Full Directors Roundtable: Bradley Cooper, Greta Gerwig, Michael Mann, Ava DuVernay & More

[@subberfischer]

Guillermo del Toro makes me cry even when he's not directly involved. The man is a walking lesson in humanity.

[@cindydorantes10]

I don't know in USA, but here in Mexico we say for sure he must smell like pancakes 🥞

[@tekgid433]

Lmao, if only you knew what these people do behind closed doors…pure evil

[@aaronrivera6732]

That’s that 🇲🇽 kindness

[@jacopom.7477]

​@@tekgid433Cringe

[@Hegder]

He's always great in a conversation like this but doesn't have a movie out this year, does he?

[@-rapha]

I'm a little.. shocked? at how kind & supportive the tone is here from the veteran directors to the newbies.. its refreshing! Great conversation

[@krasipaskalevv]

This was one of the most wholesome conversations I have ever seen. Each of these people is so supportive, open-minded and talented. Incredible Directors. And the Guillermo love! An hour was not enough.

[@daniescobarm]

I gotta admit i was initially a bit disappointed to see some of this year’s big names missing but this roundtable was INCREDIBLE. One of the best I’ve seen on here. The conversation flowed so naturally, it was such a great balance of more experienced VS younger directors, such diverse backgrounds and experiences. The moderator did amazing, letting them take over and just interjecting when absolutely needed. I loved this THR, thank you 🫶🏽

[@Katt1721]

Same here, easily one of my favorite THR Roundtables

[@kurtsudheim825]

Let me guess, you were wondering where Chris was?

[@carpediemearth]

@davidlovesfilmYeah that makes no sense because both Chris and Emma are the frontrunners to win Best Director and Best Picture. There's no way THR wouldn't want the biggest filmmakers of the year of the most acclaimed film of the year at their table, so it must be that Chris and Emma weren't available.

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

@davidlovesfilmYou say this as though the guests are all sitting on a shelf and THR can just pick and choose every guest list. And they’re “insane” for not having a guest list you approve of. Scheduling and willingness also play a big part in assembling a roundtable, not just THR’s choices. If you truly love film, you should already know that. Moreover, the fact that this format _even exists_ is something I’m personally grateful to THR for, since they popularized it before Variety and Vanity Fair and others joined in. Be grateful for the mere existence of these roundtables, and maybe give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to who attends them. Because we are not owed anything. We are not entitled to any of this. We’re lucky to have it.

[@area51pictures]

When Michael Mann tells you that the staging of your opening scene was fantastic, you know you've made it as a director.

[@Bb-wf6kd]

Damn! Did it make me cry when Guillermo Del Toro gets brought up ❤

[@Galactic123]

Man Guillermo Del Toro is like a mythical creature behind the scenes encouraging all his friends to keep making great films. He's like the bard in DND just buffing everybody.

[@chrisleo6639]

"He just showed up!"

[@Largo3point0]

DuVernay’s reveal about her friendship and the support she got from Del Toro was quite moving. I guess I imagine people as accomplished as she are full of confidence and conviction every step of the way. But sometimes they aren’t.

[@Kareragirl]

That's an illusion. These people are exactly like you and me, maybe more determined, certainly very lucky, but otherwise, they're very normal.

[@DerMoerpler]

I would've never guessed that Michael Mann was such an important figure to her, but that was a beautiful story. And it makes me happy that Mann, who is offen overlooked in conversations of great modern directors, gets such regocnition from his peers.

[@samanthah815]

I love the Guillermo was one of the people pushing Ava. He’s pushed so many boundaries with his stories and he pushes directors that do the same. I love him so much.

[@c.bluefilms4284]

Whenever Rebecca Keegan's at the moderator helm, I can always trust that a great roundtable discussion is about to unfold. Thank you for continually bringing her back each year, THR. She's a maestro herself at creating a space where artists can share a discussion with such organic fluidity. AND she makes it look so much easier than it probably, actually is. A+++ 💯

[@cinefiend4059]

I'm not part of the industry. I'm not a critic. I'm not a film professor. I just love movies and as someone who has watched pretty much every roundtable, this is absolutely one of my faves. People will argue about who deserves to be here. And maybe some had scheduling conflicts or whatever. But Hollywood Reporter is very smart in selecting these filmmakers: from actor/directors, musician/director, publicist turned director, veteran filmmakers who have been in the biz for so long. Each shared some incredible anecdotes that made this episode feel like it can go on for days. The connectivity; the drive; the passion to have an idea of a film, then to have it greenlit, then make it. Not every director gets to do that and Bazawule's journey had me riveted and made me happy he was able to fulfill that dream. DuVernay's mention of both Mann and Guillermo del Toro's support and guidance was so damn sweet. Greta's mention of Todd's movie being the first to present a different perspective about Barbie and Bradley's drive to keep going due to Michael. Much love and congrats to these immense talents.

[@sheren_b]

I love that anecdote about Guillermo del Toro helping Ava DuVernay because GDT loves cinema so of course he will make sure to help and support when he can, he's also been thru various systems and situation that would be pushing back and even sabotaging him so he gets what she was going thru and what any of them can and will experience when going up against studios. We need more GDT's and I hope we can get more people like him at the executive level (probably impossible) and at the mentorship level so that directors can feel that supported and advocated for when theyre making their films.

[@richkee2024]

That one part where Ava lists how her previous works have led up to Origin, and mentions Selma, 13th and When They See Us in succession... it really is incredible that she did all of those. She's incredible.

[@agraciotti]

Michael Mann tribute section was so great to see!

[@ranibatra4664]

Whole lotta love around this table. No ego, just so much respect and kindness. Great roundtable!

[@comment2344]

This one has the most chemistry among the directors. Love it. Also love seeing the real deal filmmakers acknowledging Bradley Cooper while nobodies on Twitter discrediting him. Maestro is a great film.

[@TheBadsteve]

crapppp

[@ric7044]

@@TheBadsteve Nice to meet you, crapppp

[@MrJackOfAllTraits]

it's not just twitter nobodies. lots of critics found it to be quite mid. that's okay. you can still like it. i didn't like it but that doesn't mean i think cooper is a bad director. i still think he's great and look forward to his next film.

[@eme.261]

The deep interest and respect shown towards each other around the table was something to aspire to; also, bravo to the interviewer, she demonstrated true virtuosity.

[@pattyw2217]

I adore Ava so much, she's such an inspiration. I'm floored by her intelligence and her tenacity and her work.

[@ducey99]

Right! She has a genius level gift. The fact that she is a screenwriter, producer, director, distributor...wow!

[@milanmilutinovic8868]

Blitz has incredible underdog story, these American directors will never understand the struggle of making a film in a small or undeveloped country. I appreciate him so much and I wish him the best of luck in the future, what a great human being ❤️

[@natbatrat-d7e]

Okay, now I need Guillermo Del Toro present in every single director roundtable, even if he has no project coming out.

[@clandestinecoherence]

GDT is always here hahaha

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

GDT does a lot of work here in Toronto. I’ve never personally had the pleasure but my friends and colleagues talk about him with such genuine reverence it makes me jealous. My favourite story is how he was late getting to set on some mornings because he’d stop to talk to a crew member (and he’s known for being very congenial with crew) to follow up on something that was going on in their lives - a sick parent, a new child, a divorce, or some project of their own. Sure, sure, we need the director in village, yes. Bad Guillermo! Get to work. But it still warms my heart and I’ve never met the man.

[@kristinawalla]

at 15:41 i love what Blitz Bazawule is saying here about the insight and compassion he brought in for what it's like to be trying to come out of a traumatised state. What a beautiful person he seems to be. I haven't seen the movie yet and love& cherish theColor Purple with Whoopie Goldberg, but hearing him makes me plan to go out n see his version soon ❤

[@Erasureeraser]

I'm a huge fan of Todd Haynes and when he made Carol, it was a high bar that I don't think he could ever reach in the next movies that he makes. And then I saw May December and truly changed my mind that May December is officially my favourite Todd Haynes movie. Congratulations to Todd and his team 👏

[@deepaksrinivasmondal]

Can you tell me what was it about the movie that really vibed with you? I watched it and was disturbed by it, but I couldn't really take away much more than that.

[@drewperk]

Safe (1995) is a masterpiece if you haven't seen that

[@Erasureeraser]

@@drewperk Of course I've seen it. I've seen all Todd Haynes movie but May December remains my favourite

[@scooterlibbie]

I loved you in Primal Fear

[@DHU11]

Interesting. Carol is actually one of his weakest movies for me (I’ve seen all of them), even though it’s his biggest commercial / mainstream success. Visual triumph, but an emotional let down. I’m a HUGE Haynes fan, too. Carol just missed a note. Found it a shame too as I love Highsmith & Haynes, so was looking forward to it from the minute I heard of it. Velvet Goldmine and I’m Not There and Safe his best three for me. May December was awesome too.

[@PictureBoxPuppy]

I love that they talked about dealing with studios/producers and managing their teams.

[@AST-erisked]

I've always loved how THR tries every year to mix a couple of experienced directors/actors with newer ones. You can feel the interest and honest learning process.

[@jacintab3330]

This was definitely one the best Roundtable conversations ever! Like this conversation flowed so well and everyone was so insightful and inspiring!

[@kiya12309]

Greta Gerwig seems so smart, and yet so down to earth and humble, like the kind of person who could have been an amazing English teacher in another life. I'm not surprised people love being on her sets.

[@elisanealvesbackstrom4302]

Speechless! A conversation that looks like a conversation with old friends receiving new members in the Club, so priceless!!🙏

[@AST-erisked]

Also, GDT has suffered with studios for decades at this point, so him helping other young directors navigate the industry is like the help he always needed. Love him.

[@luisaxavier950]

Lived to see Michael Mann stanning Barbie

[@blakjaxx]

I found this so fascinating, sitting here with a stupid smile on my face listening to all these inspiring conversations by these brilliant film makers...Thank you

[@jacksmith5973]

Michael Mann is a giant director ,one of the very best ! his films are classics ,not only HEAT but also COLLATERAL, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, PUBLIC ENNEMIES, ALI etc.. ! he is a true visionary master ,it's only fair that these young directors around the table payed him a tribute, his talent and commitement to story telling is an inspiration for all directors !!

[@jer9grant]

I enjoyed this conversation between these directors. Thank you!

[@lunalin9870]

Oh wow, Blitz's story really brought me to tears.

[@smilesallround]

I love how supportive they all are with each other, beautiful to see 🙌🏿

[@harleyquiinnnn]

hands down, the best roundtable conversation i‘ve ever seen 👏🏼

[@AustinAshburn]

my favorite roundtable of this year so far!!

[@motionsickness9610]

This was a phenomenal discussion. Happy we got to hear so much more from Blitz on this roundtable than the last one where we heard virtually nothing from him; Greta and Michael and Ava also really great hearing from them. Kudos to the moderator. This was informative and uplifting in equal measure.

[@guillermocoronado6850]

These are truly amazing wow, please keep doing these roundtables, so informative and interesting

[@Erasureeraser]

Greta Gerwig to Barbie is what Phil Lord & Christopher Miller are to The Lego Movie. Both were in tasked to make a movie based on a toy that seemed like a soulless cash grab product placement on paper that nobody asked for and turned it into something extremely special and highly satisfying. I knew the Barbie movie was in great hands the moment Warner Bros, Mattel, and Margot Robbie's producing team hired Greta to work on the movie. It had every opportunity to be great in her hands and she succeeded. I'm so proud of her 🙌

[@anirudhmenon4234]

The Lego Movie was far better and more creative both technically and from a story standpoint compared to Barbie.

[@Erasureeraser]

@@anirudhmenon4234 Barbie is also creative both technically and story standpoint 🤷

[@RachMonPhoebs]

@@anirudhmenon4234 I want to congratulate you on the most highly debatable opinion in the comment section I've read so far this year.

[@isabelleroberge2857]

You can tell that Michael isn't used to talking about himself. It's also so funny how much Bradley wants to be Michael's friend

[@looney1023]

So glad Greta brought up Superstar! That's all I could think about seeing her and Todd Haynes at the same table.

[@michaeldonovan4793]

Great gerwig tidbit on ingmar berman, one of my favorite directors

[@MrKadirbey]

Yes I loved that

[@7emichael]

I'd been waiting to see if Superstar was going to be brought up to either Todd Haynes or Greta Gerwig in relation to Barbie this awards season. Cool to see them talk about it!

[@prettytalia143]

This was one of the best round tables I’ve seen! The discussion was so fluid and natural. You could feel the respect they had for each other and their craft.

[@Erin_Bee]

I’m here for Ava. I’m a fan of her work. She really impressed me with Origin. I read Caste and it’s such a dense book. Her approach in making it, writing the screenplay is so smart. I loved it and her, even though she blocked me on Twitter 😊.

[@sal1nger]

Yvonne really did a fantastic job moderating this table of tremendous talents. Thoughtful, intelligent, knowing questions. Well done.

[@sallypenhalli]

Except it wasn't Yvonne it was Rebecca Keegan. Yvonne just introduced it, Rebecca did the skilled work.

[@leahartlee29]

Excited to see this, what a great Roundtable of Directors!

[@michellewilson9615]

This was wonderful! ❤

[@CatGPT_]

When Bradley said he signals the sound mixer, i felt that. Sound is often overlooked. 99% of the time it's just "Camera? Rolling. Action"

[@MarieNimo]

I'm loving this very well balanced round table. The richness and depth of this table, it has heart and technicality. Thank you for this generous coverage 🙂

[@Varekai0723]

Guillermo del Toro is like a super mentor to half of Hollywood!

[@slindilengcobo3235]

So much love and appreciation here, so heart warming ❤ One of best of Directors round tables.

[@Clouden3]

This video alone makes me want to see Ava Duvernay get a surprise Best Director nomination.

[@TheBenperri]

Bradley looks like a kid in a candy shop even though he belongs there. So much fun to see such talent around one table.

[@clarics6804]

Awwww 21:41 so proud of Tío Guillermo… what a lovely human being…. 😊❤

[@timages]

Just love listening to these directors, and to hear how the harsh realities of filmmaking humbles them in a such remarkable ways. I was shocked listening to Todd Haynes, who at this point in his amazing career had only 23 days to make another gem of a film! You'd think he have a little breathing room at this point. I'm an artist but the high wire act these directors commit themselves too is unbelievable.

[@dayvaughnmonroe9540]

The way ava looks at blitz while he talks…… feels correct lol

[@bryansparkman4833]

THIS episode IS SO VERY AMAZING! Thank you Hollywood Reporter.

[@jovana3187]

Wish these were longer.

[@arp3259]

I want someone to look at me the way, Bradley Cooper stares at Michael Mann, such admiration😊

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

Fair, but it’s love and awe. I want someone to look at me the way Ava looks at Michael Mann - love and understanding. (But I’d take the love and awe, too, if that’s all I’m getting!)

[@daphne.gabriel]

Ayyeeee love seeing Yvonne!

[@malikkahrollins9213]

I too could have listened to them all day. What a stellar groups of directors and human beings.

[@daustin8888]

At least more than one of them are probably horrible human beings.

[@Raphaelfa]

Gosh, people in the comments are complaining a lot! I thought it was a real treat so early in the day, great conversation and really appreciate all those people showing up for it. Must have been early/no sleep for the east coasters :) Thanks!

[@kingjudah27]

The flow and connectedness of this group of directors was inspiring! Incredible dialogue amongst peers that clearly respect each other’s unique artistry. ✨🔑✨

[@arun279]

Guillermo Del Toro is the real mvp of this roundtable, I never realized how helpful and generous he is

[@WordsOfColour]

This was pure quality. Inspiring! ✨️💖✨️

[@Largo3point0]

A reeeeally great roundtable.

[@VictorGarciaFilms]

23:13 This was just a really nice moment, you love to see people showing their gratitude to their idols.

[@kgsunshine]

Excellent & moving & coincidentally inspiring conversation. Everyone was so at ease & had a lot of respect for one another. Loved the insight behind the camera & the making of. Great job!

[@vir-ve9bu]

This was so enjoyable to watch. No aggression. Just full of love.

[@JENNIFERBOO]

Wow to have director pals like GDT

[@pratikp8724]

They were right… it didnt feel like an hour… such a wholesome conversation… 🙏🏼

[@actualkarenokboomer3158]

There is a funny story from James Garner when the director for "The Notebook" was his co-star, Gena Rowlands', son. He got tickled and couldn't stop laughing when their first scene together started with , "Hey Mom, action." or something like that.

[@valentinainthelines]

this was one of the best conversations between directors i've seen at these types of "awards roundtables". loved hearing greta and blitz to talk about their pitch process, these types of conversations rarely feature that type of nitty gritty development talk. and "final cut is a state of mind"????? if thr isn't selling merch with that, michael mann himself should. BUT it's incredibly frustrating that there were so many audio issues. it sounded like michael mann's lav mic fell off at one point? no one was at the same volume, i was constantly adjusting my headphone volume watching this. also, please tell people to stop patting their chest right where the mic is!

[@msophiasantiago7900]

This journey with the directors, and behind the scenes, is ALMOST better, more interesting than the films .... ya learn so much .

[@rkms5606]

I'm here for Ava, Greta, Blitz... I do appreciate their grind and story. Great conversations from all. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@musicalcolin]

An amazing roundtable. And the moderator does an outstanding job. My only wish is that she'd followed up on the Haynes and Mann's little disccsuion about the importance of music.

[@mon6745]

Love how everyone was fanning over Michael Mann 😂

[@michaeldonovan4793]

Man that was a real learning blast...I get the feeling directing's pretty lonely..To hear them share stories and so much warmth was fantastic...

[@DavidZoaka-fh1lr]

writing is lonelier

[@amberbelk3738]

The trick is to procrastinate :D @@DavidZoaka-fh1lr

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

@@DavidZoaka-fh1lrIt’s not a competition, David.

[@mohammedkhadeer9887]

I was eagerly awaiting for this. Thanks, Hollywood Reporter, you did a... decent job.

[@maxselver4492]

Glad to see DuVernay here.

[@charli-pancho]

You are all inspiring! I always enjoy these roundtables so much. ❤

[@makeitdough]

Please please please Ava Duvernay and Guillermo Del Toro Directors on Directors

[@babyfireflyy]

why did I cry like 3 times during this

[@DeeveBaker]

Incredible understanding on all directors here - all so different, yet so united in their passion. BRAVO!

[@anjawandahlkimberger4081]

Soo Beautiful and intimate !!! And Very Interesting too !!! LOVE these people and this interview !!!

[@chantelewis4013]

Freaking amazing conversation.

[@samerah]

I just love Ava Duvernay's brilliant mind man. What a filmmaker!

[@ScreengageLLC]

So lovely! This was simply a treat to watch!

[@SoloSeason]

You can see the difference in depth between each member of the cast. Some are drag you deep and some drown you in shallow water

[@jstamps9578]

Great directors conversation. Such creative problem solving film artists.

[@youyeedyourlasthaw]

We need an authors roundtable before Stephen King dies. Authors who have had their novels adapted into movies

[@unknownreviews4501]

What a great roundtable

[@haroldvannii7376]

Great interview for many reasons. I appreciate hearing the testimonies of the struggles. They are inspiring. These subjects believe in themselves and their content. That’s my takeaway for pitching and eventually selling my book.

[@Jamal3.87]

I could listen to Ms. Ava talk for hours and hours. She’s so beguiling and regal.

[@manusevillaphoto9349]

Making a film or rather succeeding in any field within this industry takes enormous amounts of dedication and determination, so when I see this amazing people talking about their experiences I know for a fact they mean every word they say, my absolute respect and appreciation for this directors who got up on the horse and didn’t stop till they finished the race.

[@lilianaprina5991]

Thanks for sharing so many great experiences. It is amazing to hear all your struggle and final success...

[@davidealonge283]

Guillermo del Toro randomly popping into your editing room to hang out is the biggest flex ever

[@mmitch27]

greta and ava🥹🥹 two big influences of me studying film, and my grad short just won an award at a small uk film festival, oh the feels

[@user-fy9fr3bc7v]

Congratulations! What's your film called?

[@mmitch27]

@@user-fy9fr3bc7v thank you! Moss Dragon, it's a Scottish short, Narnia/Alice in Wonderland vibes, that i edited!

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

(And editors save the rest of us! So under-appreciated. Marcia Lucas, Margaret Sixel are quiet titans of filmmaking.)

[@anndavidson2732]

What does "tie-breaker" (Greta G @ 37:07) as opposed to "final cut" mean?

[@ginnal8071]

This was the best yet.

[@agoon7092]

This ws sooo entertainung. Loved it. More please.