In a night filled with celebration and accolades, British screenwriter Peter Straughan received the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his masterful work on "Conclave" at the 97th Annual Academy Awards. The grand event was held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 2, 2025.
"Conclave," directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris's 2016 novel, intricately delves into the suspense and drama of a papal election. Straughan's screenplay has been widely praised for its faithful adaptation of the novel and its ability to capture the emotional depth and thrilling twists that define the story.
In his acceptance speech, Straughan expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, "A huge thank you to everyone involved in making 'Conclave.' Connie, I love you; this is for you. That’s not the same as saying ‘this is yours,’ this is mine." Straughan's win marks his first Oscar, although he previously garnered a nomination for his adaptation of John le Carré’s "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" in 2011.
"Conclave" has been a standout during the awards season, earning recognition at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, BAFTA Awards, and USC Scripter Awards. The film, featuring stellar performances by Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, has been a critical and commercial success, grossing nearly $100 million worldwide.
Straughan's Oscar win is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. As the night progressed, his victory was celebrated by fans and peers alike, solidifying his place among the industry's top screenwriters. With this prestigious award now in his collection, Peter Straughan's future in filmmaking looks incredibly promising, and we eagerly await his next project.