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Bradley Cooper is addressing backlash over wearing a prosthetic nose in his upcoming film Maestro, a biopic about legendary composer Leonard Bernstein.
The film, which Cooper also co-wrote and directed, is set to premiere on Netflix on December 20.
However, it has been the subject of controversy since its first trailer was released in August, with some critics taking issue with Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose to portray Bernstein.
The prosthetic nose stirred controversy when Netflix released production stills in June 2022.
Critics raised concerns about the resemblance to Bernstein's actual nose and its potential reinforcement of harmful stereotypes.
Cooper: Using the prosthetic was important
In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Cooper said that he initially considered not using the prosthetic for the movie, but that he ultimately decided to do so in order to achieve a more accurate portrayal of Bernstein.
"I thought, 'Maybe we don't need to do it because we can take time off [preparations for the film],' but I realized that it was important to me to get as close to Lenny as possible," he said.
"I know that some people have been critical of the prosthetic, but I think it's important to remember that this is a film about a real person, and I wanted to do everything I could to honor him."
Cooper emotionally recounted his conversation with Alex Bernstein, one of Leonard Bernstein's children, thanking them for their support.
"I couldn't believe it, but this huge emotional exhalation came out, and I just was crying so hard, I couldn't even thank him,"Cooper shared.
Cooper's commitment to authenticity extended beyond appearances, as the film's makeup designer, Kazu Hiro, revealed that a nose plug within the prosthetic was used to alter Cooper's voice, making it closer to Bernstein's.
Maestro poised to be awards contender
Despite the controversy, Maestro has been praised by many critics for its performances and its direction.
Cooper's performance as Bernstein has been particularly singled out for praise, with some reviewers calling it the best of his career.
Maestro is sure to be a major contender in this year's awards season.
It is a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, and it is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.