Russian Actor Fails to Win Historic Oscar
Borisov received recognition from the Academy for his role in Anora, winning the Best Supporting Actor award at the 97th Oscars. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Kieran Culkin took the Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards, surpassing Yura Borisov, who made history as the first Russian-born nominee in this category. Culkin’s performance in *A Real Pain* as Benji Kaplan, a witty yet troubled man on a journey through Poland to reconnect with his Jewish heritage, garnered critical acclaim. His ability to balance humor with emotional depth was particularly highlighted, contributing to his wins at prestigious ceremonies like the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Borisov, recognized for his role as Igor, a complex and ruthless henchman in *Anora*, was celebrated for his “scene-stealing” performance, marking him as a breakout star. However, it was Culkin's acclaimed role that ultimately earned him the Academy Award. The Best Supporting Actor race was notably competitive, featuring other talents such as Edward Norton, Guy Pearce, and Jeremy Strong.
Despite not winning, Borisov's nomination is significant within the context of Russia’s historic presence at the Academy Awards, where the country boasts over 160 nominations and 30 wins across various categories. The Soviet Union's first Oscar was awarded in 1943 for *Moscow Strikes Back*, which won Best Documentary Feature. In the Best International Feature Film category, Russia has claimed four victories, including titles such as *War and Peace*, *Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears*, and *Burnt by the Sun*, with the latter winning Best Foreign Language Film for the acclaimed director Nikita Mikhalkov, who has numerous nominations under his belt.
Borisov, born in December 1992 in Reutov near Moscow without family connections in the acting field, began his journey in a school theater group and later attended the prestigious Shchepkin Higher Theater School at 16. He garnered early recognition with a Golden Leaf Theater Award at 20 but spent years in small roles before achieving success with *The Road to Berlin* in 2015.
*Anora*, which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, received critical acclaim and was released theatrically by Neon in October, grossing $41 million worldwide against a budget of $6 million, making it director Baker's highest-grossing film. The project earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Baker, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Borisov, recognized for his role as Igor, a complex and ruthless henchman in *Anora*, was celebrated for his “scene-stealing” performance, marking him as a breakout star. However, it was Culkin's acclaimed role that ultimately earned him the Academy Award. The Best Supporting Actor race was notably competitive, featuring other talents such as Edward Norton, Guy Pearce, and Jeremy Strong.
Despite not winning, Borisov's nomination is significant within the context of Russia’s historic presence at the Academy Awards, where the country boasts over 160 nominations and 30 wins across various categories. The Soviet Union's first Oscar was awarded in 1943 for *Moscow Strikes Back*, which won Best Documentary Feature. In the Best International Feature Film category, Russia has claimed four victories, including titles such as *War and Peace*, *Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears*, and *Burnt by the Sun*, with the latter winning Best Foreign Language Film for the acclaimed director Nikita Mikhalkov, who has numerous nominations under his belt.
Borisov, born in December 1992 in Reutov near Moscow without family connections in the acting field, began his journey in a school theater group and later attended the prestigious Shchepkin Higher Theater School at 16. He garnered early recognition with a Golden Leaf Theater Award at 20 but spent years in small roles before achieving success with *The Road to Berlin* in 2015.
*Anora*, which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, received critical acclaim and was released theatrically by Neon in October, grossing $41 million worldwide against a budget of $6 million, making it director Baker's highest-grossing film. The project earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Baker, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
