In 1943, 25-year-old Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) is catapulted to fame when he makes his impromptu conducting debut for the New York Philharmonic at short notice after a guest conductor falls ill. Shortly after, he meets aspiring actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan) at a party and the two begin dating. Over the course of the next three decades, the couple navigate a complex, lifelong relationship in which Felicia must contend not just with her husband’s obsession with music but also his hedonistic bisexuality.

Bradley Cooper stars in, directed and co-wrote this passion project of his, bringing to life the famed composer of such iconic works as West Side Story, A Quiet Place, and On the Waterfront – but it’s Carey Mulligan’s resilient, superb performance that steals the show.

Nominated for seven Oscars in 2024, including Best Picture and Best Actor (Cooper).