Within a few years, Bradley Cooper went from "A Star is Born" to a supernova. The formerly beloved actor's downfall from fame arguably began the moment he decided to direct and star in "Maestro," a biopic of famed composer Leonard Bernstein. The 2023 film became the subject of intense backlash as soon as its first look hit the Internet, since commentators couldn't help but notice that Cooper was wearing a prosthetic nose for the part. When netizens were done calling him antisemitic, "The Hangover's" breakout star gave them another reason to get mad. While speaking to fellow filmmaker Spike Lee for Variety's "Directors on Directors" series in December 2023, Cooper shared that he only allowed people who were absolutely essential to a scene to be on set for "Maestro."
Then, he proudly disc