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Rising stars reflect on a whirlwind journey post-Cannes win
The wild ride of ‘Anora’ stars
“Unexpected, very loud, a little bit scary… but good!” Those are the words used by Mark Eydelshteyn, one of the leads in the film Anora, to describe the tumultuous yet delightful months following the movie’s triumph at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, directed by Sean Baker, scooped up the prestigious Palme d’Or, catapulting its cast into the global cinematic spotlight.
For the 22-year-old Russian actor, who portrays Ivan—a lovable, hyperactive son of a filthy-rich oligarch who parts ways with his penthouse lifestyle to marry a Brighton Beach sex worker—the experience has been nothing short of surreal. Eydelshteyn shared this cinematic journey with his co-star and fellow countryman Yura Borisov, a bond that has served as an anchor for both actors in these dizzying times.
The dynamic duo: Eydelshteyn and Borisov
Playing pivotal characters in Anora, both Eydelshteyn and Borisov have been instrumental in grounding each other. They’ve likened themselves to personal “Inception”-style spinning tops, helping one another stay moored and aware that everything they are experiencing is indeed real. During a recent interview on a cloudy L.A. morning, Borisov, with a chuckle, asked, “We’re in America, right?”
Anora’s growing success and Oscar whisperings
With Anora being promoted widely across the U.S., thanks to the distribution powerhouse Neon, the film is riding a wave of acclaim. The movie’s favorable reception hints at a promising awards campaign, something both Eydelshteyn and Borisov are thrilled about. “Doing all this together has been so much better than alone,” Borisov noted, underscoring the strength of their partnership.
The labels: “Russian Timothée Chalamet” and “Russian Jeremy Allen White”?
Eydelshteyn has been humorously branded as the “Russian Timothée Chalamet” due to his youthful appearance, slim build, and tousled hair. This comparison gained traction following his breakthrough performance in the 2022 coming-of-age drama The Land of Sasha before he was cast in Anora. “It’s almost a joke that has gone out of control,” he remarked.
On the other hand, Borisov has earned the moniker “Russian Jeremy Allen White” for his performance as Igor in Anora. His character, a reluctant henchman with soulful eyes and a big heart, offers a rare depth amid the film’s chaotic narrative. Borisov, hearing the comparison for the first time, showed genuine surprise and curiosity, promising to check out Allen White’s work.
Rising through the ranks
Yura Borisov is no stranger to success. Already a celebrated actor in Russia, he won the best actor award at the Golden Eagle Awards in 2021. His role as Alexander Pushkin in the upcoming biopic The Poet further cements his status as a rising star. Borisov’s versatile talent caught Baker’s eye even before the Anora script was completed, thanks to his standout performance in Compartment No. 6, a Finnish road movie.
The casting coup
It was Borisov who recommended Eydelshteyn for the role of Ivan. When describing Ivan to Borisov, Baker trusted Borisov’s instinct, leading to Eydelshteyn’s memorable audition tape. Speaking of the audition, Eydelshteyn humorously shared how he initially wanted to dress in designer clothes to portray Ivan but ultimately opted to perform completely nude, reasoning he couldn’t afford the extravagant wardrobe. “So I immediately realized I had to be nude,” he explained.
This anecdote, which has become a staple in his interviews, has evolved over time. Eydelshteyn now modifies the story, adding layers of stress and portraying himself merely topless. Despite this storytelling tweak, Baker confirms that Eydelshteyn’s raw, uninhibited audition was a hit.
A celebration of cinema
Both actors are enjoying the success and recognition brought by Anora. “It feels like a celebration of cinema—people have been smiling, laughing, and there’s been such a warm feeling,” Eydelshteyn reflected. This sentiment captures the magic of Sean Baker’s film and the remarkable journey of its stars.
Looking ahead
As they continue to navigate their burgeoning careers, both Eydelshteyn and Borisov are hopeful for future English-language projects and potential meetings with their Hollywood lookalikes. Borisov amusingly concluded, “We have to meet each other… with Jeremy and Timothée,” a meeting that, given their growing acclaim, seems imminent.
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