Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper Shine in ‘Maestro’: Premiere Looks, Controversies, and Career Highlights

Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan stood close next to each other at the London premiere of their latest drama, Maestro, in which they play power couple Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre.

Arriving at Picturehouse Central in London’s West End, the two coordinated in unfussy black ensembles, Cooper in a black hoodie and Mulligan in a boxy, oversized blazer.

The A Star Is Born actor looked handsome in his casual look. He paired a relaxed hoodie with black trousers, finished with a silver-buckled belt and dress shoes.

Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan coordinate in understated black ensembles at the London premiere of Maestro, with Cooper in polished dress shoes and Mulligan grounding her minimalist look with square-toed black heels and wide-leg trousers on December 1, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Cooper smiled while posing on the red carpet, his arm wrapped around his co-star Carey Mulligan.

Minimalist Moment: Carey Mulligan Goes Understated at Maestro London Premiere

Often seen in glamorous and fashion-forward red-carpet ensembles, Mulligan embraced a more understated aesthetic at this event, wearing a modest yet refined outfit composed of a brown turtleneck, loose-fitting matching pants, and a black oversized blazer.

She styled her blonde bob in soft waves, tucking one side behind her ear to reveal delicate hoop earrings. She completed the look with square-toed black shoes that reinforced the ensemble’s minimalist, understated vibe.

Carey Mulligan keeps it understated in a black oversized blazer, brown turtleneck, wide-leg olive trousers, and square-toed black shoes (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Cinematic Style: Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan Transform for Maestro

Maestro looks into the professional and private life of acclaimed conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and his complicated relationship with his wife, Costa Rican-Chilean actress Felicia Montealegre.

It covers everything from his early years as the New York Philharmonic assistant conductor to his affairs with both men and women.

Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan channel vintage elegance as Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre in Maestro, captured in a nostalgic black-and-white scene with tailored 1940s-inspired suiting and pearl-accented styling (Credit: Netflix)

Bradley Cooper directs Maestro from a screenplay he co-wrote with Josh Singer. Cooper also produced the film alongside Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

Mark Bridges, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer, designed Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan’s 1940s-inspired outfits in Maestro.

Bridges meticulously recreated period-authentic looks—sharp, tailored suits for Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein and refined, pearl-accented ensembles for Mulligan’s portrayal of Felicia Montealegre.

Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan exude mid-century sophistication in Maestro, with Cooper in a sharp black suit and skinny tie and Mulligan in a structured wrap dress accented by classic pearls and an elegant updo (Credit: Netflix)

Billed as a drama and love story, the film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in September. It had a limited theatrical release on November 22, 2023, before streaming on Netflix on December 20, 2023.

Sequin Showstopper: Carey Mulligan Glows in Custom Celine at LA Premiere

Later that month, Carey Mulligan made a glamorous return to the red carpet as she graced the Los Angeles premiere of her new biopic, Maestro, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Impressing fans disappointed by her lackluster interpretation of understated elegance at the Maestro London premiere, Mulligan showed up in a glittering navy-blue gown that stole the spotlight.

Looking every bit the leading lady, the then-38-year-old actress was impossible to miss in the breathtaking gown made especially for her by Celine’s creative, artistic, and image director, Hedi Slimane.

Carey Mulligan dazzles in a navy sequin-embellished gown with dramatic draped sleeves custom-designed by Celine for the Los Angeles premiere of Maestro on December 12, 2023 (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Adorned with thousands of sparkling navy sequins, Mulligan’s outfit perfectly represented Slimane’s obsession with shiny ornaments.

The gown’s column construction, which elegantly cascaded down Carey’s body, exquisitely accentuated her slender physique.

Apart from the shimmering sequins, the impeccable dress featured dramatic structural sleeves that draped over her arms, providing her plenty of room to accessorize with a bold necklace.

Carey Mulligan stuns in a custom navy sequin Celine gown with a thigh-high slit, paired with sleek black pointed-toe pumps that subtly elongate her 5-foot-6 frame (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

However, given Mulligan’s preference for minimalist styling, she went bare-neck and accompanied her sparkling look with a set of Bulgari diamond jewelry.

Styled by Andrew Mukamal, whose famous clientele includes Margot Robbie, Zoë Kravitz, and Billie Eilish, Mulligan donned Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti Viper ring and diamond drop earrings.

Makeup artist Yukari Obayashi Bush applied pink lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow to Carey’s face to give her a youthful, glamorous appearance. Hairstylist Jenny Cho straightened her signature platinum bob, giving the ends a slight flare for volume.

Carey Mulligan sports her signature short bob hairstyle and highlights her lovely facial features with soft pink makeup and lipstick (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Award Season Glam: Carey Mulligan Earns Golden Globe Nomination in Style

Maestro was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 80th Venice International Film Festival. It made its theatrical debut in selected theaters on November 22 and will be accessible for streaming on Netflix on December 20.

For her role as Leonard Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre, Mulligan earned a nod for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama at the 2024 Golden Globes.

Meanwhile, Cooper, who looked dapper in a three-piece navy-blue suit by Louis Vuitton, also received a nomination for Best Director in a Motion Picture and Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. Maestro is also up for Best Motion Picture Drama.

At one point on the red carpet, Mulligan was seen posing alongside Cooper’s A Star Is Born leading lady Lady Gaga and daughter Lea De Seine.

Carey Mulligan sparkles in a navy sequin gown as she poses with co-star Bradley Cooper, his daughter Lea De Seine in a leopard-print dress, and Lady Gaga in a plunging black Alexander McQueen suit adorned with crystal orchid embroidery at the Los Angeles premiere of Maestro (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Power Suiting: Carey Mulligan Rocks Ferragamo on Jimmy Kimmel

After the Los Angeles premiere of Maestro, Mulligan was seen heading to the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios to promote her latest project.

For her guest appearance on the show, the Saltburn actress donned a head-to-toe black look by Ferragamo. Adopting menswear-inspired clothing, Carey is power-dressed in a Ferragamo Spring 2024 suit with a blazer and wide-leg trousers.

Carey Mulligan heads to the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios to promote Maestro on December 14, 2023 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

The house’s creative director, Maximilian Davis, designed Mulligan’s outfit, a modern interpretation of the traditional blazer suit. It features contemporary split long sleeves, a structured bodice with a flattering nipped-in waist, and a daring plunging V-neckline.

Instead of teaming it with slim-fit pants, stylist Andrew Mukamal dressed Mulligan in loose-fitting trousers and finished with $1,690 high patent stretch boots.

These bold and seductive boots are crafted from stretch patent leather for a glove-like fit. They feature long pointed toes, an internal side zip, soft suede lining, and 3-inch slim, curved stiletto heels.

The label’s signature golden F logo graces the sole. On 5-foot-6 (167.6 cm) British actress Carey Mulligan, the sleek silhouette and elevated heel subtly elongated her frame, enhancing her poised, statuesque presence.

Carey Mulligan opts for a menswear-inspired look with Ferragamo’s modern suit, patent boots, and Geometric bag (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

Sporting her usual blonde bob, Carey completed her menswear ensemble with the $2,750 Geometric handbag, a sophisticated, ladylike bag with a retro flair.

Crafted from soft, semi-glossy calfskin, this bag features an asymmetrical front flap that gives the rigid structure more fluidity. It also comes with a golden custom clasp and can be carried by the top handle or the removable shoulder strap.

Carey wore minimal makeup and shielded her eyes from the sun with the $330 Ferragamo rectangular-framed sunglasses.

Carey Mulligan hides her eyes behind a pair of rectangular sunglasses and wears her blunt bob straight (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

Prosthetic Debate: Bradley Cooper Addresses Nose Controversy

Maestro received positive reviews from critics, and it is anticipated to be a serious contender for several accolades this upcoming awards season. Bradley Cooper, who directed the movie and is impressive as both young and old Bernstein, seems to have a good chance of winning.

However, while Cooper was praised for portraying Jewish-American conductor Leonard Bernstein, the actor faced backlash for wearing a prosthetic nose.

Following the release of the movie’s first images and teaser in August, critics quickly noticed Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose, saying it was antisemitic. Hollywood Reporter’s Chief TV critic Daniel Fienberg called it “problematic” and referred to the movie as “ethical cosplay.”

Bradley receives backlash for wearing a prosthetic nose for his portrayal of Leonard Bernstein in Maestro (Credit: Netflix)

During an interview on CBS Mornings, Cooper discussed the issue and revealed that he initially considered not using the prosthetic.

“Nothing really catches me off guard. You never know what’s going to happen. The truth is, I’ve done this whole project out of love. And it’s so clear to me where I come from—my nose is very similar to Lenny’s, actually. The prosthetic is actually like a silk sheet,” he explained.

“I thought, ‘Maybe we don’t need to do it because we can take down time of prep.’ But it’s all about balance, and, you know, my lips are nothing like Lenny’s, and my chin. And so we had that, and it just didn’t look right [without the prosthetic].”

Bradley Cooper says it didn’t look right without the use of a prosthetic nose as he portrays Jewish-American conductor Leonard Bernstein (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also came to the film’s defense and told People that it did not view the use of a prosthetic nose as antisemitic.

Throughout history, Jews were often portrayed in antisemitic films and propaganda as evil caricatures with large, hooked noses. This film, which is a biopic on the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein, is not that.

Bernstein’s children supported Cooper, saying, “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.”

Red Carpet Rewind: Carey Mulligan’s Most Iconic Fashion Moments

Carey Mulligan has consistently captivated audiences with her timeless fashion choices. Explore some of her most memorable red carpet appearances:

Old Hollywood Glamour: Carey Mulligan in Schiaparelli at the Golden Globes

• Event: 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards
• Outfit: She exuded 1950s elegance in a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown featuring a silver and black color palette.
• Footwear: The ensemble was paired with classic pumps, enhancing the vintage-inspired look.
• See more: Carey Mulligan Channels Old Hollywood Glam in Vintage Schiaparelli at Golden Globes

Carey Mulligan’s Chic Appearance at Berlinale Premiere

• Event: Berlinale Premiere of Spaceman
• Outfit: Mulligan donned a look straight off Schiaparelli’s Spring 2024 runway, showcasing her fashion-forward sensibility.
• Footwear: She completed the ensemble with elegant heels, aligning with the avant-garde aesthetic.
• Discover more: Carey Mulligan Shines in Schiaparelli at Berlinale Premiere

Lady Gaga Supports Bradley Cooper at Maestro Premiere

• Event: Los Angeles Premiere of Maestro
• Outfit: Lady Gaga embraced Old Hollywood glamour in a black Alexander McQueen blazer with orchid crystal embroidery.
• Footwear: She paired the look with sleek wool pants and black velvety boots, complementing Bradley Cooper’s classic suit.
• See their look: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper Reunite in Style at the Maestro Premiere

These appearances highlight Carey Mulligan’s and her co-stars’ impeccable fashion sense, solidifying their status as style icons on and off the screen.