Maestro follows the story of US composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper, and his marriage to Carey's character, Costa Rica-born actress Felicia Montealegre.
Although the film is co-written and directed by Bradley, he gives top billing to his British leading lady, who is already being tipped for Oscar success for what looks like a career-defining moment.
"It completely changed me as an actor," says Carey, 38. "I've never been all-in on a film like this before.
"Bradley asked me to totally commit in a way I really hadn't before and it turned out to be the best experience I've ever had as an actor. I fell in love with acting and film even more because of the experience of making this film."
Bradley, who made his directing debut with 2018's A Star is Born, signed Carey up for the role of Felicia four years before filming began, after seeing her in an off-Broadway play.
"He'd already been working on it for two years," she says. "I saw how much passion and dedication he had for telling this story."
Denne historien er fra December 25, 2023-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 25, 2023-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
AS SHE SIGNS UP FOR SECOND SERIES OF 'RIVALS' THE TIME OF HER LIFE VICTORIA SMURFIT ON HER DREAM ROLE, HER INSPIRING KIDS AND TRUE LOVE AT 50
Dancing around the studio to the 1980s soundtrack that's providing the background music for this exclusive HELLO! photoshoot, Victoria Smurfit looks to be having the time of her life.
AFTER CELEBRATING THE REOPENING OF NOTRE-DAME STEPPING ON TO THE WORLD STAGE THE PRINCE OF WALES WINS PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP IN PARIS
Proving his mettle as a global figure, the Prince of Wales met US President-elect Donald Trump on a visit to Paris last week.
Young at heart
The Duke of Sussex embraced turning 40 as he and Meghan focused on doing good
'OPPENHEIMER' STAR EMILY BLUNT KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY THE ACTRESS ON WORKING WITH HUSBAND JOHN KRASINSKI AND WHY THEIR KIDS WON'T WATCH HER FILMS
Emily Blunt may be an A-list actress to the rest of the world, but at home with her two young daughters, she's just mum.
MARKING FOUR DECADES OF THE FESTIVE HIT SINGLE LIFE AFTER 'LAST CHRISTMAS' ANDREW RIDGELEY OPENS UP ABOUT GEORGE MICHAEL
With its familiar refrain and heartfelt vocals, Last Christmas by Wham! is as synonymous with the festive season as turkey and mince pies. The song has just turned 40, and to mark the occasion, the band's Andrew Ridgeley is starring in a BBC documentary about the classic tune.
Leading the way
The Prince of Wales has stepped up to the plate amid a year of serious challenges for his family
Pillar of strength
The Queen has been a constant support for her beloved husband throughout a tough year
Welcome return
Royal fans were thrilled to see Kate, elegant as ever, back in the spotlight alongside her family
Her greatest challenge
The Princess of Wales faced her most difficult year with stoicism and consideration for her young family
Bouncing back
Treatment for cancer couldn't keep the King down, as he greeted royal fans from Ascot to Australia