“I saw him in ‘Compartment No. 6’ at Cannes in 2021 and immediately fell in love — I could just see what an amazing actor he was,” says the director, who cites Spike Lee as his influence for his constant use of “fresh faces” in films like “Tangerine,” “Florida Project” and “Red Rocket.”

Although Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning indie sensation Anora has been getting rave reviews for Mikey Madison’s lead performance ever since its debut, one of the most surprising narratives within this year’s awards season cycle has been the popularity of Yura Borisov.

Yura Borisov has just made history in Russian cinema. The actor, who starred in the acclaimed film *Anora*, has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, becoming the first Russian actor to achieve this honor since 1977.

"Anora," one of ten films nominated for best picture at the 2025 Oscars, featured multiple breakout performances that helped it earn six Academy Award nominations. But where can you watch the film?

Russian actor Yura Borisov, who has previously starred in Russian propaganda films and illegally visited Russian-occupied Crimea, has received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the film "Anora.