When it comes to the Oscars, sometimes the fourth time is the charm. At least that could be the case for Bradley Cooper‘s “A Star is Born,” the fourth iteration of a classic tale of doomed love, this one concerning fading rock star Jackson Maine (Cooper) and his romance with rising pop artist Ally (Lady Gaga). The box office hit earned eight nominations, including Best Picture. Gold Derby recently spoke with Best Supporting Actor nominee Sam Elliott, songwriter Mark Ronson (“Shallow”), and sound mixer Steven Morrow about their work.
Elliott plays Bobby, Jackson’s older brother and manager, and audiences have remarked how similar Cooper’s voice sounds to his costar. When Elliott first met with Cooper, the actor-director played a tape showcasing his extensive work with a vocal coach. “It sounded very much like me,” Elliott thought, but he wasn’t offended. “I thought it kind of increased my chances for being in the film,” he explains. After all, “who else is he going to get when he’s got my voice that he’s working with.” The role brought Elliott bids at the SAG and Critics’ Choice Awards in addition to his Oscar nomination.
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Ronson competes for writing the song “Shallow,” which serves as a crucial turning point in the film: an original tune by Ally, it’s the first song she performs in front of a large crowd. Having recently worked with Gaga on her album “Joanne,” Ronson was “fully aware of what a giant pop star” she is. But when she took the stage that first time as Ally even he admits to “believing this was her first performance.” He “forgot she’s already famous” and that “she was somebody I kind of know and worked with.” The song has already won trophies at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and Grammys.
Morrow is nominated for Best Sound Mixing at the Oscars, where he previously contended for “La La Land” (2016). Both films brought him BAFTA and Cinema Audio Society bids, and he won the latter for “La La Land.”
Click on their names below to be taken to their full interviews:
Sam Elliott, who plays Bobby
Mark Ronson, songwriter
Steven Morrow, sound mixer
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