Santa Barbara Film Fest: ‘Conclave’ Star Ralph Fiennes Tapped for Performer of the Year Award (Exclusive)

Ralph Fiennes, the veteran British thespian who this season has earned rave reviews and considerable best actor Oscar buzz for his portrayal of a Catholic cardinal overseeing the selection of a new pope in Edward Berger’s Conclave, has been tapped by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for its Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.

Fiennes, 61, will receive his honor following a career-retrospective conversastion — moderated by yours truly — inside Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

Past recipients include Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Will Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Adam Driver, Rami Malek, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Brie Larson, Saoirse Ronan, Steve Carell, Jennifer Lawrence, Viola Davis, Colin Firth, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Heath Ledger, Kate Winslet and Charlize Theron.

Since making his film debut in 1992’s Wuthering Heights, Fiennes has done outstanding work in 1993’s Schindler’s List, 1994’s Quiz Show, 1996’s The English Patient, 1999’s The End of the Affair and Sunshine, 2005’s The Constant Gardener, 2008’s In Bruges and The Reader, 2009’s The Hurt Locker, 2014’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2015’s A Bigger Splash, 2022’s The Menu and numerous James Bond and Harry Potter films.

He has been nominated for two Academy awards, an Emmy award, two Tony awards (winning one), six BAFTAs (winning one), six Golden Globe awards, two individual SAG awards, two Critics Choice awards and a Spirit award.

“Ralph Fiennes is one of the most gifted actors working in both cinema and theatre and has bequeathed us with so many memorable and extraordinary performances,” SBIFF executive director Roger Durling said in a statement. “He outdoes himself in Conclave, bestowing us with what may be the best work in his already legendary career.”

The 40th SBIFF will take place Feb. 4-15, 2025.