Neko Case’s Blistering Takedown of Bradley Cooper and His Oscar Ambitions
Singer-songwriter Neko Case didn’t hold back her feelings about Bradley Cooper and his film 'A Star Is Born,' unleashing a scathing critique on social media after seeing a preview in 2018.
Few figures in the entertainment world seem to chase Oscar gold with the same intensity as Bradley Cooper. His relentless pursuit of the coveted statue has become almost a running joke, as he racks up nomination after nomination but never quite clinches the win he so clearly wants. At this pace, he’s on track to challenge some of the most infamous records in Academy Awards history. Greg P. Russell once seemed destined to be the ultimate runner-up, having been nominated 17 times without a single victory, though he lost one nod for breaking the rules. Now, he shares the record with Diane Warren, both sitting at 16 nominations without a win—though Warren did receive an honorary award in 2022. Cooper, meanwhile, is closing in fast, with a dozen nominations across five categories in just over a decade. If he keeps this up, he could soon become the most unlucky nominee in Oscar lore.
Whenever Cooper steps behind the camera, audiences brace themselves for another awards-season contender. That’s not to say his films—like A Star Is Born, Maestro, or Is This Thing On?—are lacking in quality, but there’s a certain expectation of prestige attached to his name. His directorial debut, the fourth iteration of A Star Is Born, was a hit with critics and audiences alike, dominating the box office and awards circuit in 2018. Still, not everyone was impressed. While many in the music industry praised the film, there were exceptions—most notably, Neko Case. The acclaimed singer-songwriter, known for her solo work and as a member of the New Pornographers, made her distaste for the film’s star and director abundantly clear on social media after attending an early screening.
Case’s Unfiltered Reaction
Case didn’t mince words when sharing her thoughts on Cooper’s performance and creative choices. After seeing the film in September 2018, she posted a blunt and unforgettable review:
“I want to vomit into Bradley Cooper’s dewy man-child eyes,”
she wrote, following up with a sharp,
“Fuck. Off.”
Her comments left no doubt about her feelings toward the film and its leading man.
Her criticism didn’t stop there. Case went on to describe Cooper in even harsher terms, saying,
“Bradley Cooper is the beige demon who makes sure very standard white dudes get to be in everything.”
She accused him of turning scenes into
“damp sugar quicksand with his treacly fingers,”
and claimed he tries to charm audiences with what she called
“vile incantations”
disguised as endearing French. Case even joked about being ready to physically confront him, declaring,
“I will fight him”
if given the chance. So far, that showdown hasn’t happened, and it ’s safe to assume her opinion hasn’t softened with his later projects.
Cooper’s Ongoing Oscar Quest
Despite the harsh words from Case, Cooper’s drive for recognition shows no signs of slowing down. Each new project he takes on seems designed to capture the attention of awards voters, and his reputation for crafting “prestige” films only grows. Whether or not he ever secures that elusive Oscar, his journey—and the strong reactions it provokes—continues to be a fascinating subplot in Hollywood ’s ongoing awards drama.