"It's the bomb man." 10:53 The way Bradley pauses, I can tell THAT meant so much to him. I can feel the overwhelming sensation he got from Spike. Love when artists big each other up like that.

“Technology has brought a democracy to filmmaking.” Variety is absolutely killing it with these

The fact that Bradley Cooper has managed to earn the respect of renowned directors for his work as a director in addition to being a brilliant actor isn't talked about enough.

Bradley looked like he felt SO chuffed that Spike Lee said Maestro was a great film! So humble, such a sweet moment X

This interview has made me realise that Bradley Cooper is a true student and burgeoning master of film and story telling.

Watching Cooper constantly looking back at Lee while he explains his methods to check-in for approval....love.

Spike Lee actually brings pen and paper to this interview!! Love this pairing (I don't watch Directors on Directors much, more on Actors on Actors) but this is a good one. When Bradley said "You with me?" and Spike said "I was having flashback", these two laughed like two best friends!

This one’s great because it’s two people talking over each other

We gotta teach Bradley how to dab up lolol

I find it hilarious how well Bradley is handling Spike's energy.

Spike Lee conducted this interview with unrivaled rhythm and precision. He expertly posed questions that showed so much.

I got emotional just watching Bradley get emotional of Spike praising his film. This was an amazing amazing interview. Great pairing, Variety!!🎉

I love how much Bradley is wanting to learn from Spike Lee; it's smart because Spike has had such a successful and flourishing career

This is what I love about these Directors on Directors or Actors on Actors, is the knowledge & experience that they bring to the table. Its crazy how you can see Brad and Spike literally learning and accepting knowledge from this. I love how they are bouncing off each other so fluidly. Ill keep saying it, what Variety does to have these stars of stars feel so comfortable to do this is just amazing to see and hear, the atmosphere there must just be a wonder to be at.

This was a master class from Spike Lee, Cooper was just picking Lee’s brain for tips n tricks. Thank you variety for this one. 👏🏽

This is a pair of directors I would never think of for this channel. Spike Lee is a MASTER and Bradley Cooper keeps inspiring me with his filmmaking. LOVE IT!!

Spike Lee, a true master who never stops learning and taking notes on the things that inspire him.

I’m glad NYC and Philly can sit down and break bread together

nothing better than spike. his calm demeanor undersells how brilliant he is

Crazy how Spike breaks the mold of “Those who can’t do, teach.”

Spike is a true black artist, his research and living in the time is unmeasured on what he shows through his films. Bradley is so excited soaking up gems.

Bradley auditioned for Spike many years ago and now he's his biggest champion and mentor. Unbelievable!! Love this chat!♥️🤗

I just love how they communicate with each other in this interview! Spike is a legend and a powerhouse, and I noticed he would ‘sometimes’ talk over Bradley, not in a way that was disrespectful or rude but in a way of passion and wanting to know Bradley’s process out of excitement with this film (especially since he’s seen it so many times), like he was pulling it out of him for his curiosity getting to pick Bradley’s brain and what he knew. It felt like Spike in those moments turned into the Student too. In turn, I love that when Spike spoke, Bradley was quiet, in awe and like a sponge just absorbing the compliments and the insights and masterclass from Spike. Bradley is a powerhouse of a Director as well and I could see just how excited he was in his moments of silence and pause when Spike would give him his flowers. They were both the teacher and the student in this interview intertwined, and I loved how they responded to each other and their craft, respectfully, in their own way. This was beautiful to watch!

One of the most pleasant experiences I've had in my life was meeting Spike Lee at a record store in NYC. I got on line to pay for my CDs and he was like 2 bodies away in front of me also paying for his stuff. I said hello and he turned to say hello and we spoke for a couple of minutes until it was time for him to pay. After he was finished he turned to shake my hand and said, "take care Héctor, nice meeting you brother". As we spoke other customers who recognized him also said hello to him and he was very nice to everybody there. I've heard he's not exactly a very nice or friendly person but that wasn't my experience the day I met him so I guess it all depends on how you approach people.

spike lee is so great bc he questions bradley like one of his students. curious, inquisitive…i wonder if some of his students helped with questions. what a great match up

It's really nice that Bradley really wants to learn the craft and not just another name on his bucket list like everybody else to make themselves look good but he's literally asking the right questions. And I think Spike Lee is like respecting but he wants to learn

Was not expecting this to be a good pairing and thought I’d turn it off after 5min. These two have such great chemistry talking to each other that I wish this would have been an extra hour long!

1 second in and I would've thought I was about to listen to a Christopher Nolan interview with how Bradley came right out the bat with hating on chairs lmao. Nolan really has left an impression it seems.🤣 Great pairing between these two!🙏

The fact that Bradley gets to do two of these is sick 🤌🏽

whoever was in charge of this pairing deserves a raise - seriously

TWO TIME Variety Appearer Bradley Cooper! Get that Oscar Coop.

Girl Bradley nearly cried when spike complimented his film 🥲🥲🥲

Wow this is quite a crossover although honestly, Spike Lee and Mira Nair is the conversation I’d like to see take place.

It's very generous of Spike to allow Bradley to go on and on about his work when Spike's catalog is far beyond his level. Back in the day, I worked with a prominent film producer and music manager. Spike wanted to use a song by an artist in his movie Crooklyn. I was assigned the task of turning him down over the phone. He was disappointed but also gracious, humble, and funny. And yes, he begged. Baby, baby, baby, please!

I love how emotional he gets when spike pays him the ultimate compliment. Great conversation, we’re so lucky to experience this thank you

Spike Lee’s body of films have impacted my soul in a beautiful and moving way! Moreover, his use of color, imagery and distinct characters are enthralling! Mo Better Blues and Malcolm X are masterpieces IMO.

VERY cool! I love that Bradley Cooper is coming more and more into his own as a director, and Spike Lee is an absolute LEGEND. Bringing the two of them together was an BRILLIANT idea. 👏🏾🎥🏆

What I love about Spike is how much he respects filmmaking and people who are seriously committed to filmmaking. He always does the right thing.

Bradley’s been getting a lot of shit on Twitter (from Cillian fans who are giving cillian a bad name) for campaigning so hard but I think he’s a terrific actor and shouldn’t be counted out

Bradley sounds like he immerses himself totally into a film no matter as an actor and or a director. Very clear and detailed explanations. Spike was a kick and he definitely livened things up. Student and idol😀

Beautiful pairing. I can imagine that a student director would be stoked, as they definitely shared nuggets of the craft, as well as a deep respect for it.

Two f***ing LEGENDS.

I love that Bradley was able to do Actors on Actors, and Directors on Directors, for the same film. Maestro is a masterpiece, and he deserves all the recognition he can get.

I’m only half way through this but man, you guys really captured the spirit of these two guys. Super captivating to watch. Salute to you Bradley. You’re earning your stripes. Spike always been a real one to me.

It's ABSOLUTELY INSANE how far Cooper has come from "ALIAS". And Spike... Been a FAN since seeing "SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT" Opening Night in NYC at a theater by Lincoln Center. This was the most fascinating of the VARIETY series of "Actors on Actors", "Directors on Directors".

WOW 👌🏾 👏🏾 😍 🎉. I love how Bradley took a moment to try and absorb Spike's compliments- that was a beautiful moment.

I love watching Bradley listen to Spike. Its inspiring watching him listen.

Spike Lee is my fave director - his artistry is the seed for me becoming a director. ♥️✨and Bradley Cooper is so incredibly talented sheesh- acting and directing! 🔥loving this convo, such a great pairing!

Love Bradley, so humble,kind and talented, he can do everything! Hope Spike will direct him one day,they need to work together

It’s killing me that cooper daps him up with the opposite hand. In fact, it’s pissing me off.

“so you were calling plays from the sideline not the booth right?”.. Spike is a master.. he knew how to convey exactly what Brad was trying to say so well.. always dope seeing two great artists taking each other’s notes..

SPIKE IS A TRUE LEGEND... he's a real artist, a real basketball fan, even more than just a fan..watch nba courtside for more than 40 years maybe..he watched MJ from the start of his career until he became a GOAT,,, he was in the era of hip hop and the first sneaker world was born..man...he made Denzel a famous actor, collaborated with Denzel since day one.. dammnnn!!

Spike Lee has a movie that's his dream project he's always wanted to do, which is a biographical film on the joe Louis max schmelling fight. I hope he makes it someday.

Now I need Bradley in a Spike Lee Joint playing a detective after Denzel playing the villain

Happy black history month sweetheart Bradley....

Spike Lee 🏆

spike: "the composer has to be..."? is everyone else getting that gitch at 9:26 mark?

The best Variety interview I’ve seen! These two are great together, and I gained several levels of respect for Bradley Cooper.

Love Spike Lee! 💖 So iconic and still down to earth. Built and paved the roads and lifts up others. Much love and respect #GOAT

Thank you variety, this is one of the best lineups.

This quality of the production and the conversation is fantastic, thank you variety , from iraq all the love .

Watching this was truly wonderful- the passion they both have and commitment must be known as the key ingredient producing what we love to watch on the screen.

OH WE EATING GOOD THIS SEASON!

The joy shared in this is so special. Wow. I have watched so many of these but they were both students and teachers and friends and critics, and bestfriends. I love the reminiscing. I love the humility and confidence. This was a gift.

This is SO fantastic! One of the best conversations. Love both of them.

This is the first one i truly enjoyed, no gigantic egos and fake flattering one another , loved it ! thank you ❤

I just love how Bradley Cooper started creating movies 🎥 its so cool to see

What a a SMART, TALENTED, DEDICATED duo!..... MAESTRO is A MASTERPIECE ☆☆☆☆

This was amazing!! As a Director of film, I needed this inspiration!

This was one of the best interviews, I like Bradley as an actor, and what I appreciate about Spike was his perseverance in becoming a artist in film and the realism of all his film. Truly awesome learned alot from this interview.

I love that Spike is taking notes! This was such a great conversation

This was magical. Thank you!!

These pairings have made me push the subscribe button. Well done Variety

Variety you are killing it

A visual/audible demonstration of what "Passion" means. I try to explain this to my kids, and this interview radiates passion, and the last few minuets brings it home. If you love what you do, it's not work. The joy on both of their faces, if you were to turn off the sound, is evident. Whatever they were discussing, you could feel it. Fantastic conversation and time well spent.

This is such an absolute joy to watch. And it's beautiful to watch Bradley be such a fan boy.

Variety are really killing it with these pairings and interviews. Bradley is on his way to becoming one of the best filmmakers around and Spike is just incredible 🙌🏼

Its so cool to listen to this conversation

Extraordinary, on a par with last year's "Actors on Actors" Blanchett/Yeoh colloquy. Thank you, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Lee, and Variety for this electrifying entry.

Literally tears in my eyes watching two directors that I admire. Spike is my Hero. Bradley is living the dream. I remember him in the audience of the actor's studio, He truly is a student of the craft. He earned his way for sure,. Bravo

They managed to make me push that subscribe button finally after all these great interviews

THIS IS LOVE. I AM HAPPY TO WITNESS THIS WONDERFUL CONVERSATION WITH BRADLEY AND SPIKE.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Man, Spike Lee the type of cool uncle telling crazy stories at the dinner table

Maestro blew me away! Bradley Cooper orchestrated one of the best things I've ever watched.

I really look forward to next Cooper’s films!! Spike Lee, a legend.

absolutely adore spike lee

Amazing exchange with two living legends of cinematic art and American history and culture... the energy is magnetic!

Two minutes in and I'm already so engrossed in this conversation.

This was incredible!! Spike Lee the master and Bradley Cooper the up and coming student. Brilliant

what a nice flow between Bradley & Spike 🔥🔥

This was a terrific interview. And a helpful one.

My goodness this conversation was just gem after gem. Watched to the very end. Impressed with Bradley, and just deepened my longtime love for Spike.

I love Bradley!! I hope he get the respect he deserves. And also love the friendship with Spike. What a great interview!

I wasn't going to watch Maestro, but goddamn, how can I not after this interview?

Great interview !

Loved this ❤

I'm so happy for Bradley! To get legitimate props from Spike!? I felt the emotion. Congrats Bradley! I love watching him succeed because he is so grateful. He doesn't lose his humility. Haven't seen the film, but know it will be great. He works so hard and is so dedicated.

Ah! Reunion time!

One Man sharing with another Man their love for their craft and what they do. These gentlemen's artistic works speak for themselves. Enjoyed the Conversation.

What an epic sit down and chat! Love it! ❤❤❤❤❤