Photo: Variety via Getty Images
Almost two months ago, Bradley Cooper left the Academy Awards with approximately zero awards for his film Maestro. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, Cooper was accused — both by publications and various Twitter users — of being “desperate” for an award, any award, really, for the film he starred in, wrote, directed, and produced. Cooper’s been lying low since, leaving us all to wonder this: What’s next for our Maestro? Despite a winter of Ls, the Philly-loving multi-hyphenate has reemerged, seemingly better than ever, for what’s sure to be the Summer of Coop. But are all these appearances a last-ditch effort for relevancy, or is he having the time of his life? Let’s review the case.
The evidence: Last winter, Cooper appeared outside of the West 4th Street subway stop in a part-earnest, definitely gimmicky food truck called Danny and Coop’s, serving cheesesteaks with Philly pizzeria owner Danny DiGiampietro. Was it a Maestro publicity stunt? A new business venture? After two days, however, Danny and Coop’s closed up shop. Fast-forward to a few weeks ago, however, and the truck reappeared, this time in Las Vegas, where none other than Martha Stewart stopped by for lunch.
The verdict: Actually, there is nothing more enviable than being a small-business owner and only working three days over the course of six months. Cooper’s big old smile at the sight of Stewart, who called his sandwich “delicious,” tells us he’s just as comfortable with a spatula as he is with a baton.
The evidence: Though Cooper has long been a spokesperson for T-Mobile, appearing in multiple Super Bowl commercials with his mom, his appearance in a new series of Talenti commercials could be seen as worrisome. Is the best venture for an Oscar nominee appearing in gelato ads? Do we believe him when he says “100 percent real fruit”? Is he really “raising the jar”?
The verdict: Possibly the best gig you could get as a famous person is endorsing the type of product that you’re tempted to wander into the kitchen and eat at 11 p.m. The Talenti ads prove that Cooper has leveled up his #spon game, his freezer probably stacked to the top with Caramel Cookie Crunch.
The evidence: Cooper joined girlfriend Gigi Hadid and Travis Kelce for night four of Taylor Swift’s Paris run, where you can find a number of blurry videos of the three dancing up in the VIP section. Cooper seems totally ignorant of Hadid’s exuberant choreography or Kelce’s awkward swaying, dancing half-heartedly until he seemingly remembers he knows all these songs partway through.
The verdict: Going to the Eras Tour now that Swift has added in a whole new section to accommodate The Tortured Poets Department would be a blast. And doing that in Paris, no less, with your girlfriend and your other friend’s boyfriend? Truly awesome! We should all be so lucky.
The evidence: After the Oscars, Cooper appeared on approximately two minutes of Abbott Elementary, playing himself and making fun of the fact that he wasn’t in Oppenheimer.
Trades reported that the actor submitted himself for consideration as a Guest Comedy Actor.
The verdict: People love to misinterpret awards self-submission when it comes to awards season as a sign of profound ego. But celebs are doing this all the time. In fact, they have to submit themselves to be considered. Maybe think about your own views about Bradley Cooper and the work he put into his cameo before you swat the E in EGOT out of his hands.
The evidence: Cooper loves nothing more than to show up to a premiere for a movie he didn’t direct in a comfy outfit. This Louis Vuitton sweater is no exception. While it’s not exactly a hoodie, the thousand-something-dollar piece does feature a kangaroo pouch for a phone or wallet or set of keys.
The verdict: If Maestro is comfortable, then I’m comfortable.
Going to a concert with your friends, eating gelato, wearing a nice, normal outfit to a movie premiere, making a delicious sandwich, asserting yourself in a crowded field of artistic excellence — these aren’t just signs of life, they’re signs of thriving. You’d be happy if your friend did just one of these, let alone all five. Why would Bradley Cooper be any different?
