Ignoring politics doesn’t mean that it would ignore us, as it penetrates in every aspect of our life, even the entertainment we consume. The 2025 Oscars will be remembered for the seismic shift it caused in the global cultural landscape, with a small-budget film like Anora winning 5 Academy Awards.
But this monumental achievement is now being sidelined due to international discourse, and Russian actor, Yura Borisov seems to be at the heart of it. So, how has his rise to fame sparked both admiration and controversy? Let’s dive in.
Yuri Borisov’s Oscar nomination and why it stole the spotlight
When Yura Borisov was announced as a nominee for Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Oscars, it became a historic moment for Russia. It was the first time since 1978 that the Academy had recognized a Russian actor. Even though he lost the award to Kieran Culkin, the fact that he was nominated sent shockwaves through the Russian entertainment industry.
Borisov played Igor in Anora, a brutal but tender Russian bodyguard, and the audience loved his portrayal. After the fallout between Mikey Madison’s character, who was married to a Russian oligarch’s son, Igor steps in and becomes an emotional anchor in the movie.
Film critics in Russia are elated, with Larisa Malyukova expressing her views on Telegram, “I can’t remember such an orgy of admiration, such an avalanche of universal interest.” It was indeed a big moment for the country, following their isolation since 2022 after they invaded Ukraine (via First Post). So, Russian talent being recognized on a global stage felt like they were being included again in our cultural landscape.
Why Anora’s Oscar win and Yuri Borisov’s nomination sparked mixed reactions
Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin commentator, also took to Telegram and said, “Russian culture can’t be cancelled. Russia itself can’t be cancelled.” Anora, despite being an independent film, is now tied to world politics, even though it’s neither pro nor anti-Russian. However, Yura Borisov and Mark Eydelshteyn have been silent about their stance on the Ukraine war.
But there are many Russian artists who have gone as far as to flee the country after opposing the war, so their silence is a stark contrast to their actions. But it’s also important to note that not all Russian actors are influential and resourceful enough to speak against their government. At first, Demi Moore not winning the Oscar over Madison was the only reason netizens found upsetting, but now, there’s also a huge political angle to it.
So, even though Anora is a heartfelt narrative with raw emotional depth and has no ulterior motive of promoting any agenda, it’s still being dragged into a conversation about politics. Now, whether Hollywood will continue to be inclusive of Russians or shun them after such controversy is yet to be seen.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
