Conclave Leads Religious Films to New Heights with BAFTA Wins

Conclave dominated the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, winning Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s novel, the film captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of a papal election, blending religious themes with political intrigue and moral complexity.

Set within the Vatican after the sudden death of the pope, Conclave follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he oversees the secretive election process. The story explores ambition, faith, and institutional challenges within one of the world’s most powerful religious organizations.

Berger’s direction masterfully balances the grandeur of Vatican rituals with the tension of personal and political conflicts, creating a narrative that resonates far beyond its religious setting.

Berger highlighted the film’s broader cultural relevance during his acceptance speech. “We live in a time when institutions meant to unite us are being used to divide us,” he said.

He emphasized how Conclave reflects modern struggles with leadership and trust in institutions, using the Church as a lens to explore these universal issues. Critics praised its ability to weave suspenseful storytelling with profound thematic depth.

Conclave and the Growing Trend of Faith-Based Films

The success of Conclave at the BAFTAs underscores a growing trend of religious narratives gaining recognition in global cinema. Films addressing faith and spirituality have increasingly resonated with audiences and critics alike.

At the 2024 Dakar Court Festival, for example, the Tanzanian short film Katope won the Grand Prize for its exploration of African spiritual traditions through a mystical folktale.

Similarly, Proof of Love, an Italian short about devotion and sacrifice, claimed top honors at the Religion Today Film Festival. Hollywood has also embraced this shift. Upcoming faith-based films, such as Between Borders, tell a story of resilience amid persecution in the Soviet Union.

Another film, The Unbreakable Boy, is a drama about love and perseverance. These films highlight how religious themes continue to inspire diverse audiences. The triumph of Conclave signals a renewed interest in stories that grapple with faith, morality, and institutional power.

Its BAFTA wins not only cement its cultural significance. They also reflect how religious narratives are finding new relevance in today’s divided world.