Sean Baker knew before he wrote the script for "Anora" that he wanted Russian actor Yura Borisov to star in his new film.

"I saw him in Cubicles at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and fell in love with him immediately - I could see what an incredible actor he is," the director said, citing Spike Lee's influence as he continued to use "fresh faces" from films such as "Tangerine," "The Florida Project" and "Red Rocket."

Baker knew the film would "build stereotypes and then break them," so he needed a follower who was a "teddy bear" at heart. As he watched more of Borisov's films, he knew his instincts were right. "His performance is very sensitive and there's a lot of emotion behind his shell."

Borisov has received BAFTA nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, a Critics' Choice Award nomination, and other honors.

Borisov had no idea who Baker was when the acclaimed director reached out. “I said, ‘Where can I watch your movie?’ and he sent me some links,” Borisov recalled. He was sold immediately. "I could feel Sean's soul in these movies. So even though he didn't have a script, I said, 'Let's go.'"

Borisov liked the director's collaborative spirit, saying: "He kept asking me about my role and never said, 'You have to do this or that.' There was a lot of freedom, and the whole cast did it together. everything."
Baker says this approach pays dividends big and small. Borisov recommended fellow Russian Mark Edelshtein to play the role of Vanya. Although Borisov's Igor doesn't have much dialogue, Baker said Borisov came up with little details to reveal his character - the endlessly chaotic day at the center of the film is his birthday, or the one that makes his character so special. In the unforgettable dinner scene, he keeps stuffing burgers into his mouth hungrily.

"He's a genius," Baker said, noting that Borisov somehow eats up every shot without using a spit bucket. "That's crazy."

Borisov's first day on set was crazy. He had never worked with a director like Baker before, he had never made an English-language film before... he had never even been to the United States before.

While most of the cast and crew had already established a working rhythm, Borisov's first day on set involved filming followers frantically trying to corral Vanya, or at least subdue Arnie (Mike Madison) The effort failed. Scenes of violence included broken artwork and mangled noses, and Borisov recalled, "I just went in and tried to understand what was going on, just like you walk into a party late and try to understand the atmosphere."

"I feel like an alien in this country, this city and my new community, I don't know what's going on or what's going to happen," he said, directing his confusion and concerns to Igo you. "When Sean says 'action,' this universe opens up and you jump in and it's a crazy moment and you're just trying to grab everything you can."

(Baker was surprised to hear all this, saying, "This may be happening inside Yura, but he comes across as 100 percent confident and safe.")

Just like Igor after those difficult opening moments, Borisov — who said Igor was ultimately “a man with a pure soul” — saw his job as supporting Madison, Madison's commitment to the role helped. "Her performance is very real, she doesn't feel like she's acting, so Igor has to feel that way too," he said. "Like him, I have to focus on McGee. She's on her Joseph Campbell hero's journey, so the most important thing for me is to support her."