Ralph Fiennes, the acclaimed actor known for his riveting portrayals on screen, is back at the forefront of the Oscars as he competes for the Best Actor award for his role as Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave. This marks Fiennes’ first Academy Award nomination since the late 1990s, and it couldn’t come at a more significant time as he hopes to walk away with his first-ever Oscar at the prestigious ceremony on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Fiennes' performance has already earned him accolades, with critics praising it as "phenomenal". Guardian critic Wendy Ide noted, "Fiennes’ portrayal of Cardinal Lawrence is stunningly nuanced," showcasing his ability to carry the film as it explores the intricacies of electing a new Pope. Conclave is not only vying for the Best Actor title but has also received eight nominations across various categories, signaling strong recognition for its overall storytelling and performances.
Interestingly, this nomination brings back memories of Fiennes' previous Oscar bids. His first came twenty years ago for his role as Almásy in The English Patient, which won nine Oscars, including Best Picture. While he was nominated again for his chilling performance as Amon Göth, the infamous Nazi officer, in Schindler’s List, this third nomination stands out not only for Fiennes but also for industry observers who’ve followed his career closely.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Fiennes has stated, "I’ve always loved acting and the challenges it brings," showcasing his passion for the craft which spans over three decades. Outside of his latest project, Fiennes has expressed his fondness for other films he’s worked on, particularly The Constant Gardener. Speaking during an interview on SiriusXM, he mentioned, "I loved making it. I love the part. I just loved the experience of shooting in Kenya, in Africa. I love what I think it's about, which is about the quiet heroism of seeking truth."
His deep connection to The Constant Gardener stems from the movie's themes of corporate accountability and personal upheaval, mirroring elements of his life. The film, which was released 2005, enjoyed commercial success and earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Fiennes' costar Rachel Weisz winning the Best Supporting Actress award. When discussing the film, he fondly remembered working with the late producer Simon Channing Williams, who played a pivotal role in bringing the film to life against formidable odds.
Unfortunately, Fiennes’ career success has often shadowed personal tragedy. He candidly shared on the podcast Happy Sad Confused about losing his mother, Jennifer Fiennes, to breast cancer shortly after the filming of Schindler’s List wrapped up. "She died at the end of '93, right after the film was released to great acclaim. It was bewildering to experience such personal grief at such a public moment of success," he lamented.
This deeply felt loss has colored Fiennes' interactions with fame and how he processes success. He expressed, "There was Schindler's List getting such extraordinary response, and I was reeling from the loss of my mother at the time. It was odd and emotional, and full of grief, but also so much focus on the film’s success at the same time." Such poignant reflections reveal the often-hidden struggles of public figures who grapple with the intersection of their personal and professional lives.
Fiennes is not only reminding audiences of his talent and adaptability but also re-engaging them with the complex narratives of his life, intertwining personal losses and career highlights. With this year’s Academy Awards around the corner, there’s speculation but also admiration across the industry for Fiennes. Despite being seen as not the front-runner for the Best Actor award, the importance of his nomination speaks volumes about his enduring talent.
Whether Fiennes secures the golden statuette this year or not, looks to be more than just another checkmark on his lengthy resume but rather, part of the enduring legacy he continues to weave through his art. Brian Cox, one of his contemporaries, remarked, "Ralph has always brought depth and poignancy to his roles; if anyone deserves recognition, it's him for his contribution to cinema and the storytelling craft."
The 2025 Oscars will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien and broadcast live on ABC, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans and cinema lovers alike will be tuning in to witness what promises to be an eventful evening filled with emotion, nostalgia, and perhaps, groundbreaking victories. Whatever the outcome, Ralph Fiennes remains undeniably one of the most respected figures of his generation. From his powerful embodiment of complex characters to his unflinching honesty about personal loss, Fiennes reminds us all of the human side of artistry.