Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of early 2025, offering both drama and depth as it tells the story of Shelly Gardner, played by Pamela Anderson, who faces the cancellation of her long-running Las Vegas revue. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2024, received warm reactions upon its limited theatrical release on December 15, 2024, before becoming widely available on January 10, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of Le Razzle Dazzle, the film explores the emotional and professional turmoil Shelly experiences as she confronts the end of her glamorous career after three decades. Critics have noted Anderson’s remarkable performance within this poignant narrative, especially highlighting the raw emotions expressed as she grapples with her identity beyond the spotlight. Despite her efforts, Anderson’s work did not secure the Academy Award nomination many believed she deserved, leading to discussions around the timing of the film's release and its impact on award season positioning.
Director Gia Coppola, who is the granddaughter of film legend Francis Ford Coppola, adapts this tale from Kate Gersten's unpublished play, Body of Work, which draws inspiration from the actual closure of Jubilee!, another Las Vegas revue, running from 1981 to 2016. The film opens with Shelly grocery shopping for dinner ingredients, symbolizing her struggle to maintain normalcy amid the chaos. A pivotal moment arrives with the abrupt text informing her the show is closing, pushing her to confront the reality of her fading career.
Anderson’s portrayal is multifaceted, presenting Shelly as both desperate and determined. The actress brings authenticity to her role, showcasing the glamour intertwined with the harsher realities faced by aging entertainers. One particularly poignant scene occurs during her attempts to advise her daughter, Hannah (played by Billie Lourd), as Hannah prepares to start her photography career. This tense relationship is delicately woven with themes of regret and longing, as Shelly reflects on her commitment to the spotlight and the sacrifices it entailed.
Joining Anderson is Jamie Lee Curtis as Annette, another retired performer now working as a cocktail waitress. Together, they encapsulate the mixed emotions experienced by women whose identities have been tethered to their performances. Annette’s bitterness over being sidelined provides emotional weight to the narrative, mirroring Shelly's own fears of obsolescence. Their dynamic builds sympathy throughout the film as they navigate the shifts from celebrated performers to their present-day realities.
The film effectively critiques the entertainment industry’s harsh standards and the pressures of maintaining youth and appeal. The climax showcases Shelly's frustration during auditions where her experiences and talents clash with youthful ambitions. One of the film’s most impactful moments occurs when she confronts the casting director after being told her style is outdated—this outburst echoes Anderson's own battles against the industry's expectations.
Interestingly, Anderson’s role garnered her both Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe nominations, yet the absence of the Academy Award nod raised eyebrows among critics and fans alike. Many speculate this could be attributed to the film's late entry to the award season, which hindered its visibility against more established contenders released earlier. The competition was fierce, with films like Wicked, Emilia Pérez, and The Substance capturing spotlight moments at prestigious festivals long before The Last Showgirl could even begin its promotional push.
With the abundance of award-winning films premiering earlier—such as Sing Sing and Conclave—many believe the timing of The Last Showgirl put Anderson at a disadvantage. The film's strategy of concluding its theatrical run at the year's start may have proven counterproductive, leaving it overlooked during discussions among industry insiders about upcoming nominations. The evolution of award campaigning becomes clear: studios may need to adapt strategies to focus on mid-year releases for smaller films seeking recognition.
Pamela Anderson has openly discussed the personal significance of her role, stating, "This is why my life has been the way it is, so I can do this project" during her interviews. This insight adds depth to her character, inviting parallels to her own career as she reflects on womanhood, age, and resilience. The film's focus on the artistry behind the glitz reveals the nuanced performances delivered by seasoned actresses laboring under the spotlight's relentless demands.
While commercial success and awards talk often dominate Hollywood discourse, The Last Showgirl fulfills its role of celebrating life’s nuanced chapters against the backdrop of Las Vegas glamour and heartache. With Coppola’s expert direction, the audience is treated to candid moments generating both laughter and tears, ensuring Shelly Gardner—and by extension, Pamela Anderson—achieves the lasting spotlight this tale rightfully affords.
Though she may have narrowly missed out on Oscar recognition, Anderson’s career-defining performance has been lauded by audiences and critics alike, reinforcing her commitment to challenging the stigmas surrounding aging women in entertainment. The film’s reception has affirmed its message—a reminder of the relevance of these stories, particularly as they reflect the complex realities so many grapple with.
With time still left before the 97th Academy Awards, The Last Showgirl could yet find its reverberations amid the discussions of awards. Only time will tell how Shelly’s story gets remembered within the hustle of Hollywood litigation, but it surely leaves viewers enriched by the grace and grit displayed during these characters’ darkest hours.