When the Oscar nominations officially landed on Monday, more than a few people were shocked to see that Bradley Cooper had been left out of the best director category for A Star Is Born. But judging by the reaction from his costar, Lady Gaga, Cooper is taking the snub in stride.
And as for how she feels about the perceived oversight, Gaga says she doesn’t need the Academy to confirm Cooper’s directorial talent — she’s already convinced he’s top-tier.
“Well, you know, you never know what’s going to happen,” Gaga told The Los Angeles Times when asked about Cooper’s omission from the nominations list. “But at the end of the day, he knows that he’s the best director in my eyes, and in all of our eyes as his cast.”
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While Cooper didn’t land a directing nod, Gaga feels confident he’s ultimately grateful for all the recognition the film is receiving. In total, A Star Is Born snagged eight Oscar nominations: best picture, lead actor (Cooper), lead actress (Gaga), supporting actor (Sam Elliott), adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound mixing and original song (for “Shallow”).
“I know that he’s so happy we’ve all been nominated and that the film was recognized, and we all feel really, really beyond elated for the recognition,” said Gaga.
The recognition Gaga references is a monumental deal when you consider the fact that A Star Is Born is Cooper’s directorial debut — switching gears from actor to actor-director, he cowrote the screenplay and oversaw every aspect of production.
By all accounts, he was relentless in his pursuit to give the film authenticity. He logged countless hours learning to play the guitar and used his own history of addiction. He even cast his own dog to play Jackson and Ally’s pup, Charlie.
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In short, it doesn’t seem like a stretch to say that, if we’re going off this first foray, Cooper will secure an Oscar nod for best director in the coming years. It certainly wouldn’t surprise Gaga, who can’t stop singing Cooper’s praises.
Chatting with ET in November, Gaga pointed out that even if she didn’t take home any awards for her role in the film, she’s really already won. “[Cooper] is such an incredible director and, you know, he made me a better actress. I just love him so much and he is such a dear friend of mine,” she said, adding, “That’s what’s really come out of all of this for me: the reward of a lifetime friendship with someone I deeply respect.”
The 91st Annual Academy Awards will air live Sunday, Feb. 24 on ABC.
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