With the way Bradley Cooper’s relationship with the Oscars is going, the talented actor-turned-director may end his career as one of the greatest Hollywood stars never to win the coveted golden statuette. Nominated a staggering 12 times over the years, the Marvel alum is yet to convert one of these into a win despite turning in brilliant performances in acting and directing.
The 2024 Academy Awards saw the same fate for Cooper whose film Maestro which was nominated under various categories including Best Picture and Best Actor, failed to make the cut. But the star who isn’t one to let disappointment get to him, was seen in a surprise guest role in the sitcom Abbott Elementary right after the awards, where he sportingly made fun of his Oscar journey.
Bradley Cooper Proved He Is Hollywood’s Biggest Sport
Bradley Cooper could well be one of the unluckiest actors at the Academy Awards. Having earned more nominations that most of his contemporaries for his brilliant acting and directing efforts, the star is yet to get his hands on the golden statuette. This year too, he put his heart and soul into Maestro only to be outdone by the genius of Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy.
While being rejected a dozen times can dent anyone’s morale, Cooper isn’t one to wallow in self-pity. The Hangover actor seems to have adopted the motto, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. Following the Oscars, Cooper was seen in a surprise cameo appearance on the popular ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary in which he played himself.
What was hilarious and special about the scene that takes place in a classroom, was the Oscar nominee sportingly making fun of his dismal record at the Oscars while being continuously snubbed in the show. In one comment that rubbed more salt into the wound than others, the character said,
“Guys, he’s literally in a critically acclaimed film right now. Mhm, ‘Oppenheimer.”
As Cooper desperately tries to correct their ignorance, he is thrown deeper into the well. The scene is even more entertaining with the actor’s self-deprecating nature which he wholeheartedly embraces.
Though the segment was obviously filmed before the Oscars, Cooper’s evident acceptance of his fate and his willingness to get a laugh out of it, makes him a winner in everyone’s eyes.
Chris Tucker Revealed Bradley Cooper’s Hidden Talent
While Bradley Cooper and the Oscars are not finding common ground yet, there is no disputing the fact that the actor does not need a trophy in his hand to prove his talent. His biggest win has always been the recognition he has received from his co-stars and colleagues who have been awestruck by his versatility.
Chris Tucker has been an actor who has worked well in partner-based films and ensemble casts, Rush Hour with Jackie Chan being a case in point. The celebrity who is known for his flair for comedy, took on a rather different role in Silver Linings Playbook in which he co-starred with Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
Tucker also spoke about his experience playing the part of a mentally ill patient whose shades of humor were quite different from his usual comedic roles. Known to be a great mover and dancer as well, the star was asked if he taught his co-star Cooper any cool moves during their time on set. Replying to The Guardian, Tucker revealed a surprising detail about the Guardians of the Galaxy star and said,
“You know what? No. He’s a pretty good dancer. I didn’t have to. But if we ever go dancing, I think he’ll give me a run for his money.”
Tucker’s assessment of Cooper is a clear indicator of the latter’s multi-faceted talent which allowed him to take on various roles in diverse genres while also proving his skill behind the camera as a director.
All 3 seasons of Abbott Elementary can be streamed on Max.
