‘Anora’ is an American film directed and written by Sean Baker, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and the Academy Award in 2025.
The plot centers on a young prostitute from New York named Anora, played by Mikey Madison. She meets Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch, portrayed by Mark Eidelstein, who arrives in the United States. A relationship develops between them, and Vanya, impulsive and immature, proposes to Anora. When news of the marriage reaches his parents, they send their people to New York to find their son and bring him back, while making sure the marriage to “the prostitute” is annulled.
Critics praised the film for its realism and energetic storytelling. Sean Baker is known for creating independent films that explore themes of sex, labor, and social inequality. His previous works, such as The Florida Project and Red Rocket, were also noted for their honesty and unconventional take on complex issues.
How did Mark Eidelstein get into the film?
Mark Eidelstein landed the role in Anora thanks to his friend and colleague Yuri Borisov, who convinced him to audition for the part of Vanya, even though Mark himself did not believe he had a chance. “I was scared,” he admitted.
The actor decided to record his audition naked in order to achieve maximum authenticity, since the scene takes place right after sex. He reasoned that if his character had been clothed, it would have required stylish outfits, which he did not own. So, he chose a riskier but more realistic option. “You’re left with two options: either you take the risk — since it’s right after sex, I’ll be naked — or you do it in clothes, but I don’t have the clothes. So, we go back to option one,” Mark explained.
He stressed that he was not trying to attract the director’s attention in this way, since he was almost certain he would not get the role. “I didn’t think, ‘The director will remember me now because I filmed naked, and I’ll have a better chance of being cast.’ I didn’t believe I’d get into this film at all, because I hardly said anything from the text — I hadn’t learned it, I didn’t have time, I was scared, and I froze up,” the young actor shared. Still, Mark believes that for a successful audition it is important to find something interesting for yourself — “something you haven’t done before.”
A funny incident occurred during the audition when a friend walked into the room while Mark was naked, since the friend’s girlfriend was operating the camera. The actor was relieved that his friend understood the situation, as he already knew about the recording for an American film.
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After filming, when he returned to Russia, the actor risked expulsion from the Moscow Art Theatre School due to missed classes, but his supervisor defended him. As a result, he successfully graduated two months later.
It should be added that Yuri Borisov received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Anora.
