Mikey Madison shines as the determined Brooklyn stripper in “Anora,” a whimsical take on the Cinderella tale.

Yet, as you enjoy Sean Baker’s award-worthy dramedy (currently screening in theaters), you’ll quickly notice the captivating Russian duo who steal the spotlight: Mark Eydelshteyn, 22, whose exuberant character Ivan surprises Ani after a spontaneous Las Vegas marriage; and Yura Borisov, 31, who plays the stoic Igor, assigned to bring Ivan back to his furious oligarch family.

Mark and Yura first crossed paths at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival. Their friendship blossomed while filming “Anora” early last year, leading them to share an apartment in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach.

“Every morning, I would wake up and shout, ‘Markos! How’s it going? Good morning!’” Borisov reminisces with a grin. “We did everything together, exploring New York, visiting museums and thrift shops. It was fascinating experiencing America, as if I was living in the video games and cartoons I grew up with.”

“I can’t picture this incredible journey without him,” Eydelshteyn reflects. “I’ve always wished for an older brother, and now I finally have one.”

Mark Eydelshteyn’s ‘fully nude’ audition led to his role in ‘Anora’

Baker crafted the role of Igor especially for Borisov after being impressed by his performance in the film “Compartment No. 6” (2021). Initially, Ani finds the reserved and gentle Igor off-putting, but their relationship evolves into an unexpected dynamic as they search for Ivan around Brooklyn. “He delivered such a nuanced performance,” Baker remarks. “The camera was just there to capture it.”

On the other hand, Ivan is the complete opposite: a playful yet reckless wealthy young man who meets Ani at the strip club and hires her as his live-in partner. Borisov suggested Eydelshteyn for the role, and Baker recalls the memorable audition tape he submitted.

“He appeared fully nude, facing away from the camera: his backside visible, wearing sunglasses, and delivering a hilariously entertaining performance,” Baker laughs. “After seeing that, we couldn’t picture anyone else for the role.”

“I used to rely on vaping to manage stress,” Eydelshteyn shares about his audition experience. “Improvisation was key for me.” As the film progresses, we realize that behind Ivan’s wild antics lies a deeper loneliness: “He’s trying to preserve his inner child, but struggles to do so. His so-called friends aren’t true friends, and partying serves merely as a shield. He finds solace in his connection with Anora, but his family soon disrupts that.”

Yura Borisov reveled in being ‘punched’ by beautiful co-star Mikey Madison

Borisov is considered by many experts to be a strong contender for a best supporting actor Oscar nomination. Madison describes her co-star as “one of the most skilled individuals I’ve ever collaborated with. He’s a genuinely kind person with a humor that catches you off guard.”

He found ample opportunity to explore his character’s depth, though he felt his role was primarily to support Madison. “I aimed to be fully present with her in every scene. Mikey is incredibly professional; she could work endlessly and still deliver when Sean shouted ‘action.’ Plus, she’s also very beautiful.”

One of the most intense moments on set was a chaotic fight between characters when Ivan’s parents send Igor along with some Russian thugs to pressure Ani into ending her marriage. Ani fights back fiercely, resulting in smashed furniture and injuries.

The shooting of this sequence spanned about eight days, primarily due to the amount of glass involved and the need for extensive rehearsals to ensure everyone’s safety, according to Borisov. He humorously adds that during the shoot, “We really had to go at it sometimes, which was quite funny. Mikey punched me and I actually enjoyed it.”

For the emerging Russian stars, life resembles ‘a movie’

Filmmaker Baker cherishes a particular memory from their time together in Woodstock, New York, where they bonded over charades and explored a frozen waterfall during winter. “They’re genuinely sweet and grounded guys,” he says. On the final night of filming in Coney Island, he recalls everyone celebrating with hugs and cupcakes, as Yura spontaneously began singing ‘Forever Young’ with his Russian accent, seemingly unaware of the lyrics beyond the title.

“We absolutely love our lives,” reflects Borisov, who expresses hope that this film opens up “more job opportunities in the U.S. and elsewhere.” For the two actors, a highlight has been winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May for “Anora.” Eydelshteyn received the exhilarating news while filming a scene for another project set in a mental hospital.

“Yura rang me and said, ‘Hey, man, we won the Palme d’Or,’” Eydelshteyn reminisces. “I immediately started running and shouting in the hospital. People stared at me as if I were a real patient rather than an actor. It was hilarious! In that surreal moment, it felt like my life had turned into a movie.”