BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29.
Young actor Eldar Isgandarov, grandson of the legendary actor,
director, and People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, Shahmar Alakbarov, is
making a confident mark on the global film scene. Since graduating
from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2024, he has
launched a professional acting career and has already had the
opportunity to work with prominent figures in the film industry,
Trend reports.
Eldar Isgandarov grew up in the Netherlands and Belgium, the son
of a diplomat. After completing his education in the U.S., he set
out to pursue his primary creative ambition: building a career in
cinema. A notable project in his filmography is the movie “The
Debut,” directed by the acclaimed actor and filmmaker Jesse
Eisenberg and produced by Academy Award winner Emma Stone.
In the film, Eldar plays a supporting role, an assistant to the
character Mona, portrayed by the renowned American actress and
Oscar winner Julianne Moore.
The film held its world premiere in early October. It has been
showcased at international film festivals, including those in
Zurich, Warsaw, Rome, London, Madrid, and Montreal, garnering
attention from both audiences and industry professionals. The
ensemble cast’s performance received positive reviews, and Eldar’s
own contribution was warmly welcomed by the public.
A particularly significant milestone for the young actor was his
participation in the film festival in Savannah, Georgia. Just two
years after graduating from SCAD, Eldar was invited to the event as
a guest of honor. There, he had the privilege of presenting an
award to his co-star, Julianne Moore. During the ceremony, the
actress spoke warmly of her young colleague, highlighting his
talent and professional qualities.
“I was happy to work with Eldar, a talented, mature, intelligent
person and actor,” noted Julianne Moore, thanking SCAD for
preparing such a gifted graduate.
Another important stage in Isgandarov’s career was the American
comedy drama Club Kid, in which he played one of the key roles.
The film became one of the notable sensations of the 79th Cannes
Film Festival in 2026. The film was presented in the Un Certain
Regard program, arousing great interest from critics and
distributors. Club Kid was also nominated for the Caméra d’Or and
Queer Palm awards.
Participation in such a notable international film project was
another important step in the professional development of the young
actor. His work was highly praised in the press, and the film
received a positive response from audiences.
Currently, Eldar Isgandarov is preparing to work on a new film
project, Reenactment, in which the participation of world-class
stars is announced – Oscar winner Benicio del Toro, as well as
famous actresses Cameron Diaz and Ana de Armas. The upcoming work
opens up new prospects for the young actor and the opportunity to
continue collaboration with recognized film masters.
For Eldar Isgandarov, acting is not only a profession, but also
a part of family history. He’s the grandson of Shahmar Alakbarov
(1943–1992), a prominent Azerbaijani actor and director who left a
noticeable mark on national art. Continuing the creative line of
his family, Eldar is building his own path in the international
film industry.
Despite the fact that his professional career began relatively
recently, participation in international projects and
collaborations with famous actors are already attracting attention
to the young performer. He has new filming, roles, and
opportunities ahead of him to express himself on the world
stage.
The story of Eldar Isgandarov is an example of how talent,
education, and perseverance help a young actor of Azerbaijani
origin find his place in international cinema.
