Yury Borisov's chances of winning Russia's first Oscar are high. And here's why
Russian actor Yura Borisov has been nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role in the movie "Anora". If he wins, he will become the first actor in the history of Russia, received the award of American film critics. On why he has every chance of this - in the material "Izvestia".
Going to the international level
- His first award Yura Borisov received while still a student: in 2013, he won the theater award "Golden Leaf" for his role in the play based on Mikhail Bulgakov's play "Zoykina Apartment". Despite his success on the stage, Borisov decided to devote himself to cinematography. In 2019, he played the main role in the movie "Bull " - this work brought him the Moscow International Festival Award, the titles "Discovery of the Year" and "Actor of the Year" from GQ magazine.
- The movie "Bull" also opened the way to Borisov in international projects: the actor was noticed by Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen and gave him the lead role in the movie "Coupe Number 6", shot in a co-production of Finland, Estonia, Russia and Germany. The picture won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and was shortlisted for the Oscar.
Yura Borisov in "Anora".
- "Anora" in 2024 received the Palme d'Or - the highest award of the Cannes festival, and Borisov brought a nomination for "Oscar". The film was recognized not only by critics, but also by the general public. Despite the fact that the film was made with a small budget of $6 million, the box office receipts at the box office on January 26 amounted to $ 34.5 million.
- Director and screenwriter of independent low-budget cinema Sean Baker invited Yuri Borisov for a supporting role in this tape, as he was impressed by his work in the movie Juho Kuosmanena "Coupe Number 6". Borisov agreed not immediately: he decided to participate only after learning more about Baker and his work.
- By the admission of the author and director of "Anora" Sean Baker, he met with the performer of the title role Mikey Madison (nominated for "Oscar" as best actress. - Ed.) and Yura Borisov before the script was ready, and therefore the roles were created for specific actors. Baker admitted that he does not know Armenian and Russian, so the actors themselves also did a lot to create lively and convincing images, not only participating in the stage of script preparation, but also improvising on the set.
Even before the "Oscar" for the role of immigrant Igor in "Anora" Yura Borisov was nominated for the British Academy BAFTA and Hollywood Foreign Press Association "Golden Globe" awards.
The secret of Borisov's success
- The role of Yura Borisov in "Anora" is not much, but at the same time the actor manages to hold the attention of the viewer. Despite the participation in the picture more famous in the West Russian actor Alexei Serebryakov, Borisov's game is notable for the fact that his character is not immediately revealed and only by the end of the movie unexpectedly for the viewer turns into the main character. Critics note that this is not the first participation of Borisov in international projects, while the actor is not locked in the image of the Russian bandit and can play absolutely everything. Especially noticeable skill Borisov manifests itself in the fact that he is able to play with one eye, creating a three-dimensional image.
- The very fact of nomination of a Russian actor for the "Oscar" can already be considered a victory, according to film critics, because the shortlisted artists received the recognition of 10 thousand film professionals from around the world, who gave their votes for them. In addition, until now, no Russian actor or director has not even been nominated for "Oscar" - the attention of the American film academy was awarded only films or animated films produced in Russia.
Will the "culture of abolition" have an impact
- There is currently a "culture of cancellation" in the West, which blocks Russian cinema from entering the international market. Due to the Ukrainian crisis and subsequent sanctions, many foreign projects involving Russian actors have been frozen.
- Despite the fact that the American Academy Awards are considered the most politically motivated, film critics in the U.S. still pay attention to Russian projects: last year's Oscar nominee in the category of "Best Short Documentary" was the film "Exit" by Maxim and Evgenia Arbugaev. However, the statuette itself was awarded to Russian filmmakers last time only in 1995 - then the award was received by Nikita Mikhalkov's film "Tired of the Sun".
- Bookmakers have already assessed the chances of the Russian actor at the Oscars: the likely favorite is called the American actor Kieran Culkin, which Borisov lost the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. The second and third places are shared by Yura Borisov and British-Australian actor Guy Pearce, who have equal chances of winning - up to 7% probability.
- For Yura Borisov, even an Oscar nomination has already provided access to interesting international projects and the opportunity to choose who to work with. Perhaps this will inspire other Russian actors. But the expert community agrees that in order to be noticed abroad, artists need their own experience in international projects. At the same time, Borisov's victory may stir up interest in Russian cinema in the West and encourage the restoration of cultural ties that have been broken in favor of politics.
What else to see with Yura Borisov
- In addition to the films "Bull" and "Coupe Number 6", which turned out to be fateful in the life of the actor, a fairly high rating in the IMDb film database are tapes with Yura Borisov "Kalashnikov", "Centaur", "Silver Skates", "Captain Volkonogov ran" and "Peace! Friendship! Gum!".
- One of the main hits of the season and a potential application for various film festivals should be the movie "Summer will end" with Yura Borisov in the title role: the release is expected in February. Directors of the picture - Vladimir Munkuev and Maxim Arbugaev, whose tape has already become an Oscar nominee. Among the novelties also the movie "Prophet. The Story of Alexander Pushkin", in which Borisov performed the main role. The premiere in cinemas will be held on February 14.
In preparing the material "Izvestia" talked to:
- film critic Ilona Egiazarova;
- film critic of "Izvestia" Sergei Sychev.
