The moment we’ve been waiting for since A Star Is Born released in October last year happened at the 2019 Academy Awards. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga took to the stage to perform their Oscar-winning track Shallow – the true star of the film.

The Cooper-directed film told the story of seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Cooper) who fell for struggling artist Ally (Gaga). Jackson though was fighting his own internal demons. Addicted to alcohol, as Ally’s star rose, he became a toxic influence and the relationship’s downfall. Cooper’s passionate, thoughtful directing made the film the strongest version of the heartbreaking story to date.

Acted so powerfully by both Cooper and Gaga, audiences have clung to the fantasy that this chemistry will spill over into real life. And since the popstar split from her fiancé Christian Carino last week, it only served to strengthen the rumour. (Walking to the stage, we must say Gaga did look like she was walking down the aisle with her husband.)

Moments after the duo performed, Shallow won – like it has all award season – Best Original Song. “To my sister, my soulmate I love you, my family is here, I love you mum and dad,” Gaga said through tears. “Bradley, there is not a single person on this planet that could have sung this song with me but you. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you so much.”

“If you are at home and you’re sitting on your couch and you are watching this right now, all I have to say is this is hard work,” she continued. “I’ve worked hard for a long time and it’s not about winning. What it’s about is not giving up. If you have a dream, fight for it. There’s a discipline for passion and its not about how any times you get rejected or you fall down or you’re beaten up, it’s about how many times you stand up and are brave and you keep on going. Thank you.”