Yura Borisov makes a subtle entrance in the film “Anora.” His character, Igor, is not revealed until well after the film begins, positioned as the tough guy observing the chaos unfolding around him. Despite this understated introduction, he captivates the audience, leaving them unable to look away from this enigmatic figure.
The early moments of the movie focus mainly on Mikey Madison’s character, Ani, and her extravagant romance with a young son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. It is only as Igor appears that the tone shifts dramatically—marking the end of the blissful honeymoon phase and plunging into a frenzied overnight manhunt. Quickly, Igor emerges as not just a curious outsider but as the emotional core of the film, a henchman imbued with a deep sense of humanity.
Borisov’s remarkable performance has been surprising to many, showcasing a new talent with an undeniable charisma that has garnered him nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Although he is relatively new to some global markets, Borisov has already made a name for himself as a star in Russia. His breakout role was in the film “Compartment No. 6,” where he portrayed a rough miner sharing a cramped space with a Finnish student on a lengthy train journey across Russia.
This performance caught the attention of filmmaker Sean Baker, who subsequently contacted Borisov about joining the cast of “Anora.” Baker has fondly referred to him as the “Russian Ryan Gosling.” Borisov feels flattered by this comparison but admits he is slightly puzzled by it. “I love Ryan Gosling and am genuinely interested in working with him someday. I admire his films. They are very cool to watch. But I’m not entirely sure what that comparison means,” Borisov said with a laugh, suggesting they should refer to Baker for clarity.
Baker recognized Borisov’s unique talent from the start, but he allowed the depth of his character to unfold gradually. Their collaborative efforts led to a memorable 28-minute scene depicting a home invasion, which was Borisov’s first major scene to film. This scene required meticulous preparation, including detailed conversations over eight days of filming and three months of editing.
“We talked extensively to strike a balance between humor, tension, and drama, which was crucial for the scene,” Borisov explained. “For me, it was essential to envision Igor and Ani as real people.” Their discussions included insights into Igor’s background, his aspirations, and even his choice of attire—specifically highlighting how his white Nike sneakers contrasted with his entirely black ensemble, symbolizing something profound about his character.
Surprisingly, Borisov does not consider himself particularly insightful when discussing his acting process. He jokes that he would rather be a writer if he had much to say about his performance. For him, the emotional impact of the film resonates more than the behind-the-scenes discussions. “What truly matters is the audience’s feelings when they experience the film. The specifics of our discussions are secondary,” he affirmed.
During the week Borisov spoke, “Anora” had emerged as a strong contender in an awards circuit that was previously unpredictable. Despite fierce competition in the supporting actor category with nominees like Edward Norton and Jeremy Strong, many believe Kieran Culkin is the frontrunner. However, Borisov’s nomination is significant as he is the first Russian actor to be recognized at the Oscars since Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1977 for “The Turning Point.”
“I’m pleased that it holds significance for many people, which is why it is meaningful to me,” Borisov expressed. “It brings a sense of hope or pride to others, and that’s important.”
Since his time at Cannes, Borisov’s journey has been exhilarating, and he is now preparing for upcoming events such as the BAFTAs in London and the Oscars in Los Angeles. Although the accolades have been thrilling, he cherishes the connections made along the way, leading to many late-night conversations with fellow cast members.
“It’s certainly a chaotic period,” he remarked.
While it’s too soon for him to discuss the impact these accolades might have on his future career, he hinted that “life is changing.” Yet, he finds the greatest joy in spending meaningful time with the friends he met during the film’s production. “It might seem trivial to focus on spending time with friends during such a significant awards season, but for me, it’s incredibly important,” he elaborated. “One day, we’ll go our separate ways, and that thought saddens me. But for now, I’m just happy we’re together.”
