is more interested in appearing progressive than in enacting real change.
As expected, Maher’s take sparked a range of reactions online. His supporters praised him for calling out what they see as Hollywood’s performative activism, while critics accused him of being dismissive of language’s impact on social change.
One user on social media wrote, “Bill Maher is right. Changing the word doesn’t change the industry. Hollywood wants credit for being progressive without doing anything real.”
Another fired back, “Language matters. Calling someone a ‘sex worker’ acknowledges their autonomy and dignity. Why is that a problem?”
Others pointed out that Maher’s stance is consistent with his long-running criticism of political correctness, noting that he has previously challenged similar language shifts in areas ranging from crime to education.
Despite the controversy, Anora’s success has reignited conversations about sex work, representation in Hollywood, and how society chooses to discuss these topics.
Whether Maher’s critique will lead to any deeper reflection within the industry remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Hollywood’s ongoing battle over language isn’t going anywhere.
As the entertainment world continues to evolve, so too will the conversations surrounding the stories it tells. But as Maher and others have pointed out, the real question is whether those conversations will lead to meaningful action or just more carefully crafted headlines.
