Bradley Cooper

“It’s an honor just to be nominated,” is a phrase uttered often over the years. And from what we can tell, that was exactly how actor/director and multiple Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper truly felt. Hollywood seems to enjoy nothing more than denigrating the competition. Being young, talented, and beautiful instantly earns you a target on your back.

In 1999 Cooper cut his acting chops on the racy rom-com series Sex in the City. Effortlessly, it seemed Cooper transitioned from the little screen to the big screen. A decade later, he was cast in a movie that many view as his breakout role, The Hangover.

Over the years, Cooper has added writing and production credits to his already impressive repertoire. In 2018, his talent was truly on display in the remake of A Star Is Born in which he co-starred alongside Lady GaGa. It’s always risky to update a classic, especially one that featured the iconic Judy Garland. Not one to be deterred, Cooper took on the added responsibility of contributing writer and director. The world adored it. The film was so beautiful and poignant, that fans speculated the love scenes weren’t an act. Oh, and did we mention he can sing too?

Cooper has multiple award nominations for everything from an MTV Movie Award to a Tony. With more than a half dozen Oscar nominations, but no wins, he is in good company alongside actors such as Glenn Close and Peter O’Toole. There are a plethora of actors who are inarguably the best of the best yet have never taken home an Oscar. 

While chatting at a party with an unnamed actress and director, the topic of Oscar nominations came up. According to Cooper, the director basically said, “What world are we living in where you have seven nominations and she's only got three?” Like the consummate professional and gentleman that he is, Cooper refused to take the bait.

That’s not to say it didn’t hurt, but it’s a sad fact that some people build themselves up by tearing others down. Taking the moral high road is not a display of weakness, but a display of strength, self-worth, and professionalism. 

For now, he’s enjoying the role of father to daughter Lea De Seine, whose mother is Cooper’s ex Irina Shayk. We hope to see much more of Cooper during the coming years, in whatever role he chooses. 

His most prominent films are: All About Steve (2009), The A-Team (2010), The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle (2013), American Sniper (2014), and Licorice Pizza (2021).

You can catch him reprising the role of cantankerous but endearing Rocket this December in Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.