Film enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as the 97th Academy Awards approach this Sunday, March 2, 2025, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Among this year's strong contenders, the film Conclave has attracted significant attention, entering the spotlight with no less than eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Ralph Fiennes, and Best Supporting Actress for Isabella Rossellini. This remarkable recognition emphasizes not only the film's storytelling but also its stellar performances and impressive production design.
Conclave is adapted from Robert Harris’s best-selling novel, which dives deep behind the scenes of the Vatican, exploring the often murky waters of power dynamics involved when electing a new pope. The literature delves humorously yet poignantly at the complex relationships and factions at play. “With temporal power, or,indeed,spiritual power, it is very difficult to avoid factions, scheming, the lesser of two evils—all the compromises...,” explains Harris, framing the Cardinals not just as religious figures, but as political ones grappling with considerable challenges.
Directed by Edward Berger, the film stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the head of the College of Cardinals overseeing the conclave's pivotal moments. The supporting cast includes notable actors such as Stanley Tucci as Aldo Bellini, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Sergio Castellitto as Goffredo Tedesco, the Patriarch of Venice, and John Lithgow portraying Cardinal Joseph Tremblay. Their collective performances contribute to the film's gripping tension and drama.
If you haven't had the chance to watch Conclave, now is the right time! The film has been streaming on Peacock since mid-December 2024 and is also available for rent or purchase across various video-on-demand platforms. This accessibility has only heightened interest, as audiences are eager to witness this Oscar-nominated thriller.
One of the film's standout components is its production design, which was no simple feat, as filming within the Vatican's confines remains strictly prohibited. The artistic team, led by production designer Suzie Davies, had to navigate these limitations creatively. “Like other people who go to Rome, we went on a tour of the Vatican to get a sense of the real place,” Davies remarked, highlighting their commitment to authenticity even when faced with significant restrictions. “Since we couldn’t film there, we had to figure out how to patch things together to create the look of the space.”
Thanks to careful planning and execution, Rome's Cinecitta studios provided incomplete flat-packed scenery, which became the foundation for recreations of the Vatican. Remarkably, with the aid of local artisans and decorative artists, the team managed to create stunning replicas of the iconic locations, including the Sistine Chapel, all within ten weeks. “Wherever possible, we made artwork bespoke,” noted Davies. “It was about creating what inspired us rather than simply borrowing existing art.” Such dedication certainly deserves recognition at this year's awards.
Yet, the film didn’t just focus on the chapel; it also played with perceptions of both public and private spaces. Davies explains, “We played with a juxtaposition of what we think we know about the Vatican, and what Edward and I decided was going to be our world behind closed doors.” This deliberate creative choice adds layers to the storytelling, contrasting the grandeur of the majestic Sistine Chapel with more somber, intimate settings.
The Cardinals' private quarters, referred to as Casa Santa Marta, were crafted to deliberately evoke tension and unease. “I wanted the private quarters to feel slightly more sinister and allude to something underhanded going on,” Davies conveyed. To achieve this, the look was intentionally created to resemble “an almost hermetically sealed prison, albeit a very posh prison,” complete with modern conveniences.
Even the scenes where the Cardinals gathered for meals were thoughtfully finalized. The setting, which resembled a military canteen, underwent transformative adjustments to meet the film's atmospheric needs. “When we found it, it was messy, dirty, and with all the wrong colors... but it had the right structure and a good ceiling,” said Davies, emphasizing the importance of the film's visual storytelling. The canteen ceiling, low and bunker-like, served to create claustrophobia, contrasting with the expansive, painted ceilings of the papal spaces.
With all these elements combined, Conclave stands out not merely as another historical drama but as a richly layered experience combining art, performance, and storytelling. That perfect blend has already secured it numerous nominations and showcases its potential to make waves at this year’s Oscars.
Whether you're drawn to the captivating narrative or the exquisite craftsmanship, Conclave promises to enthrall audiences worldwide. It's certainly expected to be one of the standout features at the awards this year. Stay tuned as we find out how it fares when winners are announced!