Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’ to Close 2023 AFI Fest

The American Film Institute has announced that Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” will close the 2023 AFI Fest. The festival begins on October 25 with “Leave the World Behind” and will conclude with Netflix’s Leonard Bernstein portrait on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

Produced by both Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, as well as Fred Berner, Amy Durning, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Cooper himself, “Maestro” is described by the synopsis as a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). A love letter to life and art, “Maestro” at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.

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In addition to producing, directing, and starring in the film, Cooper co-wrote the screenplay with Oscar winner Josh Singer (“Spotlight.”) “Maestro” also serves as “A Star is Born” reunion between the filmmaker and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique.

“Maestro” recently had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and received mostly positive reviews, with critics especially complimentary of its lead actress. “It’s one of Mulligan’s very best performances, one that feels effortless in conveying so much with great restraint and without overthinking it,” said IndieWire in its review of the film.

“‘Maestro’ displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent with the power of a cymbal crash,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, as part of the announcement. “It is AFI’s honor to shine a light upon this extraordinary work of art on the festival’s Closing Night.”

Before AFI Fest, “Maestro” will make its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival as the Spotlight Gala.

The American Film Institute recently announced the world premiere of Sam Esmail’s “Leave the World Behind” will open the 37th edition of the festival. The adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke happens to also have Netflix as its distributor, making this year’s AFI Fest a big one for the streaming service.

More AFI Fest titles will be announced soon.

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