In 2011 , Cooper starred in the techno-thriller '' Limitless '' , based on the 2001 novel '' The Dark Fields '' by Alan Glynn . In the Neil Burger-directed film , he played a struggling writer who is introduced to a nootropic drug that gives him the ability to fully utilize his brain and vastly improve his lifestyle . The box office website Box Office Mojo was apprehensive of the film 's financial prospects , but it emerged as a commercial success with a worldwide gross of $ 161 million . A writer for '' Variety '' said of Cooper 's performance that he " makes further strides toward major stardom , spelling excellent early spring returns and socko vid play . " Greater commercial success followed with the comedy sequel '' The Hangover Part II '' ( 2011 ) , which earned over $ 580 million worldwide . Reviews for the film were generally negative , though the critic for '' Time '' complimented him : " Cooper gives a knowing performance : he 's both the peacock and the parody of one . He 's blessed with good looks and fantastic timing , the kind that makes every line funnier , even the small asides . " At the 38th People 's Choice Awards , he was nominated for Favorite Comedic Movie Actor
38th People 's Choice Awards
38th People's Choice Awards
Bradley Cooper