In a dazzling display of talent and dedication, the brilliant mind behind the screenplay of the riveting film “Conclave” has claimed the prestigious Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Peter Straughan, a native of Gateshead with a knack for storytelling, emerged victorious at the 97th Academy Awards held in the star-studded city of Los Angeles.
The film industry’s glitterati were left astounded by Straughan’s latest triumph, which now sits proudly alongside his previous accolades including a coveted Golden Globe and a BAFTA award. As the accolades poured in, one of the leading stars of “Conclave,” Ralph Fiennes, took a moment on the red carpet to laud Straughan, hailing him as not just a “great writer” but also a “great man” whose talent knows no bounds.
While the glitz and glamour of Hollywood celebrated Straughan’s momentous win, the echoes of pride reverberated all the way back to Tyneside, where his roots run deep. Former colleagues of Straughan expressed jubilation at his well-deserved victory, underscoring the undeniable fact that the region boasts a wealth of untapped talent waiting to be discovered and celebrated.
The acclaimed film “Conclave” serves as an adaptation of Robert Harris’ gripping 2016 novel, delving into the intricate and clandestine process of electing a new Pope. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Straughan humbly acknowledged the collaborative effort that brought “Conclave” to life, extending a special mention to his daughter with the heartfelt words, “Connie, I love you. This is for you.”
This recent win adds yet another illustrious feather to Straughan’s cap, following his earlier triumphs at the Golden Globes for “Conclave” and the BAFTA for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” in 2012. His journey as a wordsmith began at the Live Theatre in Newcastle, where his passion for storytelling first took flight under the mentorship of visionaries like former artistic director Max Roberts, who fondly described Straughan as a “genuinely lovely man.”
Reflecting on Straughan’s meteoric rise, Claire Malcolm, the chief executive of New Writing North—an organization dedicated to nurturing emerging writers in the region—expressed jubilation at the news, emphasizing the importance of providing aspiring talents with opportunities to flourish. Malcolm highlighted the significance of Straughan’s success as a beacon of hope for budding writers, showcasing that dreams can indeed metamorphose into reality through persistence and hard work.
With a nod to the future of storytelling, Malcolm stressed the need to cultivate the next generation of literary talents, echoing the sentiment that Straughan’s triumphant journey—from his humble beginnings in Gateshead to gracing the stage of the Oscars—serves as a testament to the boundless potential residing within the region’s
