My Favorite 2024 Movie ‘Conclave’ Got Majorly Snubbed at the Oscars

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In January 2025, the nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards were announced, and I was taken aback when I realized that the movie “Conclave”, a film I believe is among the top films of 2024, failed to receive nominations in several significant categories. Despite being nominated for the Best Picture award and seven other categories, I still have some concerns about the Oscars that I feel compelled to discuss.

It might seem surprising to criticize a film that earned eight Oscar nominations, but I firmly believed it would contend in three additional key categories: Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Supporting Actors. However, sadly, none of the individuals involved with this captivating thriller were recognized in these races. I’d appreciate it if you could lend me your ear as I explain why I feel so passionately about this overlooked masterpiece.

I Know, I Know, Conclave Is Up For Best Picture And Other Oscars, But I Still Feel Like The Papal Thriller Was Snubbed

As a movie enthusiast, I’m elated that Conclave was among the most nominated films this year, trailing only Wicked, The Brutalist, and Emilia Pérez in terms of nods, including Best Picture. However, despite my joy over these recognitions, I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment that the adaptation from page to screen seems to have been overlooked in at least three of the categories I had hoped for nominations. It’s not about criticizing the films that received nods for Best Director and other areas where Conclave fell short; rather, it’s a reflection of my belief that this film deserved recognition in every major category.

In terms of plot direction, visual storytelling, and standout performances by two actors who deserve their own Academy Awards, few films from last year came close to the greatness demonstrated by Conclave. Given that it was nominated across numerous categories, it’s surprising that this gripping drama wasn’t recognized in the running for these prestigious awards.

Edward Berger Not Being Nominated For Best Director Has Me Irrationally Upset

When Edward Berger wasn’t nominated for “All Quiet on the Western Front” at the 2023 Academy Awards, I thought, “That’s too bad, but he’ll get his due next time.” Upon learning about “Conclave” and viewing previews of the upcoming thriller, I was certain that the Oscars would rectify this oversight and acknowledge the gifted director with a Best Director nomination. I felt the award was practically in his grasp as I watched the movie and analyzed the “Conclave” conclusion.

Similarly to the cardinals competing for the papacy but gradually losing ground in the process, Berger’s chance didn’t come through this year. I must admit, I’m feeling quite disappointed and irrational about it.

Screenwriter Peter Straughan received a nomination for his adaptation of Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, which was well-deserved, but it seems unusual that director James Marsh wasn’t nominated among the list of contenders. Marsh skillfully translated those scenes to the big screen, and his meticulous direction, discerning eye, and subtle touch were all evident throughout the film, contributing significantly to its success. It’s puzzling because Marsh was nominated for a Golden Globe (though he didn’t win) and is being recognized at the BAFTAs, so I believe my bewilderment is warranted in this case.

With All Those Impressive Shots, I Thought Stéphane Fontaine Was A Shoo-In For Cinematography

It came as a surprise to me that Stéphane Fontaine, the talented cinematographer behind the stunning visuals in Conclave, was missing from the list of Academy Award nominations. When I watched the film’s initial trailer last summer, I was captivated by the series of brilliantly designed and illuminated scenes that unfolded before me. As I delved deeper into the movie, I found myself in awe of the breathtaking beauty and intricate complexity of the composition, with its prominent leading lines, intense close-ups, and skillful manipulation of color and light to vividly portray the papal vote from the Sistine Chapel onto the screen.

As a cinephile, I’d say the grand moments – such as Ralph Fiennes’ stirring sermon at the onset of the election, which left me in awe – along with subtle transitional shots of cardinals and nuns strolling, chatting, or puffing away (quite a lot of smoking) are beautifully magnified by Fontaine’s keen eye and meticulous craftsmanship. Just like the corridors leading to the Sistine Chapel filled with Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoed ceiling, each frame in Conclave is a masterful and captivating piece of art, yearning to be scrutinized and understood.

How he was not recognized for his work on the film is a mystery I’d love to solve.

And Don’t Get Me Started On Stanley Tucci And John Lithgow Not Being Recognized

I was thrilled when Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini received Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively, which were announced in January. My excitement, however, was tempered by the realization of two significant absences: Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow. These two actors, who brought their characters to life in a way that transformed “Conclave” into a religious equivalent of “Mean Girls,” delivered exceptional performances worthy of a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

1. Tucci’s Cardinal Bellini and Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay were essential characters in the papal thriller, consistently boosting Fiennes’ acting. Regrettably, Kieran Culkin’s captivating portrayal in ‘A Real Pain’, which is expected to earn him an Oscar nomination in March, failed to secure a spot for both these highly deserving actors (together with Denzel Washington who also missed out on recognition following his chilling performance in ‘Gladiator II’).

2. In the heart and soul of the papal thriller, Tucci’s Cardinal Bellini and Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay played crucial roles in elevating Fiennes’ performance. Unfortunately, even though Kieran Culkin’s spellbinding role in ‘A Real Pain’, a likely contender for an Oscar nomination in March, did not manage to secure a place for these two exceptionally deserving actors (alongside Denzel Washington who also missed out on recognition following his intense performance in ‘Gladiator II’).

3. Tucci’s Cardinal Bellini and Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay were instrumental figures in the papal thriller, continually enhancing Fiennes’ performance. It would have been satisfying to see these worthy actors among the nominees (alongside Denzel Washington who was overlooked after his powerful portrayal in ‘Gladiator II’).

4. The performances of Tucci as Cardinal Bellini and Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay were central to the papal thriller, consistently enriching Fiennes’ acting. Sadly, Kieran Culkin’s acclaimed portrayal in ‘A Real Pain’, a probable Oscar nominee in March, did not lead to recognition for these deserving actors (Denzel Washington also being left out following his menacing performance in ‘Gladiator II’).

However, I’m not among those who vote for the Academy Awards, so I don’t have any influence over the outcome. All I can do is voice my opinions, express my hopes, and wait for the day when Lithgow might win an Oscar, thus joining the exclusive club of EGOT winners.

Even though I should be thrilled that Conclave has earned eight Academy Award nominations and seems likely to win several, I find myself feeling quite disappointed by these omissions.

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2025-02-03 13:07