Renowned film critic and co-host of the podcast PROсмотрено, Egor Moskvitin, recently proposed Yura Borisov as deserving of an Oscar for his compelling role in Sean Baker's film "Anora," particularly in the category of Best Supporting Actor. During his commentary for Kino Mail, Moskvitin articulated his view on how the American film industry does not distinctly categorize roles as either leading or supporting, referring to the nomination as "Best Supporting Actor," which translates as "Best Supporting Actor" in English.
Moskvitin emphasized how Borisov's performance exemplifies what constitutes outstanding supporting work. He explained, "Borisov's role was truly emblematic of supporting actor work. What he delicately executed on screen from the background allowed the heroine, played by Mikey Madison, to fully transform, leading to her winning the Oscar against Demi Moore." His appraisal indicates how Borisov's subtleties on-screen contributed significantly to the success of the lead actress.
Despite this analysis, Moskvitin noted the distinct absence of major awards recognizing Borisov's performance, stating, "Unfortunately, the intricacies of Borisov's work have mostly been acknowledged by critics rather than the larger award bodies. Various associations, such as the Toronto Critics Association and others across several cities, have recognized him, but more prominent accolades have eluded him.” It highlights the peculiarities of awards season, where sometimes, exceptional performances go unnoticed by the big award shows.
At the 2025 Oscars held on March 4, Borisov was officially nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" for his remarkable performance in "Anora," yet he lost the award to American actor Kieran Culkin. This disappointment came even as "Anora" shone brightly, capturing five prestigious awards, including Best Actress for Mikey Madison for her role.
The recognition received by Madison intertwines with Borisov's performance, illustrating the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Without Borisov crafting his supporting role seamlessly, it raises the question of whether Madison could have delivered such an outstanding performance.
Overall, the allure of film often lies not just with the leading characters but also with those who help shape the narrative by augmenting the depth of the story, often through supporting roles. Borisov's work is not merely about presence but rather involves adding complex emotions behind every glance and gesture he plays.
Moskvitin's comments and analyses call attention not only to Borisov and Madison’s performances but also to how Hollywood's approach to awards can sometimes overlook significant artistic contributions from talent behind the scenes. His critique provides insight not only for audiences but producers and filmmakers alike about the importance of subtle storytelling.
This story serves as both recognition of excellence and commentary on the workings of the awards season mechanism, urging viewers to explore the depth of characters beyond the accolades they receive.