#Gotham Awards: ‘Maestro’ Multi-Hyphenate Bradley Cooper Tapped for Cultural Icon & Creator Tribute

Bradley Cooper, co-writer, director and lead actor of Maestro, will collect the Cultural Icon & Creator Tribute — on behalf of himself and Leonard Bernstein, who Cooper plays opposite Carey Mulligan’s Felicia Montealegre in the Netflix film — at the 33rd Gotham Awards, the Gotham Film & Media Institute announced Wednesday.

The event will take place on the evening of Monday, Nov. 27, at Cipriani Wall Street.

“The Icon & Creator Tribute was created for this year’s Gotham Awards in order to recognize cultural icons and the filmmakers responsible for bringing that icon’s story to life,” the institute explained in a press release. “With the Cultural Icon & Creator Tribute, The Gotham will honor New York legend Leonard Bernstein, the acclaimed musician, conductor, composer, teacher, and author, while celebrating Cooper and his masterful effort cinematically capturing his story.”

Jeffrey Sharp, the institute’s executive director, noted, “With Maestro, Bradley Cooper and the film’s entire creative team have vividly brought to life the story of an almost mythical figure in popular culture. Cooper has crafted a powerful story that highlights the ecstatic highs and anguished lows that come with a life pursuing love, family, and art. It is our privilege to honor Bernstein, Cooper, and this spectacular film.”

Added Bernstein’s children Alexander, Nina and Jamie: “From the beginning of the filmmaking process, Bradley and Carey spent as much time with us as they could, learning about our parents. Along the way, we came to realize how Lenny-like Bradley actually was — not only in his intensity, open-heartedness and constant striving for perfection; but also in his ability to absorb and reflect the culture around him. Our father did it with music; Bradley does it through his filmmaking. Their combined marks on history are indelible. As for Carey, she astounded us with her brilliant portrayal of our mother: the subtle, graceful Felicia. We are so grateful to Carey, and to Bradley, for bringing our mother and father back to us through the screen.”