A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.
Thats where theMaestrostar received the Outstanding Performer Of The Year award from presenterBrad Pitt.
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We covered the waterfront, as it were.
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Bradley Cooper and Pete Hammond speak onstage at the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award ceremony during the 39th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 08, 2024 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF)
He revealed his originalStar Is Bornco-star was going to be Beyonce.
At that time, I didnt even realize you could get the job.
I remember when I got the call to do it, I was terrified.
(Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF)
What do you mean, I have to do it?, he said.
On his desire to be an actor from a young age: Always, since I was like 11.
There was a movie theater, my backyard was train tracks and a movie theater.
I watched movies likeThe Godfather,Popeye, and I just knew then.
I always knew I wanted to do it, but I was terrified.
But I knew I wanted to do it.
We were staying at Caesars Palace in Vegas.
Its whats intoxicating about it.
I would also do the other, but I love acting so much.
Absolutely, I would just direct.
Its like you said, just something I love so much.
But it was awesome.
Carey Mulligan said: This is so nice.
I am just having the loveliest evening.
It makes me want to watch all of your films again.
What might be too easily taken for granted is your innate gift as an actor.
I want to note for the record, I was thisclose to gettingA Star Is Born.
But in the end, the director went with Bradley.
Now that I get to do these things, the thing I benefit from is the doing.
In life, Ive been so privileged, so blessed.
I have to say the whole night was a blast.
And Pitt is certainly rooting the 12-time nominee on to finally win.
I do hope that this is his year, because its well-deserved.
But if its not, its OK. Everyone knows its just a matter of time.
And truly, Bradley is OK. Hes fine.
Hes used to it.
Hes a Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Pitt, in fact, was in rare form, and the crowd ate it all up.
Pitt said he is having a great time shooting it.
Big winner for Best Feature Film Live Action wasOppenheimeraccepted by the films star Cillian Murphy.
I asked him later if he knew it was an earthquake.
I thought people were just moved by my speech, he joked.
