Bradley Cooper, the acclaimed director and actor, has recently faced backlash for wearing a prosthetic nose while portraying the legendary Jewish conductor Leonard Bernstein in his upcoming film, Maestro.
The controversy began after Netflix released the trailer on August 15, which featured Cooper as Bernstein with a noticeably large and high-bridged nose. Some viewers took issue with the actor’s use of prosthetics, calling it a form of “Jewface,” a term used to describe stereotypical or offensive portrayals of Jewish people. This term dates back to the late 19th century and has resurfaced in discussions about ethnic and cultural representation in the media.
Criticism from Fellow Artists
Among the critics was Tracy-Ann Oberman, an actress known for her roles in shows like Friday Night Dinner and Toast of London. Oberman expressed her concerns on Instagram, comparing Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose to a “white actor dressing up as a person of color.” She noted that Cooper had previously portrayed a disabled character in The Elephant Man (2004) without the need for prosthetics, questioning why the same approach wasn’t taken for Bernstein’s character.
She wasn’t alone in her criticism. In May, when early images of the film were released, Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter commented on the issue, calling it “ethnic makeup” in a tweet. Fienberg sarcastically asked, “How many pounds of latex does it take to turn Bradley Cooper into an old Jewish man?”
Support from Bernstein’s Family
Despite the criticism, Bernstein’s own children have defended Cooper’s decision to use makeup. In a statement on Twitter, they wrote, “We are heartbroken to see people misunderstanding the artistic choices. Bradley used makeup to create a resemblance between the character and the real Leonard Bernstein.” The Bernstein family expressed full support for Cooper’s efforts, praising his dedication to accurately depicting their father.
Leonard Bernstein’s Legacy
Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) was one of the most celebrated composers and conductors in American history. Born to Jewish immigrants, he led the New York Philharmonic and composed several iconic works, including West Side Story, Candide, and On the Town. The New York Times recognized him as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Previous Controversies in Casting Jewish Characters
The debate over casting non-Jewish actors in Jewish roles is not new. In 2022, Helen Mirren faced similar criticism for her portrayal of Golda Meir, the former Prime Minister of Israel, in the film Golda. Maureen Lipman, an actress and Jewish advocate, criticized Mirren’s casting, claiming that the portrayal lacked authenticity in spirit.
Maestro: Bradley Cooper’s Directorial Vision
Maestro is Bradley Cooper’s second directorial project, following his critically acclaimed debut with A Star is Born (2018). The film, set to compete for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, explores the 25-year marriage between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre (portrayed by Carey Mulligan), as well as Bernstein’s later homosexual relationships.
The production team behind Maestro boasts some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Todd Phillips. Critics are already buzzing about the film, with Harper’s Bazaar naming Cooper as a frontrunner for the Best Actor Oscar in the upcoming awards season.
