12 Times Bradley Cooper Proved He’s Hollywood’s Most Ambitious A-Lister—And What He’s Doing Next

Bradley Cooper continues to dominate the entertainment landscape in late 2024, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most ambitious and versatile filmmakers. His recent work on the biographical epic *Maestro* was the central focus of the 2024 awards season, earning him a prestigious Outstanding Performer of the Year Award and multiple Academy Award nominations, even if the coveted Oscar win remained elusive. Beyond his professional life, the actor-director's high-profile relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid has captured global attention, with sources confirming the romance has "grown more serious" over the course of the year. Cooper’s relentless pursuit of challenging projects, from directing a Leonard Bernstein biopic to preparing for a "terrifying" new script, confirms he is operating at the peak of his creative power right now.

Bradley Cooper: Full Biography and Career Profile

Bradley Charles Cooper was born on January 5, 1975, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the second of two children born to his father, Charles Cooper, a stockbroker, and his mother. Cooper's early life in Pennsylvania led him toward a career in the arts, eventually graduating as an alumnus of the renowned Actors Studio Drama School. His rise to fame was initially marked by comedic roles, which showcased his charismatic screen presence.

• Full Name: Bradley Charles Cooper
• Born: January 5, 1975
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
• Notable Education: Actors Studio Drama School
• Major Breakthrough: *The Hangover* (2009)
• Directorial Debut: *A Star Is Born* (2018)
• Total Oscar Nominations: 12 (as of 2024)
• Daughter: Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper (with Irina Shayk)

Cooper’s career trajectory is a masterclass in diversification, moving seamlessly from the blockbuster comedy franchise *The Hangover* to critically acclaimed dramas like *Silver Linings Playbook* and *American Sniper*. This strategic shift established him as a serious dramatic actor and a powerhouse producer.

The 'Maestro' Era: Oscar Snubs and Critical Acclaim in 2024

The release of *Maestro* in late 2023 and its subsequent run through the 2024 awards circuit was a major focal point of Bradley Cooper's year. The film, a passion project for Cooper, saw him take on the monumental task of directing, co-writing, producing, and starring as the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein.

A Director’s Triumph and a Performer’s Recognition

*Maestro* was a critical success, praised for its ambitious scope and Cooper’s transformative performance. He was honored with the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) in February 2024. This recognition highlighted his dedication to the role, which involved extensive makeup and a deep dive into Bernstein’s complex life and relationship with Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (played by Carey Mulligan). Despite the widespread acclaim and multiple nominations, the 2024 Academy Awards proved to be a night of near-misses. Cooper was nominated in three categories—Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay—but did not secure a win in any of them, extending his streak as one of the most-nominated artists without an Oscar victory. This outcome sparked considerable discussion among film critics and fans, questioning what more the dedicated filmmaker needs to do to finally earn the gold statue.

Relationship Update: Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid

In a year marked by professional achievements, Bradley Cooper’s personal life also remained firmly in the spotlight. His relationship with model Gigi Hadid, which began in late 2023, has become a major subject of public interest.

A Serious and Public Romance

The couple’s romance has steadily progressed throughout 2024. By the summer, sources close to the pair indicated that the relationship had "grown more serious." They have been photographed together on intimate vacations and attending high-profile events, including a Taylor Swift concert, signaling a commitment to a public-facing partnership. The relationship reached a new level of public confirmation when Gigi Hadid made their status "Instagram official" in 2024, a significant step in the highly private world of celebrity dating. This union brings together two major figures in the entertainment and fashion industries, with Cooper (a father to daughter Lea De Seine) and Hadid (a mother to daughter Khai) navigating their blended lives under intense media scrutiny.

Upcoming Projects: Directing, Writing, and a 'Terrifying' New Script

Bradley Cooper is not resting on his *Maestro* success. His future slate of projects demonstrates a continued focus on his role as a multi-hyphenate filmmaker, prioritizing writing and directing alongside acting. This shift underscores his long-term goal of being a respected auteur in the vein of his idols.

The Next Directorial Challenge: *Is This Thing On?*

Cooper's next confirmed directorial effort is the film *Is This Thing On?* He is set to direct and star in the project alongside his long-time friend and collaborator, Will Arnett. The film is reportedly a comedy focusing on a character from the Jenkintown/Abington area of Pennsylvania, a nod to Cooper’s own roots. Filming is anticipated to begin in the fall, marking a return to the comedy genre, though with a likely more dramatic and character-driven edge than his *Hangover* days.

A New Passion Project on the Horizon

In addition to *Is This Thing On?*, Cooper has teased another, even more personal and ambitious undertaking. He has been focused on a script he is writing and directing that he admits to finding "terrifying." This indicates a deep, emotional investment in the material, following the pattern of his previous passion projects like *A Star Is Born* and *Maestro*. Fans and critics are eagerly awaiting details on this mysterious project, which could be the next major cinematic event from the celebrated actor and director. Other entities and projects in the periphery include a film based on the life of British comedian John Bishop, which Cooper has reportedly wrapped shooting on, and a mention by James Gunn of casting Cooper as Rocket Raccoon in the DC Universe's *Superman* film, though the latter seems to be an error given his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's *Guardians of the Galaxy* franchise. Cooper’s ongoing commitment to his craft ensures that his presence in Hollywood, whether on screen or behind the camera, will remain a dominant force for years to come.