Conclave, the religious-focused mystery thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, is receiving high praise from critics and is earning the actor early Oscar buzz for his performance. The film follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, as Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of his beloved Pope. However, once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake.

Conclave, which also stars Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, currently holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 91 reviews, with critics calling it a "riveting fast-paced drama," "deliriously fun," and "thought-provoking." Critics are also praising Fiennes' performance, saying that he is "mesmerizing" and "marvelous" in the role and that he gives a "career-high performance."

What Conclave's Reviews Mean For Ralph Fiennes' Career

It's Another Movie In A Long List Of Great Performances

Fiennes is no stranger to receiving high praise for his performances. He has a rich history of great roles behind him, starting with his Oscar-nominated role in 1993's Schindler's List. Since then, his film resume has been filled with incredible performances and films with high Rotten Tomato scores. In the last few years alone, Fiennes has been in several highly received films, including The Dig, No Time to Die, The Forgiven, The Menu, T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher, Poison and The Return.

Fiennes has received multiple awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA for Best ing Actor in Schindler's List, and a British Independent Film Award for 2005's The Constant Gardener. Additionally, he has been nominated for numerous Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and BAFTAs, among many others. Given his track record and the praise so far, his role in Conclave may offer more nominations. Fiennes and Tucci are already strong contenders for the acting category as the award season starts. Even some reviews for Conclave and outlets believe that this could be Fiennes' year to win the prestigious award.

Our Take on Ralph Fiennes' Praise

Likely An Oscar Contender

Oscar season is upon us, and we're going to start seeing more Academy Award hopefuls popping up. The timing of Conclave's release is no coincidence, as films released in the fall and early winter tend to stay fresh in Academy voters' minds. With Conclave being among Ralph Fiennes' best-rated films, there is little doubt that the film will find some Oscar consideration, including an acting nomination for Fiennes.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes