Oscar nominated
Conclave (2024) is a gripping new film based on Robert Harris’s novel, directed by Edward Berger and featuring an all-star cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.
After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the most secretive and ancient rituals in the world: the election of a new Pope. As the most powerful leaders of the Catholic Church gather in the halls of the Vatican, Lawrence becomes entangled in a complex conspiracy while uncovering a secret that could shake the very foundations of the Church.
Among the stellar cast, Carlos Diehz, a 54-year-old Mexican actor, makes his mark in Conclave (2024), a film nominated for eight Oscar categories, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. But who is Carlos Diehz, and how did he make it to this prestigious project?
Who is Carlos Diehz? The Mexican Actor Who Earned His Spot in Cónclave
Carlos Diehz, a talented Mexican architect, has successfully transitioned into the world of acting, making his big debut in Hollywood with Conclave. His journey to the screen began not in front of the camera but in architecture. Though he began his career in cinema as an extra in 1989’s The Man in the Golden Mask, Diehz spent over 30 years focusing on architecture, even directing major projects in Canada. However, the pandemic pushed him to pursue his passion for acting. After taking acting courses in 2020, and on the recommendation of his instructors, Carlos decided to audition for Conclave in 2022.
He was cast by Nina Gold, the renowned casting director behind projects like Game of Thrones and The Crown, for the role of Cardinal Benítez. Diehz plays the character of a Mexican cardinal with a complex past, coming from regions torn by war. As the new Pope is chosen after the death of the Holy Father, Benítez’s presence becomes crucial in a high-stakes election.
Conclave is not just a political drama; it is a tense, gripping story about the Vatican’s secretive rituals and the powerful forces at play within the Catholic Church. As the plot unfolds, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a secret that challenges the very integrity of the Church.
While Diehz is still working with an architecture firm in Vancouver, he has confirmed that acting will remain part of his future. “There’s more to come,” he has said.
With a stunning 120-minute runtime, Conclave offers a cinematic masterpiece filmed in Rome. The movie’s impeccable photography and lighting, along with its stellar ensemble cast, have earned it multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. The film reveals some of the Church’s vulnerabilities while taking audiences on a dramatic and conspiratorial journey to a breathtaking, unexpected conclusion. Conclave; “I am what God made me”.
So grab your tickets, and let’s watch this masterpiece unfold on the big screen! 🌟
