‘Anora’ Breakout Yura Borisov on His First U.S. Film and Director Sean Baker: ‘There Was a Lot of Freedom’

variety.com:

Stuart Miller Sean Baker knew he wanted the Russian actor Yura Borisov for his new film even before he’d written the script that would become “Anora.” “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.” Baker knew the film would be “setting up stereotypes and then shattering them,” so he needed a henchman who was a “teddy bear” underneath.

When he watched more of Borisov’s movies he knew his instinct was right. “His performances had that sensitivity, a lot of that emotion going on behind his outer shell.” Borisov earned a BAFTA nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a Critics Choice nom and other accolades.Borisov had no idea who Baker was when the acclaimed director reached out. “I said, ‘Where can I see your movies?’ And he sent me some links,” Borisov recalls.

He was immediately sold. “I could feel Sean’s soul in these movies. So even though he didn’t have a script, I said, ‘Let’s go.’” Borisov loved how collaborative the director was, saying, “He kept asking me about my character, never saying, ‘You must do this or go that way.