OMM Newsroom
AnewZ reports that 25-year-old Azerbaijani actor Eldar Isgandarov is gaining recognition on the international film scene. He has appeared in three projects associated with A24 and attended prominent film festivals, drawing attention to his Azerbaijani roots as well.
Born in Baku and raised in the Netherlands and Belgium, Isgandarov was exposed to different cultures from an early age. He later moved to the United States, studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in performing arts.
He began acting in student theater productions and short films. A presentation at the college helped him connect with talent managers and casting professionals and attend professional auditions.
Isgandarov gained wider recognition for his role as Niki in Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid.” He plays a character from Azerbaijan who hopes to become a philosopher. The film screened at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where his performance drew positive attention.
The actor also plays Piotr in “The Deb,” directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Piotr is an assistant to a theater director played by Paul Giamatti; Julianne Moore also appears in the film. Isgandarov’s role in Molly Gordon’s “Peaked” brings the number of his feature-film projects associated with A24 to three.
In October 2026, Isgandarov returned to SCAD for the 29th Savannah Film Festival. He presented the festival’s “Icon Award” to his “The Deb” co-star Julianne Moore.
His other work includes Grant Singer’s “Reenactment,” in which Isgandarov appears alongside Benicio del Toro, Cameron Diaz and Ana de Armas.
Despite his international success, Isgandarov has spoken about the challenges of establishing himself in the competitive U.S. film industry. After completing his studies, his future was uncertain, and he considered returning to Baku before landing his first professional roles.
Acting is also part of Isgandarov’s family heritage. He is the grandson of the late Azerbaijani actor and director, People’s Artist Shahmar Alakbarov.
As his international career develops, Isgandarov says he remains connected to his Azerbaijani roots and that his Azerbaijani identity is an important part of who he is.
