Anora’s Mark Eydelshteyn Enjoys “Playing a New Character” on the Red Carpet

With his breakout role as (the goofy, lovable, yet deceptive) Ivan in Sean Baker’s Anora, Mark Eydelshteyn has been thrust into the awards season spotlight. The buzzy film, which is nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars this coming weekend, has cemented the Russian actor as one of Hollywood’s rising stars to watch. “It has completely changed my life,” Eydelshteyn tells Vogue. “Now I know these incredible people and artists, and have met so many talented people.” Attending ceremonies for all the awards the film has been nominated for this season—from the Golden Globes, to the SAG Awards last night—has been another unbelievable accomplishment for the 23-year-old. “Every award show has felt so huge,” Eydelshteyn says. “Of course I love the events, but what is really amazing is to return to people, sit down with them at a table, and share jokes and stories. I appreciate every opportunity I get to be with all of them.”

Of course, Eydelshteyn has had some help to navigate the chaos and excitement of it all. For one, he has leaned on his Anora co-stars Mikey Madison and Yura Borisov, both of whom joined the star at the SAG Awards last evening. “The SAG awards was an amazing example of how overwhelming it can be to speak to a big audience,” says Eydelshteyn, who spoke of the film on-stage with his co-stars. “It is crazy to speak to a room of so many talented people, but when I am with Vache [Tovmasyan], Karen [Karagulyan], Mikey, and Yura, I feel comfortable. If they weren’t by my side, I would feel more nervous.”

Photo: Courtesy of Mark Eydelshteyn

Photo: Courtesy of Mark Eydelshteyn

The actor has also had some major fashion help throughout awards season—meaning, virtually every fashion brand has been knocking on his door to dress him. (See: his sleek Prada suit at the Golden Globes, or his embellished McQueen look at the BAFTAs.) For the SAG Awards last night, Eydelshteyn continued his focus on cool tailoring—this time with a black Saint Laurent two-piece paired with a classic tee. “Every outfit has to portray the vibe of the event, and yesterday’s vibe was balanced between serious and fun,” he says. “We have to try and have fun in these serious moments.” It looked sophisticated and evening-ready, but for the star, his favorite element of the look was its surprising comfort factor. “It was really cozy. The fabric was incredible, and I felt very comfortable all night,” he says.

Sure, a leading Hollywood gent can never go wrong in a classic suit, but what does Eydelshteyn’s personal style look like off-duty? “I wouldn’t say that I gravitate towards just one style,” says Eydelshteyn. “It is a tool I use to express myself, and a form of art that I really value. I appreciate different looks for different moments; It is amazing to be on the same page with a look that describes what I am feeling and trying to say to the world.” Eydelshteyn admits that it can be tricky to bring that art of spontaneity to the red carpet, but has been enjoying trying to cultivate a signature look. “Red carpets still feel new to me,” he says. “It is a big part of my job right now, and I want my outfits to be true to who I am. Every detail, pose, shoes, and jewelry are being observed and photographed—it can feel like I am playing a new character for each new carpet.”