"Anora" Stars Borisov and Eydelshteyn Reflect on Oscar Journey, Brotherhood, and Hollywood Hijinks
Hollywood, CA – The whirlwind journey of "Anora" has been nothing short of extraordinary, catapulting its stars, Yura Borisov and Mark Eydelshteyn, into the international spotlight. As they stand on the precipice of the Academy Awards, the two Russian actors can’t help but feel a tinge of bittersweetness, knowing that this particular chapter of their lives is drawing to a close.
"Anora," Sean Baker’s vibrant and unconventional tale of a Brooklyn sex worker navigating the complexities of love and wealth, captivated audiences at the Cannes Film Festival, where it clinched the coveted Palme d’Or. Now, the film has become a major contender in the Oscar race, securing six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Supporting Actor for Borisov.
For Borisov, 32, and Eydelshteyn, 23, "Anora" represents their first foray into English-language cinema. The experience has forged an unbreakable bond between the two, who lived together while filming in the bustling streets of New York City. They describe themselves as brothers and best friends, their camaraderie evident in their every interaction.
As they strolled along Hollywood Boulevard, the evening before the Oscars, Borisov expressed the sentiment that hung in the air, "It’s really sad that this very long and special road is coming to an end." He added, "None of us were ready to win at Cannes or for everything that happened after that. But the best award for us was just being together."
Eydelshteyn, ever the poet, chimed in, "It feels like we’re on the beach at sunrise and the Oscars are the sun. Tomorrow will be the last official day together, but then we hope there will be many non-official days together. We’ll be hanging out and we won’t forget about each other."
Their infectious energy and playful spirit were on full display as they explored the iconic, if somewhat overwhelming, tourist hub of Hollywood. They were recognized by fans in a souvenir shop, happily posing for photos with employees who wished them luck. Their mischievous side emerged as they were later scolded by a police officer for playfully altering a "road closed" sign to read "road open" using cardboard and a marker. Undeterred, they continued their antics, giving each other piggyback rides and marveling at the costumed characters that roamed the streets.
Despite the throngs of tourists, the actors found moments of amusement and wonder. "It’s iconic, of course," Eydelshteyn conceded, "But there’s too many people."
While their journey with "Anora" may be nearing its end, both Borisov and Eydelshteyn are poised to embark on new and exciting ventures. Eydelshteyn is set to make his American television debut in Season 2 of Prime Video’s "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."
However, he emphasized that "a not-so-small piece of my soul will always be with ‘Anora.’" He added, "It’s been a crazy ride and then we’ll start a new chapter. That’s the great thing about tomorrow."
The success of "Anora" has not only opened doors for Borisov and Eydelshteyn but has also highlighted the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of telling unique and compelling stories. Sean Baker’s vision, combined with the talent and dedication of the cast and crew, has resonated with audiences around the world.
As the two actors prepare to attend the Academy Awards, they carry with them the memories, experiences, and friendships forged during their "Anora" journey. Regardless of the outcome on Sunday night, they know that they have already won in so many ways.
The bond between Borisov and Eydelshteyn serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the enduring nature of friendship. Their story is a reminder that the greatest rewards in life often come from the relationships we build and the experiences we share along the way.
Whether they walk away with Oscars or not, Yura Borisov and Mark Eydelshteyn have undoubtedly left their mark on Hollywood, and their future in the world of cinema looks brighter than ever. Their talent, combined with their genuine camaraderie and infectious enthusiasm, is sure to propel them to even greater heights in the years to come. The end of the "Anora" chapter may be bittersweet, but it marks the beginning of a new and exciting adventure for these two rising stars. The world eagerly anticipates what they will do next.
