Yura Borisov doesn’t make a grand introduction in the film “Anora.” His character, Igor, is only revealed to the audience nearly halfway through the story. Initially, he appears as hired muscle, silently observing the chaotic situation unfolding around him. Yet, despite his understated entrance, he commands attention as a captivating presence on screen.
Until Igor’s arrival, the film primarily focuses on Mikey Madison, who portrays Ani, as she navigates a passionate relationship with the extravagant son of a Russian oligarch. Igor’s entrance marks a crucial shift in the narrative, transitioning from the bliss of a honeymoon phase to a frenzied night filled with a desperate manhunt. Borisov quickly evolves into more than just an enigmatic presence; he becomes the emotional core of the film, showcasing a henchman who possesses a surprisingly tender heart.
Borisov’s portrayal has taken many by surprise and has earned him several prestigious nominations, including from the Oscars, the Screen Actors Guild, and the BAFTAs. Although he is regarded as a newcomer in some regions, Borisov is already an established star in Russia. His breakthrough came with the internationally recognized film “Compartment No. 6,” where he played a rough-and-tumble miner sharing a small train compartment with a Finnish student on a lengthy journey through Russia.
It was this performance that captivated filmmaker Sean Baker, leading him to invite Borisov to participate in “Anora.” Baker has referred to him as a “Russian Ryan Gosling,” a compliment that both flatters and confounds Borisov. “I admire Ryan Gosling and hope to work with him someday. His roles are incredible, but I’m not sure about that comparison,” he remarked with a chuckle, suggesting they might ask Baker for clarification.
Baker was aware of Borisov’s talent but chose to hold back on revealing his potential from the outset. He skillfully guides the audience, creating a sense of discovery while introducing Igor during a gripping 28-minute real-time home invasion scene, which incidentally was Borisov’s first to film. The scene was meticulously rehearsed, and it took them eight days to shoot, followed by three months of editing.
“Every facet was discussed—finding the right balance between humor, suspense, drama, and comedy was essential,” Borisov explained. He expressed that he focused on shaping Igor as a real person rather than purely a character on paper. Their discussions delved into Igor’s backstory, aspirations, and even wardrobe choices, such as the stark contrast of white Nike sneakers paired with an all-black outfit, underscoring the character’s complexity.
Despite his rising fame, Borisov does not view himself as someone with profound insights to share regarding his portrayal. If given a choice, he would have preferred to be a writer, asserting instead that the essence of the storytelling speaks for itself. “The true measure is how you feel when watching the film. What mattered in our discussions pales in comparison,” he stated.
As he spoke, “Anora” was becoming a frontrunner in an awards season that had previously been unpredictable. While the competition for the Supporting Actor category is intense, with contenders like Edward Norton and Guy Pearce, Kieran Culkin has long been favored to win. Nevertheless, Borisov’s nomination is noteworthy as he becomes the first Russian actor to be nominated for an Oscar since Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1977 for “The Turning Point.”
Expressing his joy, Borisov reflected on the significance of his nomination, emphasizing its positive implications for many: “I’m pleased this brings hope and pride to others.” After the Cannes Film Festival whirlwind, he is now preparing for his trip to London for the BAFTAs, where he will celebrate Madison’s unexpected victory alongside fellow cast member Mark Eydelshteyn, followed by the Oscars in Los Angeles. The accolades have brought excitement, yet this whirlwind of events has also led to some late-night conversations with newfound friends.
“It’s an exhilarating experience right now,” he remarked. While it might be too soon to evaluate the impact of his rising fame on his career, he hinted, “Life is changing.” Yet, his contentment largely stems from the camaraderie shared with his film collaborators. “Some may think it’s trivial to prioritize spending time with friends over awards, but for me, those moments matter greatly. One day, life will carry us in different directions, and I will miss this time together,” Borisov concluded wistfully.
