‘Anora’ Breakout Yura Borisov Confirmed for Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Artificial’ at Amazon MGM

Yura Borisov, who landed a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his critically acclaimed turn alongside Mikey Madison in Sean Baker’s “Anora,” has been officially cast in Luca Guadagnino‘s upcoming feature “Artificial.”

The film, which is set up at Amazon MGM, is described as a “comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence.” Simon Rich wrote the script and will produce alongside Heyday Films’ David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford as well as Jennifer Fox. 

Borisov is one of the biggest stars in his native Russia with more than 50 credits to his name, including “Captain Volkonogov Escaped” and Kirill Serebrennikov’s “Petrov’s Flu.” He first rose to prominence to Western audiences as one of the leads in the Cannes-bowing Grand Prix winner “Compartment Number 6,” which saw him earn a nomination for best actor at the European Film Awards.

But it was his quiet performance (and his first English speaking role) as Igor, a reluctant henchman with a big heart, in Baker’s Palme d’Or and multiple Oscar-winning sex worker comedy “Anora” that catapulted him into Hollywood circles, earning him Oscar, SAG, BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critic’s Choice and Independent Spirit Award nominations.

Upcoming projects for Borisov include Emily Mortimer’s directorial debut “The Poet” for A24, and Netflix’s Russian-language adaptation of Anna Karenina “Anna K.”

“Artificial” reunites Guadagnino and Amazon MGM Studios. He recently directed “After the Hunt,” starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, which the studio is releasing in theaters Oct. 10, and last year’s “Challengers,” starring Zendaya. Early reports suggested that, alongside Borisov, Garfield and Monica Barbaro were also circling lead roles in “Artificial.”

Borisov is represented by UTA, Color Creative, Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman and Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis.