Will Ralph Fiennes’ Subtle ‘Conclave’ Performance Cost Him the Oscar?

by

Over the span of three decades, Ralph Fiennes has established himself as a dependable leading actor in Hollywood, excelling in various genres from grandiose fantasy films to intimate dramas with a unique blend of poise and wit. Despite receiving numerous accolades, one prestigious recognition has yet to come his way – an Academy Award. Fiennes first received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for his remarkable portrayal of Nazi officer Amon Göth in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, encapsulating the concept of evil’s banality. He earned another nomination three years later for Best Actor, playing the leading role in Anthony Minghella’s historical romance The English Patient. This year, he is once again nominated for Best Actor for his performance in Edward Berger’s Catholic drama Conclave.

This work is among his finest to date, displaying a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance that truly warrants an award statue – not just for this particular performance, but for his exceptional body of work throughout his career. Unfortunately, these very qualities that make it such an outstanding piece of acting may also prevent him from receiving the award.

Fiennes Has Some Tough Competition

In my perspective, Fiennes’ exceptional performance in “Conclave” might not secure an Academy Award due to its contrast with the acting styles typically favored by the Academy. As a fan, I found myself deeply moved by Fiennes’ portrayal of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who serves as the Dean of the College of Cardinals during the tense and politically charged gathering at the Vatican to elect the new Pope following the death of their leader.

In this role, Fiennes masterfully embodies a character grappling with his personal grief over the loss of his friend, while simultaneously navigating the complex web of political machinations that come with the position. What sets Lawrence apart is his unexpected and reluctant emergence as a potential candidate for the Papacy, a turn of events he himself does not seek.

In essence, Fiennes’ performance offers a compelling blend of emotional depth, political acumen, and humility – qualities that I, as a fan, find captivating and deserving of recognition. However, it is worth considering how these nuanced aspects may resonate differently with the Academy compared to the more flashy or stereotypical performances they often reward.

In a challenging role for any actor, Fiennes masterfully portrays his character’s spiritual turmoil and sorrow primarily through subtle expressions, hushed tones, and understated gestures. Remarkably, he achieves this without resorting to overt moments of grandstanding or speechifying. The confined atmosphere of the conclave adds to this impression, suggesting that beneath the closed doors lies a tumultuous internal struggle, mirrored in Fiennes’ profoundly introspective performance.

It’s seldom that subtle performances like Fiennes’ receive recognition from the Academy, who typically favor grand, attention-grabbing roles for the Best Actor category. In recent years, many actors have been awarded their first Oscars for larger-than-life portrayals, such as Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour” and Brendan Fraser’s transformation in “The Whale” from 2022. Fiennes is competing against several nominees who are playing real people, including Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump. Additionally, he’s up against Adrien Brody in the historical epic “The Brutalist,” a type of film that often wins the Academy’s favor.

In recent discussions, there has been a shift in favoritism towards Timothée Chalamet, who has been commended for his impressive performance. Some analysts have even suggested that he might take the lead due to his role portraying a real-life figure while showcasing his own singing and guitar skills – a combination that resonates with the Academy. This approach proved successful for Joaquin Phoenix in the music biopic “Walk the Line,” so there’s a good chance it could be a winning strategy for Chalamet this award season as well.

The Changing Trends of the Oscars

Over the past few years, the Oscars have worked towards a more inclusive Academy membership, resulting in a less traditional and more surprising selection of winners. For instance, films like the offbeat and unconventional “Everything Everywhere All At Once” would not have dominated the awards in previous times, but its victory made for an incredibly satisfying ceremony. Similarly, the 2019 winner “Parasite,” being the first Korean film to win Best Picture, was one of the most deserving winners in Oscars history.

Despite being recognized frequently, the category of Best Actor has shown a somewhat leisurely pace when it comes to embracing change. In the year that “Parasite” swept numerous awards, Joaquin Phoenix was honored for his transformative performance in “Joker”. This unexpected win occurred at the 93rd Awards, where Anthony Hopkins edged out Chadwick Boseman for his work in “The Father”. Although this outcome was surprising, given Hopkins’ esteemed status, it wasn’t entirely shocking.

There’s a strong possibility that Fiennes could win unexpectedly at this year’s ceremony, considering his performance is deeply emotional and impactful, even if it lacks the dramatic flair of other nominees. If the Academy chooses to honor subtle, powerful acting, Fiennes’s portrayal has the potential to resonate profoundly with viewers. Here’s hoping they break from convention and acknowledge this exceptional performance appropriately.

Read More

2025-01-30 01:32