The Hollywood awards season is finally over. The Academy Awards wrapped up this year’s sweet tryst of film awards with some usual wins and some pretty obvious snubs. As expected, J Robert Oppenheimer’s semi-biographical tale directed by Christopher Nolan made the most buzz at the ceremony with seven wins in total. This included big-ticket wins like Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Director. Barring Best Actress which Emma Stone picked up for Poor Things, Oppenheimer was all over the Academy stage this year.&nbsp;

If we, for a second, stop talking about Oppenheimer, nothing really had a shock and awe value at this year’s Oscars. As expected, Barbie was out of favour at the Oscars with the film not picking anything apart from the Best Song accolade for Billie Eilish. She thanked the film’s director, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and others in the cast and crew and those who made Barbie a phenomenon.&nbsp;

Apart from the Barbenheimer ode at the Oscars stage with Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling taking to the stage together, here’s what we think deserves a mention from this year’s Oscars ceremony.

<h2>All the snubs and surprises at the Oscars 2024:&nbsp;</h2>

Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue

It was a bit bland but Jimmy Kimmel kept the spirits with his quirky, witty one-liners. In his opening monologue, he took funny digs at A-listers sitting close to the stage. One person who he mercilessly trolled was Robert Downey Jr. &nbsp;“Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made? Look at him, he’s so handsome, so talented, he’s won every award there is to win. Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular penis? 20 years ago, Robert played the villain, and correct me if I have this wrong, in a movie where Tim Allen turns into a dog, right? And if you ever decide to remake that film, I have just the guy to play Tim Allen. That is — where is he? Messi. Even though he’s a dog, may have given the performance of the year in Anatomy of a Fall. He has an overdose scene. I haven’t seen a French actor vomit like that since Gérard Depardieu.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jimmy-kimmels-roasts-donald-trump-for-tweeting-get-rid-of-kimmel-on-average-oscars-hosting-698836">Jimmy Kimmel roasts Donald Trump for tweeting 'Get rid of Kimmel' on 'average' Oscars hosting</a>

He also joked about Barbie director Greta Gerwig not getting a best director nod, saying, “Now, Barbie is a feminist icon, thanks to Greta Gerwig, who many believed deserved to be nominated for best director tonight. Hold on a second. I know you’re clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her, by the way. Don’t act like you had nothing to do with this.”

John Cena walks naked&nbsp;as presenter

In a bizarre walk on stage, actor-wrestler John Cena walked on the Oscars stage naked. The awkward moment was planned marking the 50th anniversary of one of the most infamous Oscar moments from 1974 when Roberto Opel walked on the stage naked. Cena was invited to present the award to the best costume designer. He walked on the stage with a large envelope covering his private part and wearing a pair of sandals.&nbsp;

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Here’s how John Cena went from fully naked (!!!) to partially clothed while costume design nominees reel played. Jimmy Kimmel really did help. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://t.co/dZPA7qmbgf">pic.twitter.com/dZPA7qmbgf</a>
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrissgardner/status/1766980801055641983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Al Pacino’s awkward Best Picture presenter speech

There was something off about Al Pacino. The celebrated actor was called onto the stage to present the final award of the Oscars ceremony. The actor kept it so short that without mentioning the names of the films that had been nominated or any background about them, Al Pacino jumped onto opening the envelope and announced the winner’s name. He opened the envelope and said, “Oppenheimer.” The announcement confused everyone because no one thought it could be cut down to such a small presentation.&nbsp;

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I’m obsessed with the way Al Pacino announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture. couldn’t have been more chaotic or confusing lol 
 
“Best Picture…uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer?”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> <a href="https://t.co/a0hNQ4ZP7j">pic.twitter.com/a0hNQ4ZP7j</a>
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerAlthouse/status/1767014759960859102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Lily Gladstone snubbed

A major win for Emma Stone in the Best Actress category for her role in Poor Things kickstarted&nbsp;a debate on Lily Gladstone’s snub which many thought robbed the actress of her well-deserved win. Lily was nominated for her powerful performance in Killers of the Flower Moon opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the Martin Scorsese&nbsp;directorial. While Emma got emotional and tears welled up in her eyes as she shared words of gratitude, cameras kept panning to Lily who many thought was a far deserving candidate. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2024-winners-list-robert-downey-jr-wins-his-first-oscar-for-best-supporting-actor-updating-live-698762">Check out full Oscars 2024 winners list here</a>

Emma Stone also had a silly moment&nbsp;as the back of her dress broke, which she said happened during Ryan Gosling's electrifying "I'm Just Ken" performance. After accepting the Oscar, she asked everyone to not look since her dress was broken.&nbsp;

Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon snubbed amid Oppenheimer fever

The Academy has a pattern. They pick something, they like it, and then they bestow all awards on it. From Sound to Cinematography, Acting to Direction, The Academy was so impressed this year with Nolan’s Oppenheimer that they failed to acknowledge other great works like Maestro featuring Bradley Cooper in the lead and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Barbie too didn’t win anything apart from Best Song for Billie Eilish. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscar-awards-2024-oppenheimer-sweeps-the-oscars-with-7-wins-barbie-only-wins-best-song-698800">Oscar Awards 2024: Seven wins for Oppenheimer, Barbie bags only one for Best Song</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-art-designer-nitin-desai-remembered-at-the-oscar-awards-2024-698838">Indian art designer Nitin Desai remembered at the Oscar Awards 2024</a>

The Hollywood awards season is finally over. The Academy Awards wrapped up this year’s sweet tryst of film awards with some usual wins and some pretty obvious snubs.

The Hollywood awards season is finally over. The Academy Awards wrapped up this year’s sweet tryst of film awards with some usual wins and some pretty obvious snubs. As expected, J Robert Oppenheimer’s semi-biographical tale directed by Christopher Nolan made the most buzz at the ceremony with seven wins in total. This included big-ticket wins like Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Director. Barring Best Actress which Emma Stone picked up for Poor Things, Oppenheimer was all over the Academy stage this year. If we, for a second, stop talking about Oppenheimer, nothing really had a shock and awe value at this year’s Oscars. As expected, Barbie was out of favour at the Oscars with the film not picking anything apart from the Best Song accolade for Billie Eilish. She thanked the film’s director, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and others in the cast and crew and those who made Barbie a phenomenon. Apart from the Barbenheimer ode at the Oscars stage with Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling taking to the stage together, here’s what we think deserves a mention from this year’s Oscars ceremony. All the snubs and surprises at the Oscars 2024: Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue It was a bit bland but Jimmy Kimmel kept the spirits with his quirky, witty one-liners. In his opening monologue, he took funny digs at A-listers sitting close to the stage. One person who he mercilessly trolled was Robert Downey Jr. “Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made? Look at him, he’s so handsome, so talented, he’s won every award there is to win. Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular penis? 20 years ago, Robert played the villain, and correct me if I have this wrong, in a movie where Tim Allen turns into a dog, right? And if you ever decide to remake that film, I have just the guy to play Tim Allen. That is — where is he? Messi. Even though he’s a dog, may have given the performance of the year in Anatomy of a Fall. He has an overdose scene. I haven’t seen a French actor vomit like that since Gérard Depardieu.” Also read: Jimmy Kimmel roasts Donald Trump for tweeting 'Get rid of Kimmel' on 'average' Oscars hosting He also joked about Barbie director Greta Gerwig not getting a best director nod, saying, “Now, Barbie is a feminist icon, thanks to Greta Gerwig, who many believed deserved to be nominated for best director tonight. Hold on a second. I know you’re clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her, by the way. Don’t act like you had nothing to do with this.” John Cena walks naked as presenter In a bizarre walk on stage, actor-wrestler John Cena walked on the Oscars stage naked. The awkward moment was planned marking the 50th anniversary of one of the most infamous Oscar moments from 1974 when Roberto Opel walked on the stage naked. Cena was invited to present the award to the best costume designer. He walked on the stage with a large envelope covering his private part and wearing a pair of sandals. Here’s how John Cena went from fully naked (!!!) to partially clothed while costume design nominees reel played. Jimmy Kimmel really did help. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/dZPA7qmbgf — Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) March 11, 2024 × Al Pacino’s awkward Best Picture presenter speech There was something off about Al Pacino. The celebrated actor was called onto the stage to present the final award of the Oscars ceremony. The actor kept it so short that without mentioning the names of the films that had been nominated or any background about them, Al Pacino jumped onto opening the envelope and announced the winner’s name. He opened the envelope and said, “Oppenheimer.” The announcement confused everyone because no one thought it could be cut down to such a small presentation. I’m obsessed with the way Al Pacino announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture. couldn’t have been more chaotic or confusing lol “Best Picture…uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer?”#Oscars pic.twitter.com/a0hNQ4ZP7j — Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 11, 2024 × Lily Gladstone snubbed A major win for Emma Stone in the Best Actress category for her role in Poor Things kickstarted a debate on Lily Gladstone’s snub which many thought robbed the actress of her well-deserved win. Lily was nominated for her powerful performance in Killers of the Flower Moon opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the Martin Scorsese directorial. While Emma got emotional and tears welled up in her eyes as she shared words of gratitude, cameras kept panning to Lily who many thought was a far deserving candidate. Check out full Oscars 2024 winners list here Emma Stone also had a silly moment as the back of her dress broke, which she said happened during Ryan Gosling's electrifying "I'm Just Ken" performance. After accepting the Oscar, she asked everyone to not look since her dress was broken. Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon snubbed amid Oppenheimer fever The Academy has a pattern. They pick something, they like it, and then they bestow all awards on it. From Sound to Cinematography, Acting to Direction, The Academy was so impressed this year with Nolan’s Oppenheimer that they failed to acknowledge other great works like Maestro featuring Bradley Cooper in the lead and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Barbie too didn’t win anything apart from Best Song for Billie Eilish. Oscar Awards 2024: Seven wins for Oppenheimer, Barbie bags only one for Best Song Also read: Indian art designer Nitin Desai remembered at the Oscar Awards 2024

Oscars 2024 Snubs and Surprises: Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon don't find mentions

Hollywood's elite, including Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio, gathered together for the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards, where everyone emerged a winner during the annual invite-only luncheon on Friday.

In a ballroom in Beverly Hills, AFI President Bob Gazzale set the tone, declaring, “Welcome to the annual AFI group hug.” The ceremony showcased a relaxed and laid-back vibe, with Gazzale emphasising that losing was not on the agenda at this celebration.

Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as stars like Margot Robbie engaged in conversations with Oppenheimer&nbsp;director Christopher Nolan, who later connected with Robbie’s Barbie&nbsp;co-star America Ferrera. On the red carpet, Maestro&nbsp;leads Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan enjoyed their time, while Beef&nbsp;star Ali Wong caught up with Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix.

The event fostered a sense of community, as American Fiction&nbsp;stars Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown mingled with Jury Duty&nbsp;star James Marsden and former BET CEO Debra L. Lee. Director Steven Spielberg was also seen having a chat with Barbie&nbsp;director Greta Gerwig.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dont-blame-me-taylor-swifts-influence-attracts-conspiracy-theories-679502">Don't Blame Me: Taylor Swift's influence attracts conspiracy theories</a>

The AFI Awards honoured films such as American Fiction, Barbie, he Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. 

Television shows recognised were&nbsp;Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession.

The star-studded room featured luminaries like Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, Selena Gomez, Quinta Brunson, Lily Gladstone, Ayo Edebiri and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Closing the luncheon with a benediction, the legendary 91-year-old Ellen Burstyn expressed gratitude&nbsp;for being part of this "amazing tribe" and thanked everyone for celebrating the best without turning it into a competition.

"I feel blessed to be part of this amazing tribe,” the 91-year-old Oscar, Emmy and Tony award winner said. “Thank you all for celebrating the best without making it a competition, just a shared appreciation. We appreciate you all.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Hollywood's elite, including Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio, gathered together for the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards, where everyone emerged a winner during the annual invite-only luncheon on Friday.

Hollywood's elite, including Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio, gathered together for the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards, where everyone emerged a winner during the annual invite-only luncheon on Friday. In a ballroom in Beverly Hills, AFI President Bob Gazzale set the tone, declaring, “Welcome to the annual AFI group hug.” The ceremony showcased a relaxed and laid-back vibe, with Gazzale emphasising that losing was not on the agenda at this celebration. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as stars like Margot Robbie engaged in conversations with Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, who later connected with Robbie’s Barbie co-star America Ferrera. On the red carpet, Maestro leads Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan enjoyed their time, while Beef star Ali Wong caught up with Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. The event fostered a sense of community, as American Fiction stars Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown mingled with Jury Duty star James Marsden and former BET CEO Debra L. Lee. Director Steven Spielberg was also seen having a chat with Barbie director Greta Gerwig. Also read: Don't Blame Me: Taylor Swift's influence attracts conspiracy theories The AFI Awards honoured films such as American Fiction, Barbie, he Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Television shows recognised were Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession. The star-studded room featured luminaries like Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, Selena Gomez, Quinta Brunson, Lily Gladstone, Ayo Edebiri and Tracee Ellis Ross. Closing the luncheon with a benediction, the legendary 91-year-old Ellen Burstyn expressed gratitude for being part of this "amazing tribe" and thanked everyone for celebrating the best without turning it into a competition. "I feel blessed to be part of this amazing tribe,” the 91-year-old Oscar, Emmy and Tony award winner said. “Thank you all for celebrating the best without making it a competition, just a shared appreciation. We appreciate you all.” (With inputs from agencies)

AFI Awards honours the best of film and TV amid Hollywood's biggest names

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has praised Bradley Cooper's performance in Maestro, which he has directed, written, and starred in as well. The film is being touted as an Oscar contender.&nbsp; 
 
Deepika usually refrains from talking about other films and actors on her social media. So her Instagram story praising Cooper came as a surprise to many. She shared a scene from Cooper's Maestro and called it&nbsp;one of the 'greatest' in recent times. 
 
What did Deepika post? 
 
The actress shared a clip from Maestro which features Cooper's character conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. Cooper plays legendary music conductor Leonard Bernstein in the film. Along with the post, she wrote, “Aah this scene! Probably one of the greatest performances I've experienced in recent years.” 
 
Watch the scene here:

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Bradley Cooper prepped for six years for the viral scene

 
Bradley Cooper’s follow-up to A Star Is Born, Maestro takes a look at the relationship between Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre. Bradley has co-written, directed and starred opposite Carey Mulligan in the film. The biopic gives both an account of the composer's public as well as private life.&nbsp; 
 
Bradley also shared his concerns about filming the now viral scene. He mentioned during a Los Angeles movie screening, "That scene I was so worried about because we did it live... I was recorded live. I had to conduct them. And I spent six years learning how to conduct six minutes and 21 seconds of music. I was able to get the raw take where I just watched Leonard Bernstein [conduct] at Ely Cathedral... And so I had that to study." 
 
The film, now streaming on Netflix, is expected to be a big contender through awards season. Both Cooper and Mulligan are expected to get acting nominations for their performances. Mulligan plays an artist living in the shadow of a genius and a wife grappling with the compromises she’s made to support him. 
 
WION's review of Maestro 
In his review, WION's Kshitij Rawat wrote, "Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Felicia Montealegre emerges as the film's anchor, infusing depth and emotional resonance into the story. The exploration of Bernstein's complex marriage becomes a focal point, with Mulligan delivering a compelling performance that navigates the nuances of a relationship marked by love, tolerance, and eventual tragedy. As the film pivots around the dissolution and revival of their union, Mulligan's prowess shines, elevating the emotional stakes." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-maestro-movie-review-bradley-cooper-film-hits-high-notes-despite-some-missed-beats-671814">Read the full review here</a>

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has praised Bradley Cooper's performance in Maestro, which he has directed, written, and starred in as well. The film is being touted as an Oscar contender.

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has praised Bradley Cooper's performance in Maestro, which he has directed, written, and starred in as well. The film is being touted as an Oscar contender. Deepika usually refrains from talking about other films and actors on her social media. So her Instagram story praising Cooper came as a surprise to many. She shared a scene from Cooper's Maestro and called it one of the 'greatest' in recent times. What did Deepika post? The actress shared a clip from Maestro which features Cooper's character conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. Cooper plays legendary music conductor Leonard Bernstein in the film. Along with the post, she wrote, “Aah this scene! Probably one of the greatest performances I've experienced in recent years.” Watch the scene here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Screenplayed (@screenplayed) × Bradley Cooper prepped for six years for the viral scene Bradley Cooper’s follow-up to A Star Is Born, Maestro takes a look at the relationship between Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre. Bradley has co-written, directed and starred opposite Carey Mulligan in the film. The biopic gives both an account of the composer's public as well as private life. Bradley also shared his concerns about filming the now viral scene. He mentioned during a Los Angeles movie screening, "That scene I was so worried about because we did it live... I was recorded live. I had to conduct them. And I spent six years learning how to conduct six minutes and 21 seconds of music. I was able to get the raw take where I just watched Leonard Bernstein [conduct] at Ely Cathedral... And so I had that to study." The film, now streaming on Netflix, is expected to be a big contender through awards season. Both Cooper and Mulligan are expected to get acting nominations for their performances. Mulligan plays an artist living in the shadow of a genius and a wife grappling with the compromises she’s made to support him. WION's review of Maestro In his review, WION's Kshitij Rawat wrote, "Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Felicia Montealegre emerges as the film's anchor, infusing depth and emotional resonance into the story. The exploration of Bernstein's complex marriage becomes a focal point, with Mulligan delivering a compelling performance that navigates the nuances of a relationship marked by love, tolerance, and eventual tragedy. As the film pivots around the dissolution and revival of their union, Mulligan's prowess shines, elevating the emotional stakes." Read the full review here

Deepika Padukone is all praise for Bradley Cooper's Maestro: Greatest performances in recent years

Maestro movie review:&nbsp;Bradley Cooper's directorial venture, Maestro, takes a measured approach in portraying the multifaceted life of Leonard Bernstein, blending moments of brilliance with occasional missteps. The film unfolds as a biographical drama that meticulously traces the intricacies of Bernstein's relationships, artistic achievements, and personal tribulations over a span of 45 years.

The film begins with Bernstein at the pinnacle of his career, thrust into the spotlight as the substitute conductor for the New York Philharmonic at the age of 25. This initial sequence, however, sets a brisk pace that at times feels rushed, offering glimpses into Bernstein's romantic entanglements and the pivotal entry of Felicia Montealegre into his life. The narrative, in its early stages, occasionally sacrifices depth for brevity, leaving some relationships and emotional arcs underexplored.

Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Felicia Montealegre emerges as the film's anchor, infusing depth and emotional resonance into the story. The exploration of Bernstein's complex marriage becomes a focal point, with Mulligan delivering a compelling performance that navigates the nuances of a relationship marked by love, tolerance, and eventual tragedy. As the film pivots around the dissolution and revival of their union, Mulligan's prowess shines, elevating the emotional stakes.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gJP2QblqLA0?si=i5bJSGAJ80o9JwiF" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Cooper's stylistic choices, particularly the use of black-and-white and colour cinematography to signify different eras, do contribute to the film's visual richness. The deliberate shifts in tone and aesthetic capture the evolving periods of Bernstein's life, offering a visual metaphor for the various chapters. However, at times, these stylistic decisions verge on becoming distractions, overshadowing the narrative flow.

The film grapples with the challenge of encompassing an extensive timeline within a limited runtime. While attempting to cover Bernstein's struggles with his sexuality, his marriage, and his musical triumphs, Maestro occasionally sacrifices depth for breadth. Some moments feel truncated, and the transitions between significant phases of Bernstein's life lack the connective tissue needed for a seamless narrative.

Despite these challenges, the latter part of Maestro finds its footing, particularly in portraying Bernstein's later years. The film culminates in a poignant depiction of his enduring love for music, underscored by a mesmerising live performance by the London Symphony Orchestra. These moments, free from the narrative rush, allow the film to breathe and capture the essence of Bernstein's artistic legacy.

Maestro balances moments of insight with occasional narrative unevenness. While Cooper's directorial choices contribute to the film's visual appeal, the ambitious scope of Bernstein's life occasionally results in thematic dilution. The film, anchored by strong performances, does succeed in offering a glimpse into the tumultuous life of a musical genius, even if it occasionally struggles to maintain a consistent narrative cadence.

Maestro movie review: Bradley Cooper's directorial venture, Maestro, takes a measured approach in portraying the multifaceted life of Leonard Bernstein, blending moments of brilliance with occasional missteps.

Maestro movie review: Bradley Cooper's directorial venture, Maestro, takes a measured approach in portraying the multifaceted life of Leonard Bernstein, blending moments of brilliance with occasional missteps. The film unfolds as a biographical drama that meticulously traces the intricacies of Bernstein's relationships, artistic achievements, and personal tribulations over a span of 45 years. The film begins with Bernstein at the pinnacle of his career, thrust into the spotlight as the substitute conductor for the New York Philharmonic at the age of 25. This initial sequence, however, sets a brisk pace that at times feels rushed, offering glimpses into Bernstein's romantic entanglements and the pivotal entry of Felicia Montealegre into his life. The narrative, in its early stages, occasionally sacrifices depth for brevity, leaving some relationships and emotional arcs underexplored. Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Felicia Montealegre emerges as the film's anchor, infusing depth and emotional resonance into the story. The exploration of Bernstein's complex marriage becomes a focal point, with Mulligan delivering a compelling performance that navigates the nuances of a relationship marked by love, tolerance, and eventual tragedy. As the film pivots around the dissolution and revival of their union, Mulligan's prowess shines, elevating the emotional stakes. Cooper's stylistic choices, particularly the use of black-and-white and colour cinematography to signify different eras, do contribute to the film's visual richness. The deliberate shifts in tone and aesthetic capture the evolving periods of Bernstein's life, offering a visual metaphor for the various chapters. However, at times, these stylistic decisions verge on becoming distractions, overshadowing the narrative flow. The film grapples with the challenge of encompassing an extensive timeline within a limited runtime. While attempting to cover Bernstein's struggles with his sexuality, his marriage, and his musical triumphs, Maestro occasionally sacrifices depth for breadth. Some moments feel truncated, and the transitions between significant phases of Bernstein's life lack the connective tissue needed for a seamless narrative. Despite these challenges, the latter part of Maestro finds its footing, particularly in portraying Bernstein's later years. The film culminates in a poignant depiction of his enduring love for music, underscored by a mesmerising live performance by the London Symphony Orchestra. These moments, free from the narrative rush, allow the film to breathe and capture the essence of Bernstein's artistic legacy. Maestro balances moments of insight with occasional narrative unevenness. While Cooper's directorial choices contribute to the film's visual appeal, the ambitious scope of Bernstein's life occasionally results in thematic dilution. The film, anchored by strong performances, does succeed in offering a glimpse into the tumultuous life of a musical genius, even if it occasionally struggles to maintain a consistent narrative cadence.

Maestro movie review: Bradley Cooper film hits high notes despite some missed beats

Co-writing, directing, producing and starring in his Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro&nbsp;was a terrifying undertaking for Bradley Cooper that turned into a journey of joy and courage.

A passion project years in the making, Maestro&nbsp;is the follow up to Cooper's directorial debut, "A Star Is Born".

"In the beginning, realising how much work would be involved, I was terrified. But the more work I put in, and then each day, I became more and more at ease with the idea of being able to ask everybody to go on this journey," Cooper told Reuters at the film's premiere in London on Friday.

"By the end of it, it was just joy and fearlessness," he added.

Bernstein, who died in 1990, was a celebrated U.S. conductor and composer, who wrote classical music and iconic hit musicals like West Side Story.

"Maestro" focuses on Bernstein's relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by British actor Carey Mulligan, and on his bisexuality.

"Lenny and Felicia were filled with a lot of passion and we were so excited that we were able to put our energy into a story about people that really loved life and lived life in such a dynamic way," said Cooper.

"At the time there was so much mutual love for them as a couple, everyone referred to them as Lenny and Felicia. It feels so appropriate that the film is their story and their love story," added Mulligan, who said being directed by her co-star was her “favourite experience ever”.

"I've never experienced anything like it," she said. "It didn't feel like two separate things. There's no acting required, you just are in the scene, I think that's a testament to a truly great director."

The children of Bernstein and Montealegre were closely involved in the development of the movie. “Maestro” was made for their family, said Cooper, and everything else, including Oscar talk, is extra.

"We had a really profound relationship with them throughout this whole experience. It really is about serving their parents in this art form and all this other stuff is awesome and it's fun, but it has nothing to do with why we did it."

Maestro&nbsp;starts streaming on Netflix on Dec. 20.

Co-writing, directing, producing and starring in his Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro was a terrifying undertaking for Bradley Cooper that turned into a journey of joy and courage.

Co-writing, directing, producing and starring in his Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro was a terrifying undertaking for Bradley Cooper that turned into a journey of joy and courage. A passion project years in the making, Maestro is the follow up to Cooper's directorial debut, "A Star Is Born". "In the beginning, realising how much work would be involved, I was terrified. But the more work I put in, and then each day, I became more and more at ease with the idea of being able to ask everybody to go on this journey," Cooper told Reuters at the film's premiere in London on Friday. "By the end of it, it was just joy and fearlessness," he added. Bernstein, who died in 1990, was a celebrated U.S. conductor and composer, who wrote classical music and iconic hit musicals like West Side Story. "Maestro" focuses on Bernstein's relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by British actor Carey Mulligan, and on his bisexuality. "Lenny and Felicia were filled with a lot of passion and we were so excited that we were able to put our energy into a story about people that really loved life and lived life in such a dynamic way," said Cooper. "At the time there was so much mutual love for them as a couple, everyone referred to them as Lenny and Felicia. It feels so appropriate that the film is their story and their love story," added Mulligan, who said being directed by her co-star was her “favourite experience ever”. "I've never experienced anything like it," she said. "It didn't feel like two separate things. There's no acting required, you just are in the scene, I think that's a testament to a truly great director." The children of Bernstein and Montealegre were closely involved in the development of the movie. “Maestro” was made for their family, said Cooper, and everything else, including Oscar talk, is extra. "We had a really profound relationship with them throughout this whole experience. It really is about serving their parents in this art form and all this other stuff is awesome and it's fun, but it has nothing to do with why we did it." Maestro starts streaming on Netflix on Dec. 20.

Bradley Cooper’s Maestro a tale of music, marriage and multitasking

The makeup artist who worked on Bradley Cooper's film Maestro has issued an apology after facing backlash for using a prosthetic nose for the actor. The film is a biopic on composer Leonard Bernstein. Cooper plays the lead protagonist and has been accused of cultural appropriation termed&nbsp;'Jewface'.&nbsp; 
 
Kazu Hiro, the makeup artist has apologised to anyone who felt hurt by the use of a prosthetic nose.&nbsp; 
 
Speaking at a press conference at the Venice Film Festival – where Maestro premiered – Kazu Hiro said he was surprised by the backlash. 
 
He said, “I wasn’t expecting it to happen. I feel sorry if I hurt some people’s feelings. My goal was and Bradley’s goal was to portray Lenny as authentically as possible. Lenny had a really iconic look that everybody knows.

“There’s so many pictures out there because he’s photogenic, too – such a great person and also inspired so many people. So we wanted to respect the look, including what’s going on inside. So that’s why we did several different tests and went through lots of decisions and that was the outcome in the movie. That was our only intention.”

Bernstein – the son of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants to the US – was an influential composer and conductor, best known for composing the music for West Side Story.

Maestro marks the return of Cooper as a director after the critically acclaimed A Star Is Born. Maestro centres on Bernstein’s complicated relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan.&nbsp; 
 
Criticism over its use of prosthetics arose when the film's first look emerged last month on the internet.&nbsp;

Amid backlash, Bernstein’s children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina defended Cooper against what they called “disingenuous” criticism. They said: “It breaks out hearts to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of (Cooper’s) efforts.

“It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance, and we’re perfectly fine with that. We’re also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well.”

Cooper was absent from Saturday’s press conference due to the actors' and writers' strike that prohibits talent from promoting films if they have been made by large studios.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The makeup artist who worked on Bradley Cooper's film Maestro has issued an apology after facing backlash for using a prosthetic nose for the actor. The film is a biopic on composer Leonard Bernstein.

The makeup artist who worked on Bradley Cooper's film Maestro has issued an apology after facing backlash for using a prosthetic nose for the actor. The film is a biopic on composer Leonard Bernstein. Cooper plays the lead protagonist and has been accused of cultural appropriation termed 'Jewface'. Kazu Hiro, the makeup artist has apologised to anyone who felt hurt by the use of a prosthetic nose. Speaking at a press conference at the Venice Film Festival – where Maestro premiered – Kazu Hiro said he was surprised by the backlash. He said, “I wasn’t expecting it to happen. I feel sorry if I hurt some people’s feelings. My goal was and Bradley’s goal was to portray Lenny as authentically as possible. Lenny had a really iconic look that everybody knows. “There’s so many pictures out there because he’s photogenic, too – such a great person and also inspired so many people. So we wanted to respect the look, including what’s going on inside. So that’s why we did several different tests and went through lots of decisions and that was the outcome in the movie. That was our only intention.” Bernstein – the son of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants to the US – was an influential composer and conductor, best known for composing the music for West Side Story. Maestro marks the return of Cooper as a director after the critically acclaimed A Star Is Born. Maestro centres on Bernstein’s complicated relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan. Criticism over its use of prosthetics arose when the film's first look emerged last month on the internet. Amid backlash, Bernstein’s children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina defended Cooper against what they called “disingenuous” criticism. They said: “It breaks out hearts to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of (Cooper’s) efforts. “It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance, and we’re perfectly fine with that. We’re also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well.” Cooper was absent from Saturday’s press conference due to the actors' and writers' strike that prohibits talent from promoting films if they have been made by large studios.

Maestro makeup artist apologises for using prosthetic nose for Bradley Cooper in Bernstein biopic

Bradley Cooper's latest film Maestro has sparked controversy just a day after the film's first teaser was released. Cooper has been called out for wearing a large prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein in the film.&nbsp; 
 
Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper -- who wrote, directed and stars in Maestro -- has received criticism since a trailer for the upcoming Netflix film was released online this week.

What's a Jewface? 
 
Cooper portrays legendary composer Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic. While non-Jewish actors have portrayed Jewish figures before, Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose is being slammed online as Jewface. Critics have said the decision to use a prosthetic nose plays up to Jewish stereotypes.&nbsp; 
 
The term Jewface has a negative connotation to it. It characterises stereotypical or inauthentic portrayals of Jewish people. The term Jewface is also similar to Blackface, which is a practice of non-Black performers darkening their faces for roles. 
 
Bradley, a non-jew, has also been questioned for not casting a Jewish actor to play a jew character on screen.&nbsp; 
 
Bernstein family reacts 
 
The family of Leonard Bernstein has defended Bradley Cooper's controversial decision to wear a large prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer in the&nbsp;film. 
 
The late Bernstein's three children said they were "perfectly fine" with Cooper's decision "to use makeup to amplify his resemblance" to their father.&nbsp; 
 
"It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose," wrote Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein in a statement on social media. "We're also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well," they added. 
 
Bernstein family praised Cooper for "the depth of his commitment" to the project. 
 
"It breaks our hearts to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of his efforts," they wrote. "Any strident complaints around this issue strike us above all as disingenuous attempts to bring a successful person down a notch -- a practice we observed all too often perpetrated on our own father." 
 
Bernstein, the son of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants, died in 1990 but remains one of the best-known composers and conductors of all time. 
 
He served as music director of the New York Philharmonic and wrote the Broadway musical West Side Story. 
 
Cooper, a nine-time Oscar nominee, is best known for A Star Is Born and The Hangover films.

Maestro is a biographical romance about Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, who is played by Carey Mulligan.&nbsp;Maestro is due to premiere at next month's Venice Film Festival. 
 
Cooper has already said he will not attend the premiere because of the ongoing Hollywood strike. 
&nbsp;

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Bradley Cooper's latest film Maestro has sparked controversy just a day after the film's first teaser was released. Cooper has been called out for wearing a large prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein in the film.

Bradley Cooper's latest film Maestro has sparked controversy just a day after the film's first teaser was released. Cooper has been called out for wearing a large prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein in the film. Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper -- who wrote, directed and stars in Maestro -- has received criticism since a trailer for the upcoming Netflix film was released online this week. What's a Jewface? Cooper portrays legendary composer Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic. While non-Jewish actors have portrayed Jewish figures before, Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose is being slammed online as Jewface. Critics have said the decision to use a prosthetic nose plays up to Jewish stereotypes. The term Jewface has a negative connotation to it. It characterises stereotypical or inauthentic portrayals of Jewish people. The term Jewface is also similar to Blackface, which is a practice of non-Black performers darkening their faces for roles. Bradley, a non-jew, has also been questioned for not casting a Jewish actor to play a jew character on screen. Bernstein family reacts The family of Leonard Bernstein has defended Bradley Cooper's controversial decision to wear a large prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer in the film. The late Bernstein's three children said they were "perfectly fine" with Cooper's decision "to use makeup to amplify his resemblance" to their father. "It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose," wrote Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein in a statement on social media. "We're also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well," they added. Bernstein family praised Cooper for "the depth of his commitment" to the project. "It breaks our hearts to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of his efforts," they wrote. "Any strident complaints around this issue strike us above all as disingenuous attempts to bring a successful person down a notch -- a practice we observed all too often perpetrated on our own father." Bernstein, the son of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants, died in 1990 but remains one of the best-known composers and conductors of all time. He served as music director of the New York Philharmonic and wrote the Broadway musical West Side Story. Cooper, a nine-time Oscar nominee, is best known for A Star Is Born and The Hangover films. Maestro is a biographical romance about Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, who is played by Carey Mulligan. Maestro is due to premiere at next month's Venice Film Festival. Cooper has already said he will not attend the premiere because of the ongoing Hollywood strike. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bradley Cooper accused of 'Jewface' for using prosthetic nose in Maestro

Bradley Cooper is back on the director's chair. The first teaser of Maestro was unveiled on Wednesday and it stars Cooper as the famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein and actress Carey Mulligan as his actress wife Felicia Montealegre.&nbsp; 
 
Many are terming Maestro as a musical follow-up of the 2018 Oscar-nominated film A Star Is Born which was also directed by Cooper.&nbsp; 
 
Maestro is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival (running 30 Aug to 9 Sept) and will release in theatres on &nbsp;22 November before streaming on Netflix on 20 December. 
 
The teaser begins with a black-and-white scene and eventually bursts into colour and showcases an expansive timeframe of the complicated and decade-long love story between Leonard and Felicia.&nbsp; 
 
The teaser also hints at Leonard's gay romances with men but leans more into the story of Leonard and Felicia with shots of them talking and sitting back to back in the grass.&nbsp;

Watch the teaser of Maestro here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zU6GbM5c9aE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The film has been produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg and it will be featuring Bernstein's compositions. The film also co-stars Sarah Silverman as Leonard's sister Shirley, Michael Urie as Jerome Robbins and Maya Hawke, Sam Nivola and Alexa Swinton as Leonard and Felicia's children.&nbsp; 
 
While Maestro will have its world premiere at Venice Film Festival, Cooper will not be attending the event to show solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike.&nbsp;

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Bradley Cooper is back on the director's chair. The first teaser of Maestro was unveiled on Wednesday and it stars Cooper as the famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein and actress Carey Mulligan as his actress wife Felicia Montealegre.

Bradley Cooper is back on the director's chair. The first teaser of Maestro was unveiled on Wednesday and it stars Cooper as the famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein and actress Carey Mulligan as his actress wife Felicia Montealegre. Many are terming Maestro as a musical follow-up of the 2018 Oscar-nominated film A Star Is Born which was also directed by Cooper. Maestro is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival (running 30 Aug to 9 Sept) and will release in theatres on 22 November before streaming on Netflix on 20 December. The teaser begins with a black-and-white scene and eventually bursts into colour and showcases an expansive timeframe of the complicated and decade-long love story between Leonard and Felicia. The teaser also hints at Leonard's gay romances with men but leans more into the story of Leonard and Felicia with shots of them talking and sitting back to back in the grass. Watch the teaser of Maestro here: The film has been produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg and it will be featuring Bernstein's compositions. The film also co-stars Sarah Silverman as Leonard's sister Shirley, Michael Urie as Jerome Robbins and Maya Hawke, Sam Nivola and Alexa Swinton as Leonard and Felicia's children. While Maestro will have its world premiere at Venice Film Festival, Cooper will not be attending the event to show solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Maestro teaser: Bradley Cooper transforms himself to play legendary composer Leonard Bernstein

Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein drama Maestro, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley movie, Michael Mann’s Ferrari, David Fincher’s The Killer&nbsp;and Ava DuVernay’s Origin&nbsp;will make their world debuts at the Venice International Film Festival this fall.

Organisers announced the lineup Tuesday for the 80th edition of the festival, which — despite the flashy names behind the films — could have a little less Hollywood glamour than usual gracing its picturesque docks and red carpet come September if the Hollywood actors and writers strike stretch on. As part of the strike, actors cannot promote projects from the studios and streamers with whom the union is negotiating.

The prestigious film festival already lost one high-profile premiere to the labour disputes in the US in Luca Guadagnino’s tennis drama Challengers,&nbsp;starring Zendaya, which had been set to play in the opening night slot but has now been pushed to 2024. But Alberto Barbera, the director of the Venice Film Festival, said Tuesday that the strikes’ effects on the festival lineup had otherwise been minimal.

Priscilla, an A24 film based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me, stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi and was widely expected to be in the festival. Coppola also launched Somewhere&nbsp;in Venice in 2010. Priscilla&nbsp;will be competing for the Golden Lion alongside Ferrari, the buzzy racing drama starring Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, and Penélope Cruz as his wife Laura, based on Brock Yates’ biography.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-christopher-nolan-reveals-correct-answer-for-inceptions-enigmatic-ending-i-think-it-was-619239">Christopher Nolan reveals 'correct answer' for Inception's enigmatic ending: I think it was...</a>

Yorgos Lanthimos’ highly anticipated Poor Things, with Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, will also have its bow on the Lido. Lanthimos previously launched The Favorite&nbsp;at Venice in 2019; it would go on to score 10 Oscar nominations and win one.

DuVernay’s film, Origin,&nbsp;meanwhile, is based on the book Caste&nbsp;and the life of its author, Pulitzer winner Isabel Wilkerson. The movie stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.

Netflix will once again have a big presence at the festival with Maestro, directed by and starring Cooper as the legendary composer, opposite Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre, and Fincher’s The Killer, with Michael Fassbender playing an assassin. The streamer is also bringing Pablo Larraín’s El Conde, a dark comedy in which Augusto Pinochet is a vampire, as part of the competition titles.

Another buzzy competition title is Michel Franco’s Memory, with Jessica Chastain and Peter Skarsgaard.

Venice has never been a festival to shy away from controversial directors and has programmed new films from both Roman Polanski and Woody Allen.

Polanski is back for the first time since 2019 with The Palace, about a New Year’s Eve in 1999 in a Swiss hotel, with John Cleese and Mickey Rourke. Allen is debuting his first French movie, Coup de Chance. Luc Besson, who was recently cleared of charges in a rape case, will also be on the Lido with “Dogman,” starring Caleb Landry Jones.

The jury presiding over the main competition this year is full of high-profile directors, including Damien Chazelle, Jane Campion, Martin McDonagh and last year’s Golden Lion winner Laura Poitras.

In addition to the Polanski and Allen films, also playing out of competition are Wes Anderson’s Roald Dahl-inspired The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar&nbsp;with Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel and Ralph Fiennes; Harmony Korine’s Aggro Dr1ft; Richard Linklater’s Hit Man; Frederick Wiseman’s Menus Plaisirs – Les Troisgros; and William Friedkin’s The Caine Mutiny Court-Marshall.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/beyonce-playfully-tells-her-crew-to-turn-the-fan-on-mid-performance-during-renaissance-tour-viral-619258">Beyonce playfully tells her crew to 'turn the fan on' mid-performance during Renaissance Tour | Viral</a>

Venice is a top launching ground for awards hopefuls and has, in recent years, debuted Oscar-nominated films like The Whale, The Banshees of Inisherin, Tár, The Power of the Dog, A Star is Born&nbsp;and La La Land. It’s also the first major stop of the busy fall film festival season, with Toronto, Telluride and the New York Film Festivals close behind.

Like the Cannes Film Festival, celebrity is a huge part of the Venice iconography: Think of Lady Gaga perched on the side of a water taxi in her black Jonathan Simkhai bustier dress, or Timothée Chalamet vamping in that backless red halter top by Haider Ackermann. Last year there were also viral moments aplenty thanks to the cast of Don’t Worry Darling&nbsp;and the alleged “spit-gate,” in which internet spectators wondered if Harry Styles had spit on his co-star Chris Pine at the film’s premiere.

It remains unclear whether any Hollywood talent will be able to make the journey this year. Barbera said at this point that some actors and actresses will not be able to attend but, without getting specific, said that talent from independent fare will be able to grace the red carpets and press conferences.

The Venice Film Festival runs from August 30 through September 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein drama Maestro, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley movie, Michael Mann’s Ferrari, David Fincher’s The Killer and Ava DuVernay’s Origin will make their world debuts at the Venice International Film Festival this fall.

Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein drama Maestro, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley movie, Michael Mann’s Ferrari, David Fincher’s The Killer and Ava DuVernay’s Origin will make their world debuts at the Venice International Film Festival this fall. Organisers announced the lineup Tuesday for the 80th edition of the festival, which — despite the flashy names behind the films — could have a little less Hollywood glamour than usual gracing its picturesque docks and red carpet come September if the Hollywood actors and writers strike stretch on. As part of the strike, actors cannot promote projects from the studios and streamers with whom the union is negotiating. The prestigious film festival already lost one high-profile premiere to the labour disputes in the US in Luca Guadagnino’s tennis drama Challengers, starring Zendaya, which had been set to play in the opening night slot but has now been pushed to 2024. But Alberto Barbera, the director of the Venice Film Festival, said Tuesday that the strikes’ effects on the festival lineup had otherwise been minimal. Priscilla, an A24 film based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me, stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi and was widely expected to be in the festival. Coppola also launched Somewhere in Venice in 2010. Priscilla will be competing for the Golden Lion alongside Ferrari, the buzzy racing drama starring Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, and Penélope Cruz as his wife Laura, based on Brock Yates’ biography. Also read: Christopher Nolan reveals 'correct answer' for Inception's enigmatic ending: I think it was... Yorgos Lanthimos’ highly anticipated Poor Things, with Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, will also have its bow on the Lido. Lanthimos previously launched The Favorite at Venice in 2019; it would go on to score 10 Oscar nominations and win one. DuVernay’s film, Origin, meanwhile, is based on the book Caste and the life of its author, Pulitzer winner Isabel Wilkerson. The movie stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Netflix will once again have a big presence at the festival with Maestro, directed by and starring Cooper as the legendary composer, opposite Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre, and Fincher’s The Killer, with Michael Fassbender playing an assassin. The streamer is also bringing Pablo Larraín’s El Conde, a dark comedy in which Augusto Pinochet is a vampire, as part of the competition titles. Another buzzy competition title is Michel Franco’s Memory, with Jessica Chastain and Peter Skarsgaard. Venice has never been a festival to shy away from controversial directors and has programmed new films from both Roman Polanski and Woody Allen. Polanski is back for the first time since 2019 with The Palace, about a New Year’s Eve in 1999 in a Swiss hotel, with John Cleese and Mickey Rourke. Allen is debuting his first French movie, Coup de Chance. Luc Besson, who was recently cleared of charges in a rape case, will also be on the Lido with “Dogman,” starring Caleb Landry Jones. The jury presiding over the main competition this year is full of high-profile directors, including Damien Chazelle, Jane Campion, Martin McDonagh and last year’s Golden Lion winner Laura Poitras. In addition to the Polanski and Allen films, also playing out of competition are Wes Anderson’s Roald Dahl-inspired The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar with Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel and Ralph Fiennes; Harmony Korine’s Aggro Dr1ft; Richard Linklater’s Hit Man; Frederick Wiseman’s Menus Plaisirs – Les Troisgros; and William Friedkin’s The Caine Mutiny Court-Marshall. Also read: Beyonce playfully tells her crew to 'turn the fan on' mid-performance during Renaissance Tour | Viral Venice is a top launching ground for awards hopefuls and has, in recent years, debuted Oscar-nominated films like The Whale, The Banshees of Inisherin, Tár, The Power of the Dog, A Star is Born and La La Land. It’s also the first major stop of the busy fall film festival season, with Toronto, Telluride and the New York Film Festivals close behind. Like the Cannes Film Festival, celebrity is a huge part of the Venice iconography: Think of Lady Gaga perched on the side of a water taxi in her black Jonathan Simkhai bustier dress, or Timothée Chalamet vamping in that backless red halter top by Haider Ackermann. Last year there were also viral moments aplenty thanks to the cast of Don’t Worry Darling and the alleged “spit-gate,” in which internet spectators wondered if Harry Styles had spit on his co-star Chris Pine at the film’s premiere. It remains unclear whether any Hollywood talent will be able to make the journey this year. Barbera said at this point that some actors and actresses will not be able to attend but, without getting specific, said that talent from independent fare will be able to grace the red carpets and press conferences. The Venice Film Festival runs from August 30 through September 9. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Venice Film Festival unveils A-list lineup with Priscilla, Ferrari, Maestro amid strikes

Actor Sarah Silverman is the latest addition to the cast of Bradley Cooper-led Netflix movie "Maestro". The film also features actors Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer and Maya Hawke.

According to a press releases issued by Netlfix, Cooper is directing the film and has also co-writtern the script with Oscar-winning screenwriter Josh Singer.

"Maestro" tells the complex love story of iconic music composer Leonard Bernstein and actor Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, a tale that spans over 30 years ? from the time they met in 1946 at a party and continuing through two engagements, a 25 year marriage, and three children: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Bernstein Simmons.

Bernstein rose to fame after he was tasked with conducting the New York Philharmonic when he was 25.

His career skyrocketed when he wrote and composed the music for 1961 classic "West Side Story".

Cooper developed the film, follow-up to his directorial debut "A Star is Born", together with Bernstein's family.

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The project is currently in production.

"Maestro" is produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Fred Berner, and Amy Durning.

Actor Sarah Silverman is the latest addition to the cast of Bradley Cooper-led Netflix movie "Maestro". The film also features actors Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer and Maya Hawke.

Actor Sarah Silverman is the latest addition to the cast of Bradley Cooper-led Netflix movie "Maestro". The film also features actors Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer and Maya Hawke. According to a press releases issued by Netlfix, Cooper is directing the film and has also co-writtern the script with Oscar-winning screenwriter Josh Singer. "Maestro" tells the complex love story of iconic music composer Leonard Bernstein and actor Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, a tale that spans over 30 years ? from the time they met in 1946 at a party and continuing through two engagements, a 25 year marriage, and three children: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Bernstein Simmons. Bernstein rose to fame after he was tasked with conducting the New York Philharmonic when he was 25. His career skyrocketed when he wrote and composed the music for 1961 classic "West Side Story". Cooper developed the film, follow-up to his directorial debut "A Star is Born", together with Bernstein's family. Also read: Priyanka Chopra turns cheerleader for husband Nick Jonas ahead of Jonas' Brothers' Vegas concert The project is currently in production. "Maestro" is produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Fred Berner, and Amy Durning.

Sarah Silverman joins cast of Leonard Bernstein's biopic 'Maestro' starring Bradley Cooper

Carey Mulligan has joined Leonard Bernstein biopic to play Felicia, his wife.

It is a Netflix musical drama titled ‘Maestro’ on the life of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.&nbsp;

The project is helmed by Bradley Cooper following his directorial debut ‘A Star Is Born’ that even got his Oscar nominations.&nbsp;

The Leonard Bernstein biopic is a movie that portrays a love story between Leonard and Felicia over 30 years, from when they met in 1946 and through a 25-year marriage and three children: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Bernstein Simmons.

Bradley Cooper co-wrote ‘Maestro’ with Josh Singer and will direct and produce.&nbsp;

On the film, Jamie Bernstein said in a statement, "We're absolutely thrilled that Carey Mulligan will play our mother in Maestro. Carey will surely capture Felicia's unique combination of wit, warmth, elegant beauty and depth of emotion.”

Carey Mulligan has joined Leonard Bernstein biopic to play Felicia, his wife. It is a Netflix musical drama titled ‘Maestro’ on the life of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Carey Mulligan has joined Leonard Bernstein biopic to play Felicia, his wife. It is a Netflix musical drama titled ‘Maestro’ on the life of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. The project is helmed by Bradley Cooper following his directorial debut ‘A Star Is Born’ that even got his Oscar nominations. The Leonard Bernstein biopic is a movie that portrays a love story between Leonard and Felicia over 30 years, from when they met in 1946 and through a 25-year marriage and three children: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Bernstein Simmons. Bradley Cooper co-wrote ‘Maestro’ with Josh Singer and will direct and produce. On the film, Jamie Bernstein said in a statement, "We're absolutely thrilled that Carey Mulligan will play our mother in Maestro. Carey will surely capture Felicia's unique combination of wit, warmth, elegant beauty and depth of emotion.”

Leonard Bernstein biopic: Bradley Cooper ropes in Carey Mulligan in film

Two ships ablaze in the Black Sea region, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ten-sailors-dead-after-2-ships-catch-fire-near-crimea-indian-crewmen-may-be-among-casualties-191893">leaving at least 10 crew dead</a>, caught fire while transferring fuel mid-sea after one vessel was barred from using its usual port in southern Russia due to U.S. sanctions risk, two sources told Reuters.

The vessels, which caught fire on Monday, have the same names as two gas-transporting tankers, the Maestro and Venice, which were included on a U.S. sanctions advisory note last year for delivering fuel to Syria.

The U.S. Treasury note, published in November, advised that any dealings with these or other vessels involved in transporting fuel to Syria could result in sanctions.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-indian-crew-safe-in-russian-ship-wreck-claims-dgs-192106">Most Indian sailors safe, says Directorate General of Shipping officials</a>

The Maestro was subsequently barred from using Temryuk port in southern Russia by the owners of its only gas terminal, Maktren-Nafta, two industry sources said, where it had previously loaded liquefied petroleum gas of Russian and Kazakh origin for export to the Middle East.

The Russian company Maktren-Nafta could not be reached for comment.

Vessels can resort to ship-to-ship transfers of fuel -- a risky manoeuvre especially if they are transferring flammable fuel -- if they do not have access to a port for loading.

Temryuk port did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to reach the owners of the vessels.

Russia's Transport Ministry said the two ships caught fire on Monday while loading gas ship-to-ship mid-sea, during stormy conditions.

Russia permits loading of gas at just three locations in the region - all on-land ports - a source in the ministry said.

"All ship-to-ship transfers, especially of such dangerous cargo, moreover during stormy weather and in the winter, raises big questions," the source said.

The ministry source said they did not know whether the tanker had been barred from the port, but added that doing so was within the rights of the owners of the gas loading terminal.

ROUGH SEA

Ten sailors out of a combined crew of 32 were confirmed dead by the ministry's maritime unit on Tuesday. A further 10 remain missing, presumed dead, while 12 were rescued, it added.

The crew was made up of 16 Turkish citizens and 15 from India, the ministry said.

The ships are still on fire and no attempts are being made to put out the blaze due to rough sea conditions, a ministry spokesman said.

Refinitiv data showed Milano Shipping as the owner of the Venice, and Maestro Shipping of the Maestro. The Venice was recently renamed as the Candy, one industry source said.

But two traders, separate to the industry sources, told Reuters that both vessels were ultimately owned by one Turkish company, Milenyum Denizcilik Gemi.

Milenyum was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in 2015 for arranging the shipment of liquefied petroleum gas and gasoil to Syrian government controlled areas.

Phone numbers for Milenyum and Milano Shipping, listed online, were not answered.

SANCTIONS LIST

On Nov. 20 last year, the U.S. Treasury Department added nine Russian and Iranian individuals and companies on its sanctions list for participating in the shipment of petroleum to Syria.

It also issued an advisory note warning of the potential sanctions risk for any entities involved in such shipments which listed 35 ships, including the Maestro and Venice, as having delivered oil to Syria between 2016 and 2018.

Reuters reported in December that both the Maestro and Venice continued operations after the U.S. announcement, and regularly entered Temryuk port, according to Refinitiv data.

After the Reuters report, the Maestro was barred from using the port's gas terminal by its owners, and thereby denied access to the port, the two industry sources said.

But the Venice - now known as Candy - continued to dock at Temryuk, Refinitiv data showed.

"There's every indication that some black scheme was going on," one of the industry sources said.

"Why else would (the Venice) load up with gas and then immediately transfer it onto another tanker?" the source said, adding that the Venice was likely to have been permitted access to the port as it had changed its name to Candy since the U.S. sanctions note.

Since the U.S. announcement, the Venice/Candy has travelled to near the Lebanese and Syrian coastline on three occasions, Refinitiv data showed on Tuesday, while the Maestro has made the same journey once.

The data does not show at which port the vessels finally docked. They appear to turn around before reaching the coast.

Vessels wishing to conceal their location have been known to switch off their transponders and "go dark".

Though ships are allowed to switch off their signalling systems in certain circumstances, for example for reasons of security, such instances are relatively limited and rare, Richard Meade, managing editor of Lloyd's List Intelligence in London said.

"Both vessels weren't showing up as live... despite being fairly close to land-based receivers," Meade said. "This certainly would raise red flags in terms of anybody looking at the accident or criminal investigation."

The Maestro's signalling system last reported its location on Saturday, when it was located off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea, according to Refinitiv data.

But on Monday, it was near the Kerch Strait, a body of water between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia, which connects the Azov Sea to the Black Sea.

There, it met the Venice, which had left Temryuk port on Sunday morning with a fresh cargo of liquefied petroleum gas, an industry source said.

After attempting to transfer the highly flammable fuel, both ships were on fire.

Two ships ablaze in the Black Sea region, leaving at least 10 crew dead, caught fire while transferring fuel mid-sea after one vessel was barred from using its usual port in southern Russia due to U.

Two ships ablaze in the Black Sea region, leaving at least 10 crew dead, caught fire while transferring fuel mid-sea after one vessel was barred from using its usual port in southern Russia due to U.S. sanctions risk, two sources told Reuters. The vessels, which caught fire on Monday, have the same names as two gas-transporting tankers, the Maestro and Venice, which were included on a U.S. sanctions advisory note last year for delivering fuel to Syria. The U.S. Treasury note, published in November, advised that any dealings with these or other vessels involved in transporting fuel to Syria could result in sanctions. Also read: Most Indian sailors safe, says Directorate General of Shipping officials The Maestro was subsequently barred from using Temryuk port in southern Russia by the owners of its only gas terminal, Maktren-Nafta, two industry sources said, where it had previously loaded liquefied petroleum gas of Russian and Kazakh origin for export to the Middle East. The Russian company Maktren-Nafta could not be reached for comment. Vessels can resort to ship-to-ship transfers of fuel -- a risky manoeuvre especially if they are transferring flammable fuel -- if they do not have access to a port for loading. Temryuk port did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to reach the owners of the vessels. Russia's Transport Ministry said the two ships caught fire on Monday while loading gas ship-to-ship mid-sea, during stormy conditions. Russia permits loading of gas at just three locations in the region - all on-land ports - a source in the ministry said. "All ship-to-ship transfers, especially of such dangerous cargo, moreover during stormy weather and in the winter, raises big questions," the source said. The ministry source said they did not know whether the tanker had been barred from the port, but added that doing so was within the rights of the owners of the gas loading terminal. ROUGH SEA Ten sailors out of a combined crew of 32 were confirmed dead by the ministry's maritime unit on Tuesday. A further 10 remain missing, presumed dead, while 12 were rescued, it added. The crew was made up of 16 Turkish citizens and 15 from India, the ministry said. The ships are still on fire and no attempts are being made to put out the blaze due to rough sea conditions, a ministry spokesman said. Refinitiv data showed Milano Shipping as the owner of the Venice, and Maestro Shipping of the Maestro. The Venice was recently renamed as the Candy, one industry source said. But two traders, separate to the industry sources, told Reuters that both vessels were ultimately owned by one Turkish company, Milenyum Denizcilik Gemi. Milenyum was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in 2015 for arranging the shipment of liquefied petroleum gas and gasoil to Syrian government controlled areas. Phone numbers for Milenyum and Milano Shipping, listed online, were not answered. SANCTIONS LIST On Nov. 20 last year, the U.S. Treasury Department added nine Russian and Iranian individuals and companies on its sanctions list for participating in the shipment of petroleum to Syria. It also issued an advisory note warning of the potential sanctions risk for any entities involved in such shipments which listed 35 ships, including the Maestro and Venice, as having delivered oil to Syria between 2016 and 2018. Reuters reported in December that both the Maestro and Venice continued operations after the U.S. announcement, and regularly entered Temryuk port, according to Refinitiv data. After the Reuters report, the Maestro was barred from using the port's gas terminal by its owners, and thereby denied access to the port, the two industry sources said. But the Venice - now known as Candy - continued to dock at Temryuk, Refinitiv data showed. "There's every indication that some black scheme was going on," one of the industry sources said. "Why else would (the Venice) load up with gas and then immediately transfer it onto another tanker?" the source said, adding that the Venice was likely to have been permitted access to the port as it had changed its name to Candy since the U.S. sanctions note. Since the U.S. announcement, the Venice/Candy has travelled to near the Lebanese and Syrian coastline on three occasions, Refinitiv data showed on Tuesday, while the Maestro has made the same journey once. The data does not show at which port the vessels finally docked. They appear to turn around before reaching the coast. Vessels wishing to conceal their location have been known to switch off their transponders and "go dark". Though ships are allowed to switch off their signalling systems in certain circumstances, for example for reasons of security, such instances are relatively limited and rare, Richard Meade, managing editor of Lloyd's List Intelligence in London said. "Both vessels weren't showing up as live... despite being fairly close to land-based receivers," Meade said. "This certainly would raise red flags in terms of anybody looking at the accident or criminal investigation." The Maestro's signalling system last reported its location on Saturday, when it was located off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea, according to Refinitiv data. But on Monday, it was near the Kerch Strait, a body of water between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia, which connects the Azov Sea to the Black Sea. There, it met the Venice, which had left Temryuk port on Sunday morning with a fresh cargo of liquefied petroleum gas, an industry source said. After attempting to transfer the highly flammable fuel, both ships were on fire.

One of 2 ships that caught fire in Crimea was turned away from Russia port over US sanctions

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