Santa Barbara Film Festival Awards: Ralph Fiennes Set As Performer Of The Year For ‘Conclave’

Ralph Fiennes, who currently stars in Focus Features’ awards-season drama Conclave from Edward Berger, has been selected to receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the 40th Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Fiennes will be honored during a ceremony at the festival on February 6, 2025, adding his name to recent recipients of the honor including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sacha Baron Cohen, Adam Driver, Rami Malek, and Margot Robbie and Allison Janney.

Conclave, which hit theaters this past weekend, plays Cardinal Lawrence, who leads the Vatican cardinals in the ancient process of selecting a new Pope after the pontiff’s unexpected death. Intrigue, power struggles and the uncovering of deep secrets ensues.

“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. He outdoes himself in Conclave — bestowing us with what may be the best work in his already legendary career,” SBIFF executive director Roger Durling said.

Santa Barbara has been ramping up its 2025 awards announcements, already setting Maria star Angelina Jolie to receive the career Maltin Modern Master Award and Emilia Pérez star Zoe Saldaña the American Riviera Award.

More honorees will be announced ahead of the 2025 festival, which runs February 4-15.