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For more than three decades, Ralph Fiennes has solidified his position as a stalwart of the cinematic landscape, effortlessly navigating roles that range from grand, high-stakes fantasy to intimate character studies, all while exhibiting a unique blend of sophistication and wit. Despite his extensive body of work and multiple accolades, one significant accolade has remained elusive: an Academy Award. Fiennes initially received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1993, thanks to his role as the chilling Amon Göth in Schindler’s List, which powerfully captured the essence of evil. He followed this with a Best Actor nomination merely three years later for The English Patient, and this year sees him in the running once again for his performance in Edward Berger’s compelling drama Conclave.
Fiennes’ portrayal in Conclave stands out as some of his most poignant work to date, showcasing a nuanced and emotionally rich performance that not only deserves to be recognized but also serves as a testament to his remarkable career. Yet, the very attributes that elevate his acting may hinder his chances at the Oscars.
Fiennes Has Some Tough Competition
The primary reason many speculate against Fiennes winning lies in the nature of his performance in Conclave, which may not align with the Academy’s traditional preferences for award-winning acting. The narrative unfolds within the Vatican’s walls, focusing on the electoral assembly following the death of a pope. In this setting, Fiennes embodies Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who must navigate a treacherous landscape of political strategy, mourning, and the emergence of his own candidacy.
Fiennes excels at depicting the internal conflict of his character, conveying complex emotions through subtle expressions and gestures rather than overt dramatics. His portrayal is intimately tied to the film’s confined setting, which deepens the audience’s insight into his character’s silent struggles with faith and loss.
However, this understated approach might not resonate with Academy voters, who often lean towards more flamboyant performances. Recent trends have seen actors earn Oscars for roles that allow for larger-than-life displays, such as Gary Oldman’s commanding portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour and Brendan Fraser’s transformative performance in The Whale. Moreover, Fiennes faces stiff competition this year with Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Sebastian Stan depicting Donald Trump, both performers embodying real-life personas in dynamic ways. Additionally, Adrien Brody is in the mix for his role in The Brutalist, a film that fits the Academy’s penchant for sweeping historical narratives.
Brody comes in with a strong lead, having secured a Golden Globe for his performance, although the film’s recent controversy surrounding AI may impact his prospects. Chalamet is gaining traction as a potential frontrunner, appealing to voters by channeling the spirit of a renowned historical figure while showcasing his musical talents, a strategy that previously benefited Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line.
The Changing Trends of the Oscars
Recent changes within the Academy voting body have prompted a gradual evolution in Oscar recognition. The awards show seems less bound to its historical biases, showcased by the success of distinctive films like Everything Everywhere All At Once which dominated the awards circuit in a way that would have been unlikely in earlier years. This shift was also evident with Parasite, a groundbreaking win as the first Korean film to secure the top accolade, reflecting a broader diversity among nominees.
Nonetheless, the Best Actor category has been more resistant to change. In 2020, during the year of Parasite‘s acclaim, the award went to Joaquin Phoenix for his riveting performance in Joker, noted for its intense physical and emotional transformation. A notable surprise occurred during the 93rd Academy Awards when Anthony Hopkins received the award for The Father, an achievement that was expected given his status as a cinematic icon, even in the face of Chadwick Boseman’s esteemed posthumous nomination.
While Fiennes has a reasonable chance at securing a win, it will depend heavily on whether the voters will embrace the subtlety and emotional depth he brings to his role, qualities that often go unrecognized in high-profile categories. His performance resonates on a profound level, offering a nuanced experience that lingers with audiences long after viewing. There remains hope that the Academy may choose to honor this depth, granting Fiennes the recognition his compelling work truly merits.
Source
movieweb.com