Off the back of his success at the Golden Globes in January, Gateshead born screenwriter Peter Straughan took home this year’s Best Adapted Screenplay award at the BAFTAs for his monumental work on Conclave.
A remarkable achievement which celebrates cinematic excellence on a prestigious stage, the compelling political drama set within the Vatican stars Ralph Fiennes as the Dean of Cardinals, navigating the complex operation that takes place behind the election a new pope. The film’s intricate storyline and masterful direction have resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its position as a standout piece of cinema this awards season.
On Sunday 16th February, Conclave led the nominations with twelve nods and secured four awards: Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. One of the highest honours in the UK film industry, Straughan’s win marks a proud moment for the Tyne and Wear county, as he prevailed over strong competition against the scripts of A Complete Unknown, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, and Sing Sing.
Straughan shared with Backstage the moment he was immediately captivated by Robert Harris’ 2016 novel Conclave and ultimately convinced him to adapt the story for screen. He explained “It’s when Cardinal Tremblay says, ‘We’re trending online.’ There was something about a cardinal in the Vatican saying that – this collision of the modern world and the ancient, sacred world. […] It was unexpected, and it made me laugh.”
Perhaps it is precisely this bizarre combination and intimate insight – albeit fictional – into the selection of a new pope which has fixated both mature and young audiences worldwide. As humans, our innate curiosity in the confidential makes us deeply engaged by the twists and turns of Conclave’s dynamic script. A narrative which unearths explosive and potentially damning secrets of the Roman Catholic Church, the plot is engrossing and one that offers a microcosm of contemporary political shocks.
Straughan’s triumph at the BAFTAs serves as a milestone for the North-East’s creative community. An inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and writers throughout the region, his work demonstrates how passion and collaboration can achieve global accolade. As the film continues to garner attention, Sky Bet ranks Straughan as the frontrunner for the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay with 1/9 odds. Meanwhile, the film itself sits as the third favourite for Best Picture at 16/1, trailing fellow masterpieces Anora (4/11) and The Brutalist (11/4).
From everyone here in Newcastle, we wish Peter Straughan all the best at the Oscars on Sunday 2nd March 2025. May you bring that golden statue home to the North-East!