Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial project, titled Is This Thing On?, has been selected as the closing film for the 2025 New York Film Festival. This is a significant honor in the international film circuit, as the closing slot typically goes to films that organizers believe will leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Why This Matters for Film Lovers
The New York Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film events in the world, sitting right up there with Venice and Cannes. When a film closes the festival, it gets massive visibility and often becomes a talking point during awards season. For Bradley Cooper, this represents another major milestone in his career as a filmmaker.
Cooper already made waves with his directorial debut A Star Is Born back in 2018, which became a global box office success and earned numerous award nominations. Now, with Is This Thing On? closing one of cinema’s most important festivals, he’s cementing his reputation as someone who can make films that resonate with both critics and audiences.
What Happens Next
The selection suggests that Is This Thing On? could be a strong contender for major awards conversations later this year. Films that close prestigious festivals often gain momentum heading into the awards season, which typically runs from October through early January.
The festival itself attracts filmmakers, critics, and industry insiders from across the globe. By closing the festival, Cooper’s film gets the final word, so to speak—it’s the last memory audiences take home after two weeks of cinema.
For Indian film enthusiasts who follow Hollywood closely, this is worth paying attention to. It signals that Cooper’s work continues to be taken seriously by the film establishment, and we’ll likely see Is This Thing On? pop up in conversation when awards nominations start rolling out.
The New York Film Festival typically takes place in September, so expect to hear more details about the complete program and Cooper’s film in the coming months. If you’re someone who enjoys thoughtful, critically acclaimed cinema, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.