Ralph Fiennes: From Voldemort to the Vatican, a Master at the Peak of His Powers
LONDON, 26 January 2026 – With a third Academy Award nomination freshly under his belt and a slate of prestigious projects spanning film and theatre, Ralph Fiennes remains one of Britain’s most formidable and respected artistic figures. The actor, now 63, is navigating a career renaissance, balancing major screen roles with a deep commitment to the stage and his own directorial ventures.
A Year of Acclaim: ‘Conclave’ and ‘The Return’
The past year has seen Fiennes garner significant critical attention for two contrasting film performances. In Edward Berger’s political thriller Conclave, he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, a Vatican insider steering a fraught papal election. The film, released in late 2024, was praised for its tension and ensemble work, winning the National Board of Review award for Top 10 Films and Best Ensemble.
Simultaneously, audiences saw a physically transformed Fiennes in Uberto Pasolini’s The Return, a stripped-back, realistic retelling of the second half of Homer’s Odyssey. Starring opposite Juliette Binoche, Fiennes underwent five months of physical training to achieve a “wiry and muscular” body for the role of a war-traumatised Odysseus. The film premiered in 2024 and holds a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics highlighting the “terrific performances” of its two leads.
Key Facts & Career Milestones
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academy Award Nominations | Three: Schindler’s List (1994), The English Patient (1997), Conclave (2025). |
| BAFTA Wins/Nominations | Won for Schindler’s List; 5 further nominations including for Conclave. |
| Tony Award | Won for Best Leading Actor in a Play for Hamlet on Broadway (1995). |
| Recent Film Releases | The Return (2024), Conclave (2024), The Choral (2025). |
| Upcoming Stage Work | Grace Pervades (Theatre Royal Haymarket, from 24 April 2026). |
| Upcoming Film Project | The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) as President Coriolanus Snow. |
| Long-standing Role | UNICEF UK Ambassador since 1999. |
Theatre: An Enduring Passion
Despite his film success, Fiennes consistently returns to the stage, which he describes as his first love. In late 2023, he toured the UK as Macbeth in Simon Godwin’s production. He is now preparing to return to the West End in April 2026, starring as the Victorian actor Sir Henry Irving in David Hare’s new play Grace Pervades at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This follows a successful run of the play at the Theatre Royal Bath in 2025.
Reflecting on the difference between screen and stage, Fiennes has said, “I love the very simple thing that you walk on to a space… and you start something and you create immediately. The simple essential magic or possibility of that is endlessly fascinating.”
Looking Ahead: Directing and Future Roles
As a director, Fiennes has helmed three feature films: Coriolanus (2011), The Invisible Woman (2013), and The White Crow (2019). He has expressed a desire to direct in the theatre, though such a project has yet to materialise.
His upcoming screen work is highly anticipated. He is set to star as the tyrannical President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the sixth film in the franchise, scheduled for release in 2026. He will take over the role previously played by Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Oscars has Ralph Fiennes won?
Ralph Fiennes has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has not yet won. His nominations are for Best Supporting Actor for Schindler’s List (1993), Best Actor for The English Patient (1996), and Best Actor for Conclave (2024).
What is Ralph Fiennes’s next project?
His next major project is the West End play Grace Pervades, opening in April 2026. In film, he will next be seen as President Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, also due in 2026.
How do you pronounce ‘Fiennes’?
It is pronounced “Rafe Fines” (/reɪf ˈfaɪnz/). The actor has often clarified this pronunciation in interviews.