When I watched Bradley Cooper, I really saw Jackson Maine. He totally immersed himself in the role. I believed he was a real tortured soul and he made me see the love in his eyes when he looked at GaGa.
When I watched GaGa, I still saw GaGa. Despite eliminating all the pomp and circumstance from her usual pop performances, her character was not believable, at all. She didn't make me feel anything. She didn't make me root for her.
This was a nice movie with touching moments. I'd watch it again if it was on tv one Saturday afternoon at 2pm. I don't see it as award-worthy. If it does win an award, my guess is that it's a pity award because Bradley Cooper never seems to win anything.