With just days to go before the 97th Academy Awards ceremony this Sunday, March 2, the buzz surrounding this year’s nominations is palpable. Among the favorites is "Conclave," based on the novel by Robert Harris, which has received eight nominations including Best Picture. Industry insiders and fans alike are speculating on whether this papal thriller will take home the coveted trophy.
Harris, who penned the critically acclaimed book, won’t be tuning in to the live awards show. “These things are a bit of a strain anyway, and I don’t want to sit up all night and hear them say and the winner is... ‘Anora’ at four in the morning,” he remarked, humorously acknowledging the time zone difference from his home in southeast England. Instead, he’s taking the wait-and-see approach, hoping for the best. “I hope ‘Conclave’ wins and it’s certainly in with a chance. It’s not the favorite, but it’s probably started to creep up to become the second favorite,” he added. His anticipation reflects the film’s growing momentum during this awards season.
"Conclave," directed by Edward Berger and starring acclaimed actors Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, has been praised for its sharp screenplay adapted by Peter Straughan. Harris expressed delight at how the film mirrors his novel’s themes and narrative style. “I think they did a brilliant job, from direction to music,” said Harris, emphasizing the film’s fidelity to the source material.
This year’s Oscars feature what many are calling the most unpredictable race for Best Picture. With "Conclave" as well as "Anora"—which has garnered wins at the Cannes Film Festival, Critics Choice Awards, and is considered another favorite—competition is fierce. Each film's unique storyline and execution resonate with various audiences, but there’s no denying Harris’s project has made its mark. "Conclave’s" blend of politics and religion invites viewers to engage with the complex nature of papal elections, reflecting broader societal questions.
Academy voters seem to appreciate "Conclave's" nuanced portrayal of crises of faith and moral dilemmas. Meanwhile, "Anora," which has received acclaim for its captivating storytelling and emotional depth, is also expected to perform well during the ceremony. “It’ll be tight, but I think Conclave will hold on to win the top prize,” said one industry analyst.
Notably, the Oscars this year will also celebrate the arrival of musicals back on the big screen, with films like "Emilia Pérez" snagging 13 nominations, and electrifying performances likely drawing viewers. Historically, films receiving such high counts have often gone on to win the Best Picture award, creating intriguing stakes for the evening.
The nominations this year include not just heavyweights like "Conclave" and "Anora," but also first-time entries from international filmmakers, which enrich the narrative of this year’s Oscars. For nearly two hours, audiences will have the opportunity to witness outstanding performances, moving musical numbers, and perhaps unexpected winners.
"Conclave"’s narrative about Vatican politics is more than just entertainment; it invites audiences to explore the intricacies of leadership and moral decision-making, paralleling real-world events as health concerns for current Pope Francis have surfaced. Harris reflected on this poignantly, saying, “The death of anyone is a tragedy and I really hope he’s got some more years yet.”
While the evening will surely bring surprises, one of the most anticipated moments will be whether Harris’s work will receive accolades, including the possibility of Best Adapted Screenplay. The contest is heated, but early signals suggest the film's intelligent writing and pacing may prove decisive.
On the acting front, Kieran Culkin is regarded as almost certain to win Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain," whereas the competition for Best Actor boasts big names as well, including Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, and Sebastian Stan. The acting categories may witness upheaval as rising talents vie for recognition against seasoned performers.
Meanwhile, the Best Actress nominees include industry stalwarts like Demi Moore and newcomers like Mikey Madison. Observers note this classic clash of experienced stars versus fresh talent is inherently captivating, particularly with the side narratives around legacy and breakthrough moments for actors.
“I think the Oscars is more than just celebrating films; it’s about recognizing stories,” said one hat-wearing director during the pre-Oscar discussions. “Each film nominated this year has something to say, and it’s exciting to see such diversity in the storytelling.”
While the anticipation builds, viewers worldwide will be tuning in not just to see who wins, but to appreciate the craft of filmmaking, the art of storytelling, and how these narratives reflect our society.
Nonetheless, as Harris prepares for the results, he remains optimistic about the future of his narrative beyond the silver screen, noting the uptick in book sales as film audiences discover his novel. "Yes, it has sold quite a lot actually since October and got a particularly boost after the BAFTAs last week,” he noted, confirming the positive link between cinematic adaptations and literary interest.
The 2025 Oscars promises to be as unpredictable as it is thrilling, with each nominee by Conclave offering more than just entertainment; they provoke thoughts, challenge perceptions, and engage audiences at every level. Harris, though not present at the ceremony, will be watching closely, waiting to learn which story wins the night.