With the BAFTAs fast approaching, speculation is at an all-time high, and fans are placing their bets on which film will steal the night. Among the strongest contenders is Conclave, a gripping thriller that peels back the layers of secrecy within the Vatican. As anticipation builds, fans are pinning their hopes on the film, dissecting every detail and crafting theories like seasoned detectives, much like Cardinal Lawrence himself, who must navigate a labyrinth of intrigue, ambition, and betrayal within the Church.

There are a few reasons, some obvious, some less so, why Conclave is not just set to make waves at the BAFTAs but might be on a collision course with Oscar glory. 

It goes without saying that Conclave’s BAFTA nomination speaks volumes about its gripping plot. With razor-sharp dialogue and a tension-filled narrative, it already has the makings of an awards-season favorite. But beyond the story, one of its biggest advantages lies in its British-heavy production team. Directed by Edward Berger, the BAFTA-winning mastermind behind All Quiet on the Western Front, which dominated the 2023 BAFTAs, his involvement alone significantly strengthens Conclave’s chances.

And if history has taught us anything, it is that BAFTA has a well-documented love for political drama and European cinema, just ask The King’s Speech and The Two Popes. Adding to its edge is its leading man, Ralph Fiennes, a BAFTA favorite whose performance as Cardinal Lomeli, a man entangled in the Vatican’s most high-stakes election, could make him an undeniable frontrunner for Best Actor.

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With all these factors working in its favor, Conclave might not just claim victory at the BAFTAs, it could be setting itself up for something even bigger, so will its triumph at the BAFTAs be the final jewel in its crown, or is it merely the first step toward an Oscar victory?

The question remains, does a BAFTA win, or even a full-blown BAFTA sweep, guarantee an Oscar victory? The short answer is no. But it does mean it will significantly increase Conclave’s chances by solidifying its status as an awards-season frontrunner. Films like The King’s Speech and Slumdog Millionaire leveraged their BAFTA success to secure Oscar gold, while others, like 1917, seemed unstoppable after sweeping the BAFTAs, only to lose Best Picture to Parasite at the Academy Awards. A BAFTA win is surely a powerful boost, but in Hollywood’s biggest race, it is never a definite indicator.

One thing is certain, the awards season turns film fans into full-fledged detectives. Whether it is heated debates over Anora versus The Substance, intense predictions on who will take home the biggest prizes, or the ongoing speculation over whether Conclave will dominate the BAFTAs and ride that wave to Oscar glory, the internet thrives on the thrill of the guessing game.

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Do you think Conclave will get to go home with BAFTA and Oscar wins? Let us know in the comments down below.