
A Star Is Born
Synopsis
Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers-and falls in love with-struggling artist Ally (Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer - until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for A Star Is Born?
Directed by Bradley Cooper, with Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott leading the cast, A Star Is Born was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures with a confirmed budget of $36,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for music films.
With a $36,000,000 budget, A Star Is Born sits in the mid-range of studio releases. Marketing costs for a wide release at this level typically add $30–60 million, putting the break-even point near $90,000,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• Cradle Will Rock (1999): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $2,900,000 → ROI: -92% • Matilda (1996): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $33,500,000 → ROI: -7% • Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $239,502,619 → ROI: 565% • Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $64,800,000 → ROI: 80% • Amistad (1997): Budget $36,000,000 | Gross $44,229,441 → ROI: 23%
Key Budget Allocation Categories
▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.
▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.
▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.
Key Production Personnel
CAST: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Rafi Gavron Key roles: Lady Gaga as Ally Campana; Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine; Sam Elliott as Bobby Maine; Andrew Dice Clay as Lorenzo Campana
DIRECTOR: Bradley Cooper CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matthew Libatique EDITING: Jay Cassidy PRODUCTION: Warner Bros. Pictures, Live Nation Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Peters Entertainment, Gerber Pictures, Joint Effort FILMED IN: United States of America
Box Office Performance
A Star Is Born earned $215,333,122 domestically and $221,055,744 internationally, for a worldwide total of $436,388,866. Revenue was split 49% domestic / 51% international.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), A Star Is Born needed approximately $90,000,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $346,388,866.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $436,388,866 Budget: $36,000,000 Net: $400,388,866 ROI: 1112.2%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Highly Profitable
A Star Is Born was a clear financial success, generating $436,388,866 worldwide against a $36,000,000 production budget — a 1112% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to Warner Bros. Pictures.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
The outsized success of A Star Is Born likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar music projects.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: Won 1 Oscar. 99 wins & 288 nominations total
Awards Won: ★ Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Film ★ National Board of Review: Top Ten Films ★ Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song ★ Academy Award for Best Original Song (91st Academy Awards)
Nominations: ○ Academy Award for Best Cinematography (91st Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Picture (91st Academy Awards)









































































































































































































































































































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